Keeping the Fridge Full

Published on: October 18, 2003

by Shauna Harrison

Ah, we're at the new phase in life that we have all wished, prayed, and, yes, even begged for. The phase where we can cut the cord, let go, and venture into the world of independence. It may happen your freshman year of college, your first "real" job, or the beginning of grad school. Yep, it's that period of complete uncertainty masked by the "I've got it under control" façade, otherwise known as the "twenty-somethings."

Independence as a concept is great. The reality, however, is a lot more daunting. Your bubble bursts when day after day, you open the fridge after work and/or class and the magic food fairy (otherwise known as MOM) did not bippity-boppity-boo a home-cooked meal for you. You don't have money to go out to dinner (that shoe sale was too good to pass up!) and the fast food alternative of a big, greasy $.99 burger isn't going to jive with your new "healthy eating" plan. Sigh. I don't wanna grow up.

I am the first to admit that living on my own is tough. After living in college dorms and then at home with my parents. I'm now out on my own for the first time. Gone are the days of dining services where, even if the options weren't all that appealing, at least I had the trusty salad bar. Gone are the Sunday dinners that Mom made that I enjoyed all the way until at least Wednesday. Gone is the well-stocked fridge. The shopping, preparing, and cooking are all on me. Oh, and then let's not forget that stagnant bank account.

So, if you have found yourself nodding your head while reading this, read on. I have some hints that might be helpful for saving money at the grocery store.

Bust out the coupons - Two words: Sunday paper. I buy it just to find the sales and coupons. I have no shame in dropping six coupons at checkout! There are in-store coupons as well. Those little coupon dispensers up and down the aisles are there for more than child entertainment.
Club cards - They work. I love hearing, "Thank you Ms. Harrison. You saved $13.26 today." Score! (I know. It's a twisted game I play.)
Store brands - Ok, so there are certain things that it's worth spending the extra money for, but for basics (milk, sugar, rice, pasta, etc.) store brands are fine.
Only buy what you will use - Be careful with the "more for less" claim. Don't waste money on items that will go bad before you can finish them, even if you have to shop more than once a week. However ...
Bulk can be good - For things like toilet paper, paper towels, soups, oatmeal, bottled water, vitamins, etc. if bulk is available and cheaper (you really have to check that part, don't let them fool you) go for it! For those of you who, like me, can spare the room in your freezer (my frozen vegetables, ice trays, and sorbet get lonely in that big empty space) chicken breasts can be bought in big packages as well as some other frozen items.
Know your stores - Pay attention to prices and you'll quickly learn which ones have cheaper items. Trader Joe's (a personal favorite) is known for having lower priced and great quality items.
Buy in season - Don't try and buy cherries in January. Fresh produce is always cheaper when it's in season.

I realize that these are not novel ideas, but honestly, until you are faced with an empty fridge, an empty wallet and an empty stomach, you don't even think about them. It's not impossible to shop on a budget and eat relatively healthily. The bargains are just waiting to be found. You know that nothing will appear in that fridge until YOU put it in there, so close the door, grab your coupons, and head to the grocery store.

Column Archives

For archived copies of 12 Tumultuous, Transitional Twenties stories, click the links below:
Page 1 2

April 4, 2004

Spring Madness

January 24, 2004

Celebrate Good Times…

January 10, 2004

Back in the Groove

December 27, 2003

New Year, New You?

December 20, 2003

Danger: Party Zone!

December 13, 2003

Bakin' in a Winter Wonderland

November 22, 2003

Thanksgiving Survival Tips

November 15, 2003

Fast, Fast, Fast!

November 8, 2003

Brown Bag'n It

November 1, 2003

Finding a Balance Between Saving Money and Treating Yourself