Passionate Penny Pinchers: Please. Read. This. :)

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You guys.

I've got a little bit of whining to get out and am hoping you all will humor me. 🙂

Today I went to Walmart because I had several items that I had to purchase there (we're working on Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes at our house ~ watch for updates shortly!) Because I usually find better prices elsewhere I rarely shop for groceries at Walmart, but since it would mean just one trip today (and I had a ton to get done), I thought I could do it all there.

Ouch.

I am not a person who hates Walmart at all. The store was clean. The cashiers were friendly. The shelves were stocked.

But.  

The prices were ridiculous.

Please. puh-leeaaasseee. Don't shop Walmart because you think you're always going to get the best price. 

It just won't happen.

Every single grocery item that I purchased was $.50-$.75 higher than it would have been on sale at another store. And because usually I can pick some variety of something on sale (for example, if we need crackers I can usually find at least one type of cracker on sale at any store that will work for what we need), I hardly ever (like, never) buy an item that's not on sale.

At least once a week I hear from folks that they really think they're saving money by only shopping Walmart.

Folks. It's just not true.

Even without coupons.

Make sure you do the math. Watch your store sales ads. Take the Aldi, Costco & Sam's comparison sheet and Aldi, Target and Walmart comparison sheet with you when you shop so you know how those prices REALLY stack up.

Because I promise just a little time and planning really will help you save. 

For real.

I knew I just didn't have time for another trip, so I sucked it up and paid way too much today. But my stomach was honestly slightly nauseous the entire time I walked through the store (because I do this every day and know my money could be more wisely spent!) I got over it and decided it was worth it (my husband's parents are coming into town this afternoon which y'all know is a pretty big deal around here), but it did hurt just a wee bit.

All I'm asking is that you really know your pricing before shopping anywhere. There are some things I really do think Walmart wins on, but I think really knowing what's a decent price on things is just so worth it. (I really honestly do like Walmart for some items, but just want people to know their prices before paying too much!)

One more example? Those giant pumpkins at Earth Fare were $3 this morning. Smaller pumpkins at Walmart today? $3.98.

There you have it. Do the math – make sure you're getting the best deals on everything, and determine to spend your grocery money wisely. As the leader of this passionately penny pinching bunch, I just feel like it's my duty to make sure I've given you fair warning. 🙂

Now I'll hop on down from my pedestal. Whew!

Really love shopping Walmart? There are some things that are worth it (just not what I found today!) These links should help:

• 15 Secrets You Need to Know Before Shopping Walmart
• 42 Deals You Can't Miss at Walmart This Week
• Walmart Savings Catcher Program