My grocery bill went from $220 to $140 a week and the only thing that changed was when I shop
Two years ago I did all my shopping on Sunday afternoons because that was the only free time I had between shifts. I was spending about $220 a week for two people and just accepted it as normal. Then last spring my schedule flipped and I started going Tuesday mornings around 8am instead. Same store, same list, same brands, but the total dropped to $140 almost every week. I finally figured out the Sunday trip was costing me extra because I was buying whatever was left after the weekend rush, plus I was grabbing more pre-cut stuff since I was tired. The Tuesday run also means I actually check the markdown cart, which alone saves me $20 to $30 on meat. Anyone else notice their bill change just from switching up the day or time they shop?
Tuesday 8am at my Kroger means the bakery rack in the back is still full of yesterday's bread at half off. Sunday at 2pm that rack is wiped clean and I end up paying full price for a loaf that's gone in two days anyway. The meat markdown cart is the real winner though, I've pulled $6 packs of chicken thighs that were $14 on Saturday. Weekend crowds just buy everything at sticker price because they're rushed. Shop when nobody else wants to and the store basically pays you back.