Very insightful approach to impulse shopping at the grocery store. Over buying food and home supplies from a place of lack has really been an issue for me. Your clear and concise instructions to preplanning my next shopping trip to include that pause and reflection prior to entering the store is sure to have a great impact. Thank you for your gentle guidance.
This video brought tears to my eyes because you hit on a subject I really relate to. Food anxiety. I have a freezer stuffed with food, pantries full, totes under the bed and in the closet full and yet I feel I don't have enough. I realized a few months back I went over the line into hoarding and am making a complete change in how I meal plan and shop now. This video just gave me more tools to use to hold my anxiety and impulse spending in check. Thank you. These are all great strategies I can use. And it's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels like this.
You know, I’m in my 80’s and I still have anxiety about food perhaps because my parents lived through the Depression. I am a careful shopper and seldom run out of anything because my pantry is well stocked. There are some items I will only buy if they on sale.
Same. I went into the store the other day to buy a greeting card, and almost bought a dress!🙄 Much safer to order online. Though I do wish they'd quit putting my bananas in with my pasta boxes.
I stopped online grocery delivery after Ocado decided to charge £5.99 for any orders under £75. I live on my own and do not even spend that amount per month and to buy a savers pass costs £39.99 for the year if you order groceries for midweek delivery but you still have to spend £40 even with a pass. I have also recently noticed that when you order fresh produce from Ocado all the fresh produce expires in 2 days and some the next day, and some are even already mouldy when you get them. You can return the stuff or ask for a refund but then I have to go out and buy those things anyway, and I really cannot eat a whole month's fresh food in 2 days and it kind of defeats the purpose of buying monthly groceries online just to save on delivery costs. Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons and Sainsbury's are no better with delivery charges either.
Also I seldom buy household supplies or personal items when I'm grocery shopping. That's a separate trip to one of those dollar stores. It's much less expensive there and i usually stock up on those items so I don't need to go there often. Maybe every other month.
I do the same. I never buy cleaning products, makeup, etc in the grocery store. The non- grocery items are just a horrible markup. Love the Dollar Tree too.
I had never realized that food anxiety was why I over buy. Thank you for being open. As you said, stages in my life, where lack of money or transportation, or a controlling partner resulted in worries about food. The pandemic and inflation have been triggers. Thank you for the good suggestions for resisting .
My mother used to shop without a list and was very clear about what groceries she needed. She had a budget for $50 (back in the 70's). I always went with her to bag the groceries. She went up and down each aisle even the pet food one and we didn't have pets! Drove me mad! She was mad as a hornet when my father retired and he took over the shopping. He was buying lamb chops every week and was spending more than $50. She was feeding 4 people including my big, football playing brother, for $50/week.
I am just like you. If there are cookies or chips in the house, we'll eat them! So I rarely buy them because, like you said, "Who eats just one biscuit or crisp? No one!"
When covid hit, I learned a lot about my shopping habits. A friend did my shopping for me. I gave her lists. She followed them. Apparently I don’t. Yes, I saved money.
I was one of the panic shoppers. I always worry about having enough food for my adult children and my grandkids. Never want them to go hungry. Lately we have started to better organize our stock room in the basement. We threw out quite a bit of food where I overshopped/overspent on certain items targeted towards kids. I was sick. I now do much better but still I have to fight that urge to overbuy on certain items. We are cooking more at home and using what we have. I, too, do grocery pickups. It helps me keep the budget and not impulse buy.
I write a shopping list throughout the week and then when I am meal planning for the following week I only replace what is needed for that week, anything else I keep on a rolling list, if you will, then I rewrite my list in the order that the shop is laid out so I can be sure not to forget anything and that keeps me on track to miss out the middle aisles 😊
Started the frugal journey by taking stock, shop with a list and stick to it . I only shop once a week and have a small pantry ; always have something to eat or cook in the house.
This was excellent, Jane! Thank you for addressing the issue of anxiety which is just so prevalent these days. I am definitely trying hard to focus on my list only when I am grocery shopping. I also take a moment before I enter the store to take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand.
I over spend at the grocery store because I want to spoil my disabled spouse. Their life is so hard (wheelchair bound, housebound, and high pain) I want them to have lots of choices & treats to help them feel better - give them something to look forward to. Funny thing is when I mentioned it to them they reminded me they are autistic & can eat the same meal everyday for a month straight and be happy as a clam 😂🤦♀️ they are like “I don’t need variety. Just buy less. It’s ok. I won’t mind.” Funny how we do things for others and they don’t need it or want it ❤
This was an excellent video for me. I can relate to everything you said. I thought I was the only one. It feels good to hear it said out loud by someone who has experienced the same thing. I didn’t think of it as anxiety. I always said stress, but I think anxiety describes it better. If I’m in the store and my eyes see a certain items that I enjoy, I battle because I know it’s not good for me. Most of the time I’m ok, but then sometimes I give in and end up making up for all the times I didn’t. My children don’t understand why I can’t just eat a little. The thing is I don’t have a problem with weight, I actually can eat a-lot and not gain weight. It’s emotional. It’s a bond I have with sweets and I know why, starts in childhood. I know all the answers, but I give in sometimes and I pay a price of not feeling well for a few days. Thank you for talking about this. I’m sure most of us can relate. ❤️
I am a person that suffers from food anxiety as well. Your tips are great. I have started going to the store with a list of what I need to get. I also check the multiple stores to find the best deals/offers when I get ready to go to the store., and what store has the best price on the items I need to get. I try to also give myself a little bit extra cash to check the reduced price foods that is a great deal that I can put in the freezer. I’ve also started a price book to keep track of the lowest price of items that I buy more often. I now know the best price of items and the store that I got it from so I can double check to see if it’s a good price at the time I’m shopping or do I need to wait to buy it.
Yay congratulations you made 27 thousand! Way to go! 🎉. I too have anxiety when I go into the store. Prices seem to be going up every week. I check flyers for sale items and only buy wants on sale. I also have a reward card that I get points on items I buy every week. I have 288.00 available to buy food in that store. I’m saving for Christmas ❤
When I was a child, I thought EVERYONE put their can goods on the shelf like the stores did because my mother insisted this is what a person does with can goods and etc. The day I discovered this was not the norm, I was in high school. LOL I still follow my mother's advice, and it has saved me time and energy because I can quickly locate an item and tell when I need to restock my shelves. Many of your ideas that you shared are ones I do try to do. Thanks again for sharing with us.
I’ve started making a detailed list and then only bringing cash into the store. It’s pretty easy to walk away from impulses when you know you can’t swipe a card to make up for it. I have to do it this way as I was finding a reason or a deal that made me go over every time.
There was a lot of great advice in there! I really like the (take a moment in the car before you go in) idea. That is something I will do next time I go shopping. I will stop and take a deep breath and think thru my plan for that store before I go in and just wander around. Thank you again. I completely understand the anxiety of not having enough food when our kids were young . I remember crying every time I had to shop, knowing there just wasn't enough money. I guess it just stays with you into life, doesn't it. We got thru it, and they are all adults now, so it's just time to move on. Easier said than done. Keep the videos coming😊
I stopped wandering the aisles grabbing all the tempting items. I cannot trust myself. I have only experienced food insecurity in my first marriage. It was a shocker for me and has had an impact upon me. My parents always had a massive pantry just off our library and we never went without. My Indian grandparents, and my dads parents all were farmers. They grew all their own food and preserved it . Your channel is great for folks who need to see how careful shopping is done
I have the same anxiety about keeping food in the house. We've always had to budget and I like my mom made sure our kids are healthy meals. It was a constant fear of not having enough. I'm grateful that someone else feels this and I'm not the only one. Thank you Jane.
Me too! As one of 6 children, food was sometimes sparse. I now struggle with keeping too much food at home for fear of running out, which is unrealistic because there's no possibility of that happening. 😅
For me it's especially important that I don't shop when I'm "hangry", tired, just plain hungry, hot/cold, feeling generally "off". I also am learning to keep a few things back for when either of us wants a treat. A frozen bar of chocolate for my partner, a tucked away bag of savory crackers for me. Then when one of us has a "hankering" for something we 1. Don't go to the local quick shop a mile away and buy the same thing but four times the price or 2. Feel grumpy about it and over buy next time just in case. I grew up with some food anxiety issues and my oartner grew up with having food as a soother. So we have to balance those emotions and experiences even now. Also now at the age of 70 I know why my maternal grandmother kept a small supply of T.V. dinners. It made some nights just easier. I keep afew good ones, that I've found on sale, and they are great for an emergency!
Great video Jane! I have been an empty nested for 5 years now and just recently realized I still stock up as if I have to feed a family. And when my boys were young I remember going through the supermarket with a €2 coin in my hand trying to find something to feed them... terrible feeling. Years of puzzling every evening after they went to bed... how to make ends meet... yes this left me with a strong rooted need to have enough food in my freezer and cupboards. This is probably the reason I tend to overspend although €300 a month for food/non food/ toiletries should be enough for 1 person ( and once a week feeding my youngest 18 yr son who comes over). Thanks for this video. Very helpful🌷
Great strategies. I shop with a list always, and with a meal plan in mind for all food I buy. Unusually this week I broke my own rules and bought supermarket cake and buns on impulse; I had injured my hand and was unable to do my planned baking this week. Illness or emergencies may sometimes create exceptions but normally it's really helpful to stick to the list. Thankfully I'll be back baking again in a few days.
Since I shop very infrequently (once a month at Costco,) that 'anxiety' that you describe is a very real feeling for me. At Costco everything you put in your cart is around $20 (meat 30-35$ CAD). I do as you do: I have my calculator in my left hand adding as I go. I avoid aisles (most aisles) and hone in on what's on my list and I get out. It will still cost me a lot, but I have an idea what it will cost before I get to the cash so it's not a surprise. It still makes me antsy to pay close to $600 at a cashier. Then I have to remind myself that some of it (dog food), is not food budget but pet budget or personal budget (for drugs/vitamins, etc....). You are so right!
Hi Jane, great video as always. I definitely have a food shopping hoarding issue 😊. It was so good to hear you talk about it. I find that shopping in Aldi once a week (recommended years ago by your old blog) and a meat wholesale butcher ever 6 weeks has really helped. When I was shopping around, going to multiple big supermarkets and looking at deals. I felt I couldn't miss the bargains and it definitely made me spend more than I needed. I know it's a sensible strategy for many, buy I can't trust myself. I also always have the basics in stock at home, a frozen loaf, beans, spread, eggs and toilet rolls. If I have plenty of these 5 items I know I can put meals together and keep my family safe. It stops me getting anxious and rushing out to buy more. In addition to these ideas I always shop with my husband in the evening, after we have eaten dinner. He keeps me in check and we can be in and out of Aldi in about 25 minutes. Thanks for some great tips, I'll definitely add them in, 😊
Hi Jane, I am guilty of throwing away way too much food due to not eating it before it goes off. I hate the idea of throwing good, hard-earned money away which is essentially what I've been doing! I finally did a stocktake of my freezer, fridge and pantry and I tried my best to make up meals with what I already have on hand. I was shocked to see I could easily make up around 12 meals for 2 people and all I need to buy to make these meals is some sour cream and some broccoli! I am definitely one who buys too much when I see a bargain, just to store it forever. Thank you for all your fantastic tips and ideas. Ally
I do best with a list in hand and a time and money limit set in my head befor I enter the grocery store. Say I give myself 20 minutes to buy this weeks haul and I have $50 to spend, I'm focused. After I get my essentials, I may double back and pick up a special treat or two if I've stayed within budget and time limits! I worry a lot less about running low on things now that family is grown and it's only me to feed. And my two cats! ❤
I always go over my budget but the fact that I have a budget now is very helpful, I go over it by maybe $100 each month, before my budget I spent 2-3 times more on food.
I start shopping with my grocery budget amount on the calculator. Then I subtract the amount of each item. This way I can always see the balance as I go through the store.
That is genius! Then you know how much you have left to go back and get a treat or special offer - if you have monies left! I'm gonna use that one. Thank you!
Very good tips as always ! I'm totally guilty of the buying too much for fear of wanting thing ... I've been working on strategies , the writing directly the price on my list, and adding up as I go along will be very useful I think.
I am so grateful to see a You Tube Channel that says it's OK to buy only what you need. There are so many channels now that are telling us that, if we haven't stored 100Kg of rice and another 100KG of pasta , along with 200 tins of tomatoes,, dozens of litres of long life milk etc, etc we are going to starve next year. People are going without now, to ensure they have a huge prepper pantry for next year. I see a future with tons of "prepped" food going to landfill. Thank you Jane and Mike for being so realistic and reassuring.
I enjoy your programs, and today ''s program was great , I think you are right alot of us suffer from food anxiety without knowing why we over spend . thank you ..
Many thanks again for more great advice. If only more people listened to this, especially the younger ones, it would change their lives for the better.
This episode was one of the most enlightening for me. We have "price matching" here in Canada at select stores which decreases my travel. One treat that I love is to buy seasonal fruit (specifically peaches) for the short season that they're prime. That being said, I think I could change my strategy to not overspend towards stockpiling. Thank you for sharing your strategies.
Really useful tips Jane! We are all guilty at some stage of overbuying in supermarkets and a list and set budget is the way to go! I love a bargain as well as the next person but you are right about some offers not being as good as they are advertised to be! It’s a minefield but with preplanning and a strict list, we can do it!
Thank you both. Definitely food anxiety comes into play these days. In the years when my kids weee young we had to be very thrifty and now we have skills in how to manage in this food insecurity time.🐇
Something I'm always cognizant of is that an item may be cheaper elsewhere, but is it worth the amount of gas to drive the distance to save X amount. I know my gas mileage, how much the gas is per gallon, and I mentally calculate if it is worthwhile to go pick it up or buy it for a little more where I am. I believe these things can, in an abstract way, save me money and time.
Just wanted to let you know i recently found your channel (and subscribed), i have been binge watching your videos. Since i started watching your videos, I have been doing much better at the supermarket. Thank you for mentioning triggers that kick in at the store.
I have to say another video that I love and find most useful! I am really frugal with my grocery shopping. My method is to shop and buy based on sales/clearances, buying enough at the lowest price until the next sale cycle comes along. (That being said, I am in a no spend July, except for buying perishables. The joys of being a supply teacher and no summer teaching income.) Setting a limit on the dollars I spend is something I'm going to do better at. The summer is one where we eat from the pantry and freezer. Next month I'm buying summer produce and preserving for the next year. Thanks for showing me where I can improve!
Can totally sympathise and agree with the biscuits, crisps, cakes sweets, chocolate etc. if it’s in the house we’ll eat it until it’s all gone. Not good for the waistline or the budget. Had a wee giggle at this 😂😂. Always check the clearance items first like you and then do main shop.
The “deals” in my town in Quebec are getting fewer and fewer every week. I put deals in quotations because the so called deals are pathetic. What’s on sale is total junk.
I think that is the case everywhere. All the cookies and chips, buy 2 get 2 free..WHAT? And the “shopping channels” all that processed junk! Who cares what a can of Spaghetti-o’s sells for..
I had to laugh when you mentioned eating what is in the freezer as that is what we had for dinner tonight, some leftover dahl that I had frozen about a month ago. It's great for when you don't feel like cooking
Some wise comments! I live alone and yet for years I followed the weekly supermarket shop habit. Then I realised that every time I shopped I bought things I didn’t need. I started putting in a monthly order for essentials, things I’d have to replace if I ran out, and without needing to do this, I go to the supermarket far less often, maybe just once or twice a month. I’ve saved lots of money with my supermarket avoidance strategy and I’m lucky to receive free fruit and veg from a friend, so I don’t even need to go to the market.
This year I’ve challenged myself to only buying what is on my list and that has really helped. But these days I see almost no one with a list and never a calculator-where years ago I saw it all the time.
I just don’t go into the supermarket! I do my shopping online! I have my list after checking what is on special and it’s so much easier to stick to it with no temptations. The delivery fee is less than a taxi fare for me too.
Great video, I have food insecurities but not sure where they came from, I need to do some self reflecting :) I am a big sucker for sales so will implement some of your strategies. Thank you Jane and Mike
I keep a running list on a small tablet in my purse. If there is something I think of but don’t need right away I write a heading LATER on the page. I’ll transfer it to the next page when I get home and settled. It really helps me.
my grandmother lived thru theGreat Depression in the US. i remember she had her "reserve" kitchen cabinet and her "regular" cabinet. When i helped her with her list, she would label the lists so she knew what she was buying for each cabinet and would rotate the food. For a long time, i always bought things in twos, i think because of having seen that. I finally realized at one point, it's ok to have just one item of something, especially if it was something i couldn't eat before it spoiled. When i hear you say 2 is 1 and 1 is none, i think of her, and she's been gone now for 21 years so thank you for the memories
@@FrugalQueeninFrance We definitely do. She always said "i'm not a smart woman" because she didn't go past eighth grade, but she was one of the smartest people i knew.
I laughed Jane, my head is my calculator. I sometimes bring a list, I know how much I am going to spend no matter what. I go out for basics and other bits which are normally a top up, the top is what changes. If I see something on offer or at a good price, that becomes what I am topping up on. Have done this since I was in my 20's for about 30+ years now this has worked. Clearance, unless it's something I use and it's going to last, I find it's no point me buying it. Everyone needs to work out what works for them. I do remember a few weeks ago everyone I was watching, kept going on about Ketchup, how they couldn't find it in the stores. Was in Lidl they had Ketchup I was like, oh, know one can find this, was about to get one and stopped myself Why? We don't really use it. Just shows how what you hear can also influence what you look to buy without even realising it.
i always said that i would never use self scan in stores to protect jobs but i must say i like that its adding up my trolley as i go round and that you can keep an i that the sel is the same as the price on the scanner(it often isnt). do feel quite bad about using it though 😞
I just went through my ads, made my list. Then stopped looked in the freezer and the pantry, decided we could go a couple of weeks more without grocery shopping. We are lucky that our cucumber's are over producing. I made a big pan of macaroni salad with cucumber's, our pitiful 3 small tomatoes, some frozen peperoni and shredded cheese, with ranch dressing. It's going to last us at least 2 days. Their was also 3 half bags of some sort of stew in the freezer, I can do something with that and noodles. I actually do best sending my husband in with the list, he wont' mess around with my grocery money. You hit on every problem I have when shopping, I see so many good deals that my 30.00 spend turns into a huge amount. I am saving for my next steak dinner, I may leave off the steak and have an appetizer and baked potato instead. Thanks for the video.
Lucky you having lots of cucumbers! Have you made smashed cucumber salad? It's really delicious - and bashing the cucumbers is fun too!! Lots of recipes here on YT - Chef John from Food Wishes has a good one.
This vlog is absolutely fantastic Jane, your story is you telling my story and yes I still suffer the anxiety but not as bad as it used to be but as soon as stock up came around in lockdown I instantly started going round the supermarkets every day and panic bought every thing I could get my hands on and I am only just starting to use some of the tin food that my husband stacked in huge plastic storage boxes in the garage, I don,t think this food anxiety will ever really but if we do ever have food again I would like to think that I can really won,t go down that road again, I also have three large freezers that are full so now at last I am going to sell one of them when it is empty because if I keep it I know now that I will make every excuse to fill it again, hope that this message finds you and Mike well and see you next time.
Thank you for your ideas! I have been horrible at menu planning but I am determined to get back to planning, freezer banking and of course keeping tabs on the pantry (it's just me now so shopping has changed a lot since his passing). Am I perfect - heck no. But I am doing my best. Forcing myself to budget because in todays world, money just doesn't go as far as it used to and I am hoping to be moving soon (house is on the market and I have my destination in sight, just waiting for a buyer).
Glad I watched your video yesterday, visiting Canarfon and went shopping at lunchtime before I'd eaten ,worst possible time to go shopping when you are hungry, I had my list stuck to it for the bits needed, reminded myself that I could make myself a healthly lunch if I delayed immediate gratification.
I buy fruit & veg & basics first. Vitamin food. Look for price per gram. Online you can delete items if over budget. I have a fixed price & sometimes only do a big shop twice a year online if sometimes buying at smaller local shops too. Sometimes some items are bought cheaper at places other than supermarkets. Supporting local when possible or growing. I usually shop after having a meal.
I'm enjoying the fruits of a non-impulse, "impulse buy" today. Ground beef was 2.50/lb when it's normally more than double that price. Just happened to be the advertised price that day that I needed to pick up something for my aunt. But I still didn't buy more than I could store properly in the deep freeze and use in a timely manner! And certainly not something I'd have bought if I also needed to add a deep freeze to take advantage of it.
I agree, the Lidil meat 'offers' are very often not actually a deal - if you buy the meat without the flavouring is much, much cheaper! It is so easy to add your own flavourings! Plus the flavoured meat products such as bbq ribs attract Value Added Tax in the UK whereas plain meat does not. Hope this info helps someone. Thanks for another really useful and thought proving video, Jane
Thank you Jane and Mike. That was really helpful. I stopped falling for the 2 for 1 meats at one grocery store because they jacked up the price per kg so you weren't actually saving anything.
I was so thankful last winter when I was sick with Covid that I had prepared frozen leftover soups and other meals for one that I could just reheat. Its just myself and I have enough on hand always other than fresh veggies and fruit. I'm very guilty of the impulse food purchases and need to do better at shopping on a list only.
This was a great video! I know I will use a lot of your suggestions . I often watch your videos more than once because they are so helpful. I was laughing out loud at the part about the biscuits/cookies😂. Of course, no one eats just one! Keep up the good work. P.S. I love the picture on the wall behind you!
Good points, Jane. On some cites, the message is Food shortages - get it now!! One of my teachers many years ago used to say "Failing to plan is planning to fail." Using a calculator as you go is a great idea to avoid sticker shock.
When I am only shopping for what I need, I really can just go in to the supermarket and buy the items, that feels really good! HOWEVER! I did get so excited when the washing powder (or liquid, in my case) that I stopped buying because it just became ridiculously expensive is on sale at what is now a 'reasonable' price - I had to buy it! Very sad, but I was so happy! I was a soap powder snob, but Aldi's is very good, very reasonable. I mainly don't get distracted anymore
When it comes to things on offer I'm life you on most things, buy an extra one or two of something and put them away. The exception is deodorant which is usually $4.50 Aus and they have it on special (offer) for $2.30. I'll buy 10 depending how many are on the shelf. Same as packet soup which my husband likes before dinner. Usually $2.80, when on half price I get about 10 or 12. Yes it's a lot but saves a lot in the long run. Prices are shocking in Australia
Yesterday, organic raw cheddar cheese had a $1.00 off - so got 4, this is for my son only. Also, I grabbed more coupons for next time before they run out.
I impulse buy if I see an offer that is too good to refuse. I’m lucky I have money to do that - I live below my means, which allows me to have the capacity to be flexible when needed but I know not everybody is so fortunate. BTW I use the self-scanner (when in Tesco) to keep a running total, although Aldi and Farm Foods, where I also shop, do not have this function. Thanks for the fab video. 😊
The one benefit of the recent craziness is ordering food online for pick up. There’s no delivery fee, I don’t have a lot of time for shopping, you know exactly how much the total is as your putting together your purchase so it’s easier to stay on budget (no surprises at the register). I can shop while looking at the pantry or refrigerator & don’t have to remember if I already have something or not & most importantly if you don’t go into the store, you’r less likely to impulse buy. This all works on groceries, other items are easier to impulse buy online.
Thank you for today’s video it was really helpful. I too have food anxieties and the last three years have really triggered them. Each time I turn on you tube, there are messages of upcoming food shortages and this just sends me into a spiral of anxiety. I am shopping anxious and your right I need to use your excellent strategies to go shopping with a sense of clam and having a clear plan.
Hi, Jane: Just have to share this. As you were talking about the temptation of snack foods, the moment you mentioned chips, a chip commercial popped up on TH-cam, and dang if I didn't briefly think about going to buy a bag!! But I didn't:) No wonder so many of us struggle to maintain a healthy weight and eat more nutritious foods. When is the last time you saw a commercial for fresh cabbage or brussel sprouts😂?
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Not so in US. I wonder if those warnigs are effective or if not snacking between meals is engrained culturally in France? Snacking is almost expected by many folks over here. Thanks for today's video. Lots of good ideas!
@@dls9437 snacks are for children in France, adults are expected to abstain until the next meal. Being overweight is very difficult here, clothes are small.
Good talk Jane , I found in uk supermarkets are engineered to make you spend particular in store that sell clothes, my husband told me I have this habit of looking at clothes so now with this price rising I just get in and get out , I buy what I need for the week shop
I to take a calculator shopping and write down the running total, I'd hate to get to the checkout and not have enough money, even though i stick to the list some price rises can ruin the budget, thanks for a great video.
Very good talk. I can just recall the final years of rationing in the UK. Food and money was limited but we enjoyed a varied diet. Lots of fresh produce came from the garden. My mother had a list of recipes that the only required a few and easy to obtain ingredients. She did a bit of a stocktake before going to the local shops. Cakes and snacks food not been invented and to be honest I am glad. I grew up with the mantra food was never to be wasted and it was not- tomorrow’s lunch. Supermarkets carry too much unneeded junk food and before it came onto the shelves we did not starve and I don’t think we will now.🎉😊
Hitting the discounted items areas first is brilliant.
Very insightful approach to impulse shopping at the grocery store. Over buying food and home supplies from a place of lack has really been an issue for me. Your clear and concise instructions to preplanning my next shopping trip to include that pause and reflection prior to entering the store is sure to have a great impact. Thank you for your gentle guidance.
Thanks very much for watching
This video brought tears to my eyes because you hit on a subject I really relate to. Food anxiety. I have a freezer stuffed with food, pantries full, totes under the bed and in the closet full and yet I feel I don't have enough. I realized a few months back I went over the line into hoarding and am making a complete change in how I meal plan and shop now. This video just gave me more tools to use to hold my anxiety and impulse spending in check. Thank you. These are all great strategies I can use. And it's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels like this.
You're welcome
Wonderful and so helpful personally 💞💙🛒💰🙏
You can go a long time now and not buy anything besides milk, eggs and bread. Make meals with what you have only.
Were you on my shoulder this morning? I took 3 things out of my trolley and back on the shelves 😊
You know, I’m in my 80’s and I still have anxiety about food perhaps because my parents lived through the Depression. I am a careful shopper and seldom run out of anything because my pantry is well stocked. There are some items I will only buy if they on sale.
Ever since I started ordering my groceries on line, all my impulse buying stopped. It's amazing how much I save on groceries.
I’m glad you’ve found a way that works for you
Me too!
Same. I went into the store the other day to buy a greeting card, and almost bought a dress!🙄 Much safer to order online. Though I do wish they'd quit putting my bananas in with my pasta boxes.
I stopped online grocery delivery after Ocado decided to charge £5.99 for any orders under £75. I live on my own and do not even spend that amount per month and to buy a savers pass costs £39.99 for the year if you order groceries for midweek delivery but you still have to spend £40 even with a pass.
I have also recently noticed that when you order fresh produce from Ocado all the fresh produce expires in 2 days and some the next day, and some are even already mouldy when you get them. You can return the stuff or ask for a refund but then I have to go out and buy those things anyway, and I really cannot eat a whole month's fresh food in 2 days and it kind of defeats the purpose of buying monthly groceries online just to save on delivery costs. Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons and Sainsbury's are no better with delivery charges either.
Me too
Also I seldom buy household supplies or personal items when I'm grocery shopping. That's a separate trip to one of those dollar stores. It's much less expensive there and i usually stock up on those items so I don't need to go there often. Maybe every other month.
I do the same. I never buy cleaning products, makeup, etc in the grocery store. The non- grocery items are just a horrible markup. Love the Dollar Tree too.
Thanks for sharing!!
Guilty as charged..I broke out today and bought a BIG chocolate gateaux...and Im going to enjoy eating it..sometimes its necessary..😂😂😂
On your own?
@@FrugalQueeninFranceno...its my son's 21st birthday..so I will get a LOT of help..😂😂😂
I had never realized that food anxiety was why I over buy. Thank you for being open. As you said, stages in my life, where lack of money or transportation, or a controlling partner resulted in worries about food. The pandemic and inflation have been triggers. Thank you for the good suggestions for resisting .
Thank you for your feedback
My mother used to shop without a list and was very clear about what groceries she needed. She had a budget for $50 (back in the 70's). I always went with her to bag the groceries. She went up and down each aisle even the pet food one and we didn't have pets! Drove me mad! She was mad as a hornet when my father retired and he took over the shopping. He was buying lamb chops every week and was spending more than $50. She was feeding 4 people including my big, football playing brother, for $50/week.
I am just like you. If there are cookies or chips in the house, we'll eat them! So I rarely buy them because, like you said, "Who eats just one biscuit or crisp? No one!"
When covid hit, I learned a lot about my shopping habits. A friend did my shopping for me. I gave her lists. She followed them. Apparently I don’t. Yes, I saved money.
The list is so important
I was one of the panic shoppers. I always worry about having enough food for my adult children and my grandkids. Never want them to go hungry. Lately we have started to better organize our stock room in the basement. We threw out quite a bit of food where I overshopped/overspent on certain items targeted towards kids. I was sick. I now do much better but still I have to fight that urge to overbuy on certain items. We are cooking more at home and using what we have. I, too, do grocery pickups. It helps me keep the budget and not impulse buy.
I write a shopping list throughout the week and then when I am meal planning for the following week I only replace what is needed for that week, anything else I keep on a rolling list, if you will, then I rewrite my list in the order that the shop is laid out so I can be sure not to forget anything and that keeps me on track to miss out the middle aisles 😊
That's a great idea!
Started the frugal journey by taking stock, shop with a list and stick to it . I only shop once a week and have a small pantry ; always have something to eat or cook in the house.
Great job!
This was excellent, Jane! Thank you for addressing the issue of anxiety which is just so prevalent these days. I am definitely trying hard to focus on my list only when I am grocery shopping. I also take a moment before I enter the store to take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand.
Thanks for sharing
I over spend at the grocery store because I want to spoil my disabled spouse. Their life is so hard (wheelchair bound, housebound, and high pain) I want them to have lots of choices & treats to help them feel better - give them something to look forward to. Funny thing is when I mentioned it to them they reminded me they are autistic & can eat the same meal everyday for a month straight and be happy as a clam 😂🤦♀️ they are like “I don’t need variety. Just buy less. It’s ok. I won’t mind.” Funny how we do things for others and they don’t need it or want it ❤
Thanks very much
This was an excellent video for me. I can relate to everything you said. I thought I was the only one. It feels good to hear it said out loud by someone who has experienced the same thing. I didn’t think of it as anxiety. I always said stress, but I think anxiety describes it better. If I’m in the store and my eyes see a certain items that I enjoy, I battle because I know it’s not good for me. Most of the time I’m ok, but then sometimes I give in and end up making up for all the times I didn’t. My children don’t understand why I can’t just eat a little. The thing is I don’t have a problem with weight, I actually can eat a-lot and not gain weight. It’s emotional. It’s a bond I have with sweets and I know why, starts in childhood. I know all the answers, but I give in sometimes and I pay a price of not feeling well for a few days. Thank you for talking about this. I’m sure most of us can relate. ❤️
I am a person that suffers from food anxiety as well. Your tips are great. I have started going to the store with a list of what I need to get. I also check the multiple stores to find the best deals/offers when I get ready to go to the store., and what store has the best price on the items I need to get. I try to also give myself a little bit extra cash to check the reduced price foods that is a great deal that I can put in the freezer.
I’ve also started a price book to keep track of the lowest price of items that I buy more often. I now know the best price of items and the store that I got it from so I can double check to see if it’s a good price at the time I’m shopping or do I need to wait to buy it.
Yay congratulations you made 27 thousand! Way to go! 🎉. I too have anxiety when I go into the store. Prices seem to be going up every week. I check flyers for sale items and only buy wants on sale. I also have a reward card that I get points on items I buy every week. I have 288.00 available to buy food in that store. I’m saving for Christmas ❤
When I was a child, I thought EVERYONE put their can goods on the shelf like the stores did because my mother insisted this is what a person does with can goods and etc. The day I discovered this was not the norm, I was in high school. LOL I still follow my mother's advice, and it has saved me time and energy because I can quickly locate an item and tell when I need to restock my shelves. Many of your ideas that you shared are ones I do try to do. Thanks again for sharing with us.
Thanks for sharing
I’ve started making a detailed list and then only bringing cash into the store. It’s pretty easy to walk away from impulses when you know you can’t swipe a card to make up for it. I have to do it this way as I was finding a reason or a deal that made me go over every time.
Thanks for sharing
There was a lot of great advice in there! I really like the (take a moment in the car before you go in) idea. That is something I will do next time I go shopping. I will stop and take a deep breath and think thru my plan for that store before I go in and just wander around.
Thank you again. I completely understand the anxiety of not having enough food when our kids were young . I remember crying every time I had to shop, knowing there just wasn't enough money. I guess it just stays with you into life, doesn't it. We got thru it, and they are all adults now, so it's just time to move on. Easier said than done. Keep the videos coming😊
Thanks for the feedback
I stopped wandering the aisles grabbing all the tempting items. I cannot trust myself. I have only experienced food insecurity in my first marriage. It was a shocker for me and has had an impact upon me. My parents always had a massive pantry just off our library and we never went without. My Indian grandparents, and my dads parents all were farmers. They grew all their own food and preserved it . Your channel is great for folks who need to see how careful shopping is done
I have the same anxiety about keeping food in the house. We've always had to budget and I like my mom made sure our kids are healthy meals. It was a constant fear of not having enough. I'm grateful that someone else feels this and I'm not the only one. Thank you Jane.
I hope the strategies help.
Me too! As one of 6 children, food was sometimes sparse. I now struggle with keeping too much food at home for fear of running out, which is unrealistic because there's no possibility of that happening. 😅
@@juliemoore6957 i Hope thé strategies in the video can help you
Thank you.
For me it's especially important that I don't shop when I'm "hangry", tired, just plain hungry, hot/cold, feeling generally "off". I also am learning to keep a few things back for when either of us wants a treat. A frozen bar of chocolate for my partner, a tucked away bag of savory crackers for me. Then when one of us has a "hankering" for something we 1. Don't go to the local quick shop a mile away and buy the same thing but four times the price or 2. Feel grumpy about it and over buy next time just in case. I grew up with some food anxiety issues and my oartner grew up with having food as a soother. So we have to balance those emotions and experiences even now. Also now at the age of 70 I know why my maternal grandmother kept a small supply of T.V. dinners. It made some nights just easier. I keep afew good ones, that I've found on sale, and they are great for an emergency!
Thanks for sharing
Great video Jane! I have been an empty nested for 5 years now and just recently realized I still stock up as if I have to feed a family. And when my boys were young I remember going through the supermarket with a €2 coin in my hand trying to find something to feed them... terrible feeling. Years of puzzling every evening after they went to bed... how to make ends meet...
yes this left me with a strong rooted need to have enough food in my freezer and cupboards.
This is probably the reason I tend to overspend although €300 a month for food/non food/ toiletries should be enough for 1 person ( and once a week feeding my youngest 18 yr son who comes over).
Thanks for this video. Very helpful🌷
Great strategies. I shop with a list always, and with a meal plan in mind for all food I buy. Unusually this week I broke my own rules and bought supermarket cake and buns on impulse; I had injured my hand and was unable to do my planned baking this week. Illness or emergencies may sometimes create exceptions but normally it's really helpful to stick to the list. Thankfully I'll be back baking again in a few days.
Since I shop very infrequently (once a month at Costco,) that 'anxiety' that you describe is a very real feeling for me. At Costco everything you put in your cart is around $20 (meat 30-35$ CAD). I do as you do: I have my calculator in my left hand adding as I go. I avoid aisles (most aisles) and hone in on what's on my list and I get out. It will still cost me a lot, but I have an idea what it will cost before I get to the cash so it's not a surprise. It still makes me antsy to pay close to $600 at a cashier. Then I have to remind myself that some of it (dog food), is not food budget but pet budget or personal budget (for drugs/vitamins, etc....). You are so right!
Thanks very much for watching and commenting
Hi Jane, great video as always.
I definitely have a food shopping hoarding issue 😊. It was so good to hear you talk about it.
I find that shopping in Aldi once a week (recommended years ago by your old blog) and a meat wholesale butcher ever 6 weeks has really helped. When I was shopping around, going to multiple big supermarkets and looking at deals. I felt I couldn't miss the bargains and it definitely made me spend more than I needed. I know it's a sensible strategy for many, buy I can't trust myself.
I also always have the basics in stock at home, a frozen loaf, beans, spread, eggs and toilet rolls. If I have plenty of these 5 items I know I can put meals together and keep my family safe. It stops me getting anxious and rushing out to buy more.
In addition to these ideas I always shop with my husband in the evening, after we have eaten dinner. He keeps me in check and we can be in and out of Aldi in about 25 minutes.
Thanks for some great tips, I'll definitely add them in, 😊
Happy to help
Hi Jane, I am guilty of throwing away way too much food due to not eating it before it goes off. I hate the idea of throwing good, hard-earned money away which is essentially what I've been doing! I finally did a stocktake of my freezer, fridge and pantry and I tried my best to make up meals with what I already have on hand. I was shocked to see I could easily make up around 12 meals for 2 people and all I need to buy to make these meals is some sour cream and some broccoli! I am definitely one who buys too much when I see a bargain, just to store it forever. Thank you for all your fantastic tips and ideas. Ally
I wish you well
I do best with a list in hand and a time and money limit set in my head befor I enter the grocery store. Say I give myself 20 minutes to buy this weeks haul and I have $50 to spend, I'm focused. After I get my essentials, I may double back and pick up a special treat or two if I've stayed within budget and time limits! I worry a lot less about running low on things now that family is grown and it's only me to feed. And my two cats! ❤
I just love your energy & your puppies! Thank you for being a constant source of gentle reminders.
Great video as usual!
Especially took onboard the shopping rituals. Makes absolute sense.
I always go over my budget but the fact that I have a budget now is very helpful, I go over it by maybe $100 each month, before my budget I spent 2-3 times more on food.
I hope some of the strategies help you to keep under your budget
I start shopping with my grocery budget amount on the calculator. Then I subtract the amount of each item. This way I can always see the balance as I go through the store.
Good idea
I love this idea. Thanks🙏
That is genius! Then you know how much you have left to go back and get a treat or special offer - if you have monies left! I'm gonna use that one. Thank you!
Very good tips as always ! I'm totally guilty of the buying too much for fear of wanting thing ... I've been working on strategies , the writing directly the price on my list, and adding up as I go along will be very useful I think.
I am so grateful to see a You Tube Channel that says it's OK to buy only what you need. There are so many channels now that are telling us that, if we haven't stored 100Kg of rice and another 100KG of pasta , along with 200 tins of tomatoes,, dozens of litres of long life milk etc, etc we are going to starve next year. People are going without now, to ensure they have a huge prepper pantry for next year. I see a future with tons of "prepped" food going to landfill.
Thank you Jane and Mike for being so realistic and reassuring.
We prep for two people heading to 60 with smaller appetites and we don't want to eat junk
I enjoy your programs, and today ''s program was great , I think you are right alot of us suffer from food anxiety without knowing why we over spend . thank you ..
Many thanks again for more great advice. If only more people listened to this, especially the younger ones, it would change their lives for the better.
Thank you for your feedback
This episode was one of the most enlightening for me. We have "price matching" here in Canada at select stores which decreases my travel. One treat that I love is to buy seasonal fruit (specifically peaches) for the short season that they're prime. That being said, I think I could change my strategy to not overspend towards stockpiling. Thank you for sharing your strategies.
Thanks very much
Really useful tips Jane! We are all guilty at some stage of overbuying in supermarkets and a list and set budget is the way to go! I love a bargain as well as the next person but you are right about some offers not being as good as they are advertised to be! It’s a minefield but with preplanning and a strict list, we can do it!
Absolutely!!
Thank you both.
Definitely food anxiety comes into play these days. In the years when my kids weee young we had to be very thrifty and now we have skills in how to manage in this food insecurity time.🐇
Something I'm always cognizant of is that an item may be cheaper elsewhere, but is it worth the amount of gas to drive the distance to save X amount. I know my gas mileage, how much the gas is per gallon, and I mentally calculate if it is worthwhile to go pick it up or buy it for a little more where I am. I believe these things can, in an abstract way, save me money and time.
Just wanted to let you know i recently found your channel (and subscribed), i have been binge watching your videos. Since i started watching your videos, I have been doing much better at the supermarket. Thank you for mentioning triggers that kick in at the store.
Thanks very much
I have to say another video that I love and find most useful! I am really frugal with my grocery shopping. My method is to shop and buy based on sales/clearances, buying enough at the lowest price until the next sale cycle comes along. (That being said, I am in a no spend July, except for buying perishables. The joys of being a supply teacher and no summer teaching income.) Setting a limit on the dollars I spend is something I'm going to do better at. The summer is one where we eat from the pantry and freezer. Next month I'm buying summer produce and preserving for the next year. Thanks for showing me where I can improve!
Thanks for watching
Wow great work
Can totally sympathise and agree with the biscuits, crisps, cakes sweets, chocolate etc. if it’s in the house we’ll eat it until it’s all gone. Not good for the waistline or the budget. Had a wee giggle at this 😂😂. Always check the clearance items first like you and then do main shop.
Hope it helps
The “deals” in my town in Quebec are getting fewer and fewer every week. I put deals in quotations because the so called deals are pathetic. What’s on sale is total junk.
Same here
I think that is the case everywhere. All the cookies and chips, buy 2 get 2 free..WHAT? And the “shopping channels” all that processed junk! Who cares what a can of Spaghetti-o’s sells for..
@@joycef8443 Exactly.
Thanks Jane ❤
I had to laugh when you mentioned eating what is in the freezer as that is what we had for dinner tonight, some leftover dahl that I had frozen about a month ago. It's great for when you don't feel like cooking
Sounds great!
I write my shopping list in order of the aisles. So l only have to go to the aisles l need. And cuts out wandering in all the aisles.
Thank you. Very appropriate, lots of tips and food for thought. Practical and psychological. Good for you, keep up the good work.
Thanks very much
Some wise comments! I live alone and yet for years I followed the weekly supermarket shop habit. Then I realised that every time I shopped I bought things I didn’t need. I started putting in a monthly order for essentials, things I’d have to replace if I ran out, and without needing to do this, I go to the supermarket far less often, maybe just once or twice a month. I’ve saved lots of money with my supermarket avoidance strategy and I’m lucky to receive free fruit and veg from a friend, so I don’t even need to go to the market.
This year I’ve challenged myself to only buying what is on my list and that has really helped. But these days I see almost no one with a list and never a calculator-where years ago I saw it all the time.
Thanks for watching
Very informative video which really drives the importance of avoiding impulse buying.
Great video you two!!
Cheers
Our pleasure!
Very thought provoking Jane, thank you both 😊
Our pleasure!
It dies help to hear that food anxiety is perhaps more prevalent than I realized. Reading through the comments is helpful as well.
Excellent advice on controlling impulses and focusing on what you really intend to accomplish.
Thanks very much
Never shop hungry😊
I just don’t go into the supermarket! I do my shopping online! I have my list after checking what is on special and it’s so much easier to stick to it with no temptations. The delivery fee is less than a taxi fare for me too.
Great video, I have food insecurities but not sure where they came from, I need to do some self reflecting :) I am a big sucker for sales so will implement some of your strategies. Thank you Jane and Mike
I keep a running list on a small tablet in my purse. If there is something I think of but don’t need right away I write a heading LATER on the page. I’ll transfer it to the next page when I get home and settled. It really helps me.
Good advice
my grandmother lived thru theGreat Depression in the US. i remember she had her "reserve" kitchen cabinet and her "regular" cabinet. When i helped her with her list, she would label the lists so she knew what she was buying for each cabinet and would rotate the food. For a long time, i always bought things in twos, i think because of having seen that. I finally realized at one point, it's ok to have just one item of something, especially if it was something i couldn't eat before it spoiled. When i hear you say 2 is 1 and 1 is none, i think of her, and she's been gone now for 21 years so thank you for the memories
I only buy 2 if it's a long life product or I can freeze it. We learn a lot from our grannies.?
@@FrugalQueeninFrance We definitely do. She always said "i'm not a smart woman" because she didn't go past eighth grade, but she was one of the smartest people i knew.
I laughed Jane, my head is my calculator. I sometimes bring a list, I know how much I am going to spend no matter what. I go out for basics and other bits which are normally a top up, the top is what changes.
If I see something on offer or at a good price, that becomes what I am topping up on. Have done this since I was in my 20's for about 30+ years now this has worked. Clearance, unless it's something I use and it's going to last, I find it's no point me buying it. Everyone needs to work out what works for them.
I do remember a few weeks ago everyone I was watching, kept going on about Ketchup, how they couldn't find it in the stores. Was in Lidl they had Ketchup I was like, oh, know one can find this, was about to get one and stopped myself Why? We don't really use it. Just shows how what you hear can also influence what you look to buy without even realising it.
Thanks for watching
i always said that i would never use self scan in stores to protect jobs but i must say i like that its adding up my trolley as i go round and that you can keep an i that the sel is the same as the price on the scanner(it often isnt).
do feel quite bad about using it though 😞
Thanks for watching
Very good video , thank you Jane and Mike. Absolutely spot on with impulse buying and some excellent strategies to beat it , thanks again.
I just went through my ads, made my list. Then stopped looked in the freezer and the pantry, decided we could go a couple of weeks more without grocery shopping. We are lucky that our cucumber's are over producing. I made a big pan of macaroni salad with cucumber's, our pitiful 3 small tomatoes, some frozen peperoni and shredded cheese, with ranch dressing. It's going to last us at least 2 days. Their was also 3 half bags of some sort of stew in the freezer, I can do something with that and noodles. I actually do best sending my husband in with the list, he wont' mess around with my grocery money. You hit on every problem I have when shopping, I see so many good deals that my 30.00 spend turns into a huge amount. I am saving for my next steak dinner, I may leave off the steak and have an appetizer and baked potato instead. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the feedback
Lucky you having lots of cucumbers! Have you made smashed cucumber salad? It's really delicious - and bashing the cucumbers is fun too!! Lots of recipes here on YT - Chef John from Food Wishes has a good one.
Great strategies...thank you. Thinking "we have enough" is really going to help me.
You're welcome
I keep a running list on my phone memo. Do pantry & freezer check. Eggs were down to 1.39 a dozen. I alternate what meats I'll cook & buy.
Thanks very much
This vlog is absolutely fantastic Jane, your story is you telling my story and yes I still suffer the anxiety but not as bad
as it used to be but as soon as stock up came around in lockdown I instantly started going round the supermarkets every day
and panic bought every thing I could get my hands on and I am only just starting to use some of the tin food that my husband stacked in huge plastic storage boxes in the garage, I don,t think this food anxiety will ever really but if we do ever have food
again I would like to think that I can really won,t go down that road again, I also have three large freezers that are full so now at last
I am going to sell one of them when it is empty because if I keep it I know now that I will make every excuse to fill it again, hope
that this message finds you and Mike well and see you next time.
Thanks Pauline and I wish you well
Thank you for your ideas! I have been horrible at menu planning but I am determined to get back to planning, freezer banking and of course keeping tabs on the pantry (it's just me now so shopping has changed a lot since his passing). Am I perfect - heck no. But I am doing my best. Forcing myself to budget because in todays world, money just doesn't go as far as it used to and I am hoping to be moving soon (house is on the market and I have my destination in sight, just waiting for a buyer).
Glad I watched your video yesterday, visiting Canarfon and went shopping at lunchtime before I'd eaten ,worst possible time to go shopping when you are hungry, I had my list stuck to it for the bits needed, reminded myself that I could make myself a healthly lunch if I delayed immediate gratification.
Thanks for sharing
👍👍👍you are a good teacherJane!!!it was very helpfull
Thank you! 😃
I buy fruit & veg & basics first. Vitamin food. Look for price per gram. Online you can delete items if over budget. I have a fixed price & sometimes only do a big shop twice a year online if sometimes buying at smaller local shops too. Sometimes some items are bought cheaper at places other than supermarkets. Supporting local when possible or growing. I usually shop after having a meal.
Good advice as usual. I spend longer in the checkout queue than buying stuff. Wiz in wiz round and wiz out . ☺️
I'm enjoying the fruits of a non-impulse, "impulse buy" today. Ground beef was 2.50/lb when it's normally more than double that price. Just happened to be the advertised price that day that I needed to pick up something for my aunt. But I still didn't buy more than I could store properly in the deep freeze and use in a timely manner! And certainly not something I'd have bought if I also needed to add a deep freeze to take advantage of it.
Thanks for watching
I agree, the Lidil meat 'offers' are very often not actually a deal - if you buy the meat without the flavouring is much, much cheaper! It is so easy to add your own flavourings! Plus the flavoured meat products such as bbq ribs attract Value Added Tax in the UK whereas plain meat does not. Hope this info helps someone. Thanks for another really useful and thought proving video, Jane
Very true!
Thank you Jane and Mike. That was really helpful. I stopped falling for the 2 for 1 meats at one grocery store because they jacked up the price per kg so you weren't actually saving anything.
Yep, it looks like a deal but isn’t
Never go grocery shopping when you are hungry! My momma taught me that . Still true. Nothing derails a shopping list like being hungry.
So true!
I have the same food anxiety and will buy food on clearance I may not have freezer space for.
I Have gotten so much better about not impulse buying. I love the thumbnail.
I was so thankful last winter when I was sick with Covid that I had prepared frozen leftover soups and other meals for one that I could just reheat. Its just myself and I have enough on hand always other than fresh veggies and fruit. I'm very guilty of the impulse food purchases and need to do better at shopping on a list only.
You've got this
This was a great video! I know I will use a lot of your suggestions . I often watch your videos more than once because they are so helpful. I was laughing out loud at the part about the biscuits/cookies😂. Of course, no one eats just one! Keep up the good work. P.S. I love the picture on the wall behind you!
I'm so glad!
Thank you, Jane. This was very helpful for me! God bless you!
Glad it was helpful!
I bought some extras and offers last week only to forget about them!
They went out of date and they were wasted!
Was very annoyed with myself!
It happens when they were not needed and not on the list
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I know, it will not be repeated, I shall stick to my list!
Good points, Jane. On some cites, the message is Food shortages - get it now!! One of my teachers many years ago used to say "Failing to plan is planning to fail." Using a calculator as you go is a great idea to avoid sticker shock.
Thanks for watching
When I am only shopping for what I need, I really can just go in to the supermarket and buy the items, that feels really good! HOWEVER! I did get so excited when the washing powder (or liquid, in my case) that I stopped buying because it just became ridiculously expensive is on sale at what is now a 'reasonable' price - I had to buy it! Very sad, but I was so happy! I was a soap powder snob, but Aldi's is very good, very reasonable. I mainly don't get distracted anymore
Love that!
When it comes to things on offer I'm life you on most things, buy an extra one or two of something and put them away. The exception is deodorant which is usually $4.50 Aus and they have it on special (offer) for $2.30. I'll buy 10 depending how many are on the shelf. Same as packet soup which my husband likes before dinner. Usually $2.80, when on half price I get about 10 or 12. Yes it's a lot but saves a lot in the long run. Prices are shocking in Australia
Thanks very much
Jane, thank you so much. It reminded me that although currently my freezer is very low, I have food in long term storage.
You are so welcome!
my best ‘tip’ would be take only the cash, yes, CASH, you plan to spend. One can be very creative with choices then. Susan
That can really help. I did that for years.
Yesterday, organic raw cheddar cheese had a $1.00 off - so got 4, this is for my son only. Also, I grabbed more coupons for next time before they run out.
I impulse buy if I see an offer that is too good to refuse. I’m lucky I have money to do that - I live below my means, which allows me to have the capacity to be flexible when needed but I know not everybody is so fortunate. BTW I use the self-scanner (when in Tesco) to keep a running total, although Aldi and Farm Foods, where I also shop, do not have this function. Thanks for the fab video. 😊
Thanks for watching
The one benefit of the recent craziness is ordering food online for pick up. There’s no delivery fee, I don’t have a lot of time for shopping, you know exactly how much the total is as your putting together your purchase so it’s easier to stay on budget (no surprises at the register). I can shop while looking at the pantry or refrigerator & don’t have to remember if I already have something or not & most importantly if you don’t go into the store, you’r less likely to impulse buy. This all works on groceries, other items are easier to impulse buy online.
Thanks very much
Thank you for today’s video it was really helpful. I too have food anxieties and the last three years have really triggered them. Each time I turn on you tube, there are messages of upcoming food shortages and this just sends me into a spiral of anxiety. I am shopping anxious and your right I need to use your excellent strategies to go shopping with a sense of clam and having a clear plan.
Thanks very much for your feedback
Thank you Jane. This is a very interesting vlog.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi, Jane: Just have to share this. As you were talking about the temptation of snack foods, the moment you mentioned chips, a chip commercial popped up on TH-cam, and dang if I didn't briefly think about going to buy a bag!! But I didn't:) No wonder so many of us struggle to maintain a healthy weight and eat more nutritious foods. When is the last time you saw a commercial for fresh cabbage or brussel sprouts😂?
On food adverts in France, it tells you on screen to not eat between meals and the advert is for cookies!
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Not so in US. I wonder if those warnigs are effective or if not snacking between meals is engrained culturally in France? Snacking is almost expected by many folks over here. Thanks for today's video. Lots of good ideas!
@@dls9437 snacks are for children in France, adults are expected to abstain until the next meal. Being overweight is very difficult here, clothes are small.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance That's what I've heard. Certainly not the norm here, but maybe it will be one day:)
@@dls9437 snacking makes people fatter, people here are not mostly fat
Good talk Jane , I found in uk supermarkets are engineered to make you spend particular in store that sell clothes, my husband told me I have this habit of looking at clothes so now with this price rising I just get in and get out , I buy what I need for the week shop
Thanks for sharing!!
I to take a calculator shopping and write down the running total, I'd hate to get to the checkout and not have enough money, even though i stick to the list some price rises can ruin the budget, thanks for a great video.
Thanks for watching and commenting
Very good talk. I can just recall the final years of rationing in the UK. Food and money was limited but we enjoyed a varied diet. Lots of fresh produce came from the garden. My mother had a list of recipes that the only required a few and easy to obtain ingredients. She did a bit of a stocktake before going to the local shops. Cakes and snacks food not been invented and to be honest I am glad. I grew up with the mantra food was never to be wasted and it was not- tomorrow’s lunch. Supermarkets carry too much unneeded junk food and before it came onto the shelves we did not starve and I don’t think we will now.🎉😊
always so helpful, thanks again !!
My pleasure!
How many cans or bags is enough? There are 2 of us. I keep buying deals because I am prepping for all the ‘what ifs’ out there.
I have two of everything I need, when I'm down to one I buy two more so I always have 2.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thank you. How do you view prepping which encourages months of stocking up?
@@gdgirouard not necessary for us personally but it is for people who live in remote areas or somewhere with extreme weather.
@@gdgirouardI think if you can afford to, it makes sense currently, with prices going up, to have a buffer
I would say I “need” 7 pounds of frozen butter, my spouse “needs” four pkgs of whole wheat tortillas…also in the freezer.