Now I am not knocking anything, but I just do not get how people save $700 on $800 worth of groceries. Now I am sure this is not every week. Probably more like once, maybe twice, a year. I have to ask, how much time does it take to get to that point? How much effort is put into getting that kind of savings? And based on that time, how much is truly saved?
Let’s think about this. For instance, you are paid $15 an hour by your employer; this is roughly $31,000 per year. So, if you spend an average of 5 hours per week for 6 months, or 130 hours (5 hours x 26 weeks), you have spent $1,950 in time. Now, you spend $800 and save $700. But you have $1,950 invested. So, you are actually in the hole $1,250.
Again, not knocking the savings. I wish I could do that. Right about now, my saving $700 in groceries would be well worth my time given no one is paying me anything for my time. But for those of you who work full time, have families, and still want to cut back I would say to spend some time looking for deals and clipping those coupons. I would say it is a good idea to spend some time entering sweepstakes and trying to win things of use for you and your family. And I would say to not hold out hope of a $700 windfall, unless you are willing to make that sacrifice. Family is important and your time is valuable. Decide which is more important today and go with that. But do not sacrifice your family if you do not absolutely need to just to save a few dollars.
So, go forth into the store and be frugal. Save where you can and be on the lookout for a good deal. But remember what is truly important in your life. Your kids are small for such a short time. Do without more and worry about money less. Family first! Now I must pet my dog and cuddle with my kids.
[...] earlier this month on how people purchase hundreds of dollars in groceries and spend a few dollars (I Just Do Not Get It). Here I discussed the time taken to save that much and certainly this is only accomplished [...]