I'm failing miserably at thrifty shopping...

**Ashie06** · 02-22-2009, 05:01 PM

A little info: I'm 24wks pg and due to a hand injury can only use my right hand plus I have a hyper 2yo who never stops talking & a hubby who thinks he has to shop fast fast fast......so this makes shopping hard.

I fail miserably. Last night we went to walmart to get a few things. I went armed with my coupon binder, pricelist, list to buy & competitor's paper & used none. Mid-way thru the trip I almost passed out then had to run to the bathroom as fast as I could b/c dinner didn't agree. UGH. A trip wasted

Help. I plan it out so good in my head but once its time to shop I get overwhelmed & I shop better by myself but seeing as I cannot push the buggie....hubby and dd have to come along.

Any tips?

**Jskell911** · 02-22-2009, 05:12 PM

Can you possibly split the list up to give DH a focus? This may keep him from buying impulse stuff too. I know my DH is awesome with a list, but without one, he just buys what he wants LOL

**redmaples** · 02-22-2009, 05:12 PM

Don't be too hard on yourself, your situation doesn't sound like it would be the easiest shopping.
It sure isn't easy to shop with little ones. if you can get some time to go without her, it will be easier. If not, do your best...go rested & prepared
It is also better to have the coupons matched up with your list before hand.
the list is essential...for meal planning & pantry stocking & to remember what's on sale (if you are shopping that way).
You can make a master list of what you'd like in your pantry, what you'd like for meals & use that to pick items off from for your going to the store list. It doesn't have to be everything at once...just working toward stocking your pantry/freezer/fridge for meals.

You were smart to go shopping after dinner, unfortunately, it didn't help that time!

Good Luck, it took me a long time to get to be good at both meal planning & shopping while staying withing budget. I still have times when I don't do as well.

You are smart to ask for the help of all the frugal friends here!

**Wendy99** · 02-22-2009, 05:15 PM

Make a list of everything you intend to get at Walmart. Write your lowest price book amount beside the items on your list (that way you know if it's a good deal, ok or forget it). Only take the competitors paper if there's something on your list that you need and it is cheaper in the competitors paper. Doing these 2 things will free up your hands for other things, free up time from flipping through your price book at the store. Have dh push the cart with dd inside and with a planned route of where things are and what you need (having a mental picture of the layout of the store will help you from retracing your steps over and over). It sounds like your on the right track - just need to fine tweak the actual shopping part

I hope that helps!

**MommyBliss** · 02-22-2009, 05:40 PM

I think you've gotten some great advice here. Good luck, hon!

**Ashie06** · 02-22-2009, 05:52 PM

thanks a bunch everyone

great tips that i'll def use!

**Monroe on a Budget** · 02-22-2009, 06:39 PM

You can order groceries by the case from Meijer and get them shipped.

It's not the same as traditional coupon shopping, but might save your sanity for now. Go to meijer.com to see the selections and check out the discount codes.

**gardening momma** · 02-22-2009, 06:42 PM

Leave dh and dd at home and pull the shopping cart one-handed instead of pushing it. It should steer fine that way.

**zakity** · 02-22-2009, 06:47 PM

I used to push a front/back double stroller and pull a shopping cart. It isn't easy to pull a shopping cart, but it can be done!

Of course, I am sure it has to be easier without having to push the stroller and deal with a toddler in the grocery cart trying to reach everything. The fun of twins and a toddler!

**jonesies** · 02-22-2009, 06:54 PM

My best advice would be to find a friend or relative who would be supportive of your injury and your thriftiness and take them along. Plan shopping trips every two weeks or so, then take DH for the smaller trips to get the fresh produce in between. Might work?

**dcompton** · 02-22-2009, 08:27 PM

There are some good ideas here and I'm sure you'll try to implement the ones you can. But don't be too hard on yourself. You have a lot of things working against perfect shopping right now, and you can only do as much as you can do.

**fixer** · 02-22-2009, 11:36 PM

It sounds as if you are just overwhelmed with all you have to deal with while at the store. No one can blame you. If DH could babysit, why not go alone or with a friend. I have never known how people watch children and shop at the same time. I try to make my shopping trips as simple as possible. All I take is a list and a competitors ad if needed. It sounds like you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself. You need to enjoy anything for it to be worthwhile.

**Dancing Lotus** · 02-23-2009, 07:32 AM

sounds like a shopping trip with my family.. Two kids who run around no matter what you say to them, ask for everything and always have to go to the potty as the worst time.
My hubby insists on going, he does the paying so I have to let him come. But he puts in extras, embarrasses me by yelling at the kids and , questions what I buy. Yep, that's my Sunday ritual.

I think you should have a game plan. Write two lists and split up. Even if you can only get one or two items and have to walk back to put them in the cart. Maybe you can use one of those electric carts with the basket on front.

**Milly** · 02-23-2009, 08:19 AM

Did you ever think of leaving everyone else at home and using one of the ride-on baskets (the scooter type thingies) at the store?

I had some surgery a few years back and discovered how neat those zippy little things are. The baskets hold more stuff than you might think, too, including your lists. etc.

You don't have to prove to anyone that you need it - just ask for it and they'll hand it over.

Most groceries have then these days, so you're not even limited to WalMart.