I went grocery shopping today and came home with nothing.

Looks like we're in the same financial boat together. On most days we spend way more than $15, just for one days food. Maybe that's because we buy milk everyday for our little kid. But, more recently, I am trying to wean her off of drinking so much milk because it is causing her to not want to eat regular food. We don't use coupons, cause most of the stuff we buy is generic or store brands. Our trick is to stock up and buy lots of groceries at one time. But, that wouldn't work for you, since you take the bus. So, you might try stocking up on basics like noodles and rice and some seasoning on one trip, and next time, buy nothing but meat. At the local Walmart you can get a package of raw ground beef and big bag of raw chicken or pork chops for less than $15. Homemade hamburgers are cheap, too. So you might try that. Between the two shopping trips, you'd probably have enough food to last the week, and have spent less than $30. And, you'd only walk out of the store with one or two bags each time. So, not a lot to lug home. Best of luck finding a solution that works for you!

commodities these days are getting more and more expensive each day. and we should be aware on how to budget our money all the time. good for you mssnow that you had the courage to accept the truth that you found the prices too expensive and did not pretend that you have the money to buy stuffs. some people are ashamed to get with reality and so, they pretend they can afford it even if they really can't. so, good for you taht you did the right thing. it won't hurt to be true, right? - anne

Yes the Prices are terrible I agree with you there I normally go to my normal Supermarket where I know I can get what I want in my Price range

Its hard to be able to get any kind of groceries at any store for $15 anymore. I am sorry your friend went to a more expensive store then your used to. I am sure if you had asked her though you could have stopped at the store you were used to and got the things you wanted there instead of waiting for the bus tomorrow. We got to Super One (which is a local chain) and Fred Meyer usually for our regular groceries and Costco for most everything else. And yes I have noticed a big jump in most all kinds of prices. I was just commenting on that today while I was out shopping.

I shopped yesterday and spent over $60 and I didn't get much for that. I merely bought a few things that I've run out of lately. The time will come when I have nothing in my pantry or freezer then I'm not sure what I'll do. I recently had repairs done to my car that was double what I budget for car maitenance in a year, plus I'd put 2 new tyres on it for another $200 just a month before so my budget is shot. The point I'm making is that you can be better off without a car.

You sound like me! I am always careful when I go grocery shopping. Must be a very expensive store. I go to kroger alot but I don't use coupons because my hubby think it's a waste of time adn I say well it save you some money he dissagree oh well..I agree the prices are crzy these days even a box of cereal is about 5 dollars.

Hi my friend, I know this may sound like a daft idea but can you not shop for groceries on line? Or ring and order, we have the facility in this country to go on line, order your goods, groceries etc and they deliver for you, usually for free if your order is over a certain amount. You are right food and groceries is very expensive, especially when you are out of work!

I would rather wait until I got a ride to a store where I can get the most for my money. Why spend what little you have to get less. I understand what you are going through. I went to a store recently and didn't buy a thing. When asked why, I said I could better spend my money elsewhere.

im sorry to hear that and i hope with mylot, you will have a little more to have some good food. i know what you mean about some stores. why do they have them so expensive.

Hi msssnow:) I don't blame you for not wasting your money at the expensive store. I am in Michigan right now and the cost of food makes me want to hide under my bed. It's awful! Maybe if as a society we would just refuse to pay so much for below par products, the industry would get the point and lower the prices. Unfortunately for me, my family would starve if we boycotted, since there are no fruit markets or family farms near where I live to buy from. I miss fresh produce! I think you need a car. Make those son's of yours buy you one! yaya :)

wow $15 doesn't go far anymore in any grocery store- I can't believe the prices of groceries these days- It makes me so mad- Gas is up- grocery prices are up- I go to the store and to take out 2 bags it is like $50- Fresh fruit and veggies- OMG-- its like no wonder people are overweight- they cost so much- I buy them though- I want my daughter and my family to eat healthy- I have started to shop at Save Alot- Even WalMart has been raising their prices!

No choice princess. Do whatever you have been doing. Now that you know she goes to places not for you, don't take her car. If you have a budget, stick to it. No choice there. Just hope that you will get more assignments and can have more money to splurge. How's that going anyway?

Well luckily although I can't drive right now my other half does and he does most of the bargain spotting too! If we try to buy something in one shop and it is too dear we go to where it is on offer! We don't really get many coupons here! I wish I could make it easier for you sweet snow - I really do! xxx

I heard that Walmart is supposed to be getting grocery stores everywhere soon and that is supposed to drive down the prices in the supermarkets. :)

We got a Walmart and I would have to agree that the other stores in the area are now offering better deals. I know you said you use coupons. Have you tried using them when there are doubler days? That seems to help out alot also.

yes, i know that the price of everything is so ridiculous nowadays... everything wents up and we just have to work harder to make ends meet... but fortunately, i work in a big company that really cares about the welfare of its employees... they just increase our salary about 2 weeks ago and it really means a lot to us... we are so grateful for that...

Oh wow. That must of really been disappointing to you. I wonder if you told her that you needed to go to another store if she would have taken you? If you are good friends, maybe you should mention this to her. I'm sure she wouldn't mind taking you every now and then. I can't imagine how you handle groceries on the bus. Good luck and take care!

It´´s a problen to go shopping with no car, I hdad that problem whem living in USA, i had to buy things little by little and looking for discounts, I found -Walgreens affordable `place to shop.

It is allright to go shopping and buy nothing. Unless there is an urgent need for an item and I know I do not have the time to shop around, I will not buy from a store which I know is more expensive. I think that is wisdom :P To avoid getting into a run out situation, I normally stock my grocery way in advance. In this way, it makes it easier for me to carry a smaller grocery load and move around in buses.

I don't know what you have locally where you are but I'm glad to have found a place that has cheap food down the road(I don't have a car either). It sells mostly produce but that's good for me because that's mostly what I eat these days. I have noticed the difference in pricing between certain stores. It's unreal how you can pay so much more when you shop at the wrong store.