An SMwA Success Story: Elyse Speaks
Welcome to Saving Money with Andrew!
Elyse is a busy 30something mom. When she’s not helping underprivileged kids in her day job as a social worker, she and her husband take care of two young children, a horse, two goats, and a rescue dog. She also happens to be my sister-in-law. To maintain her privacy, I’ve attached a picture of her horse and goats instead of her.
Tell me about your recent money-saving win
Grocery shopping is stressful. My kids make the process as difficult as possible. For convenience, I go to a smaller market close to my house, instead of the big chain a few miles away. The smaller market isn’t as expensive as Whole Foods, but their prices are higher than the big chain.
I started to notice my grocery bill was creeping up and up and that I was doing a lot of impulse shopping. I was more tempted to buy pre-made food, unnecessary snacks that looked good, and grabbing things to give my kids on the way home. My weekly bill increased from $150 per week to $225, which was concerning.
One week I couldn’t make it to the store and decided to order groceries online from the big chain. The first order was $130 for my normal items and I got an instant money-saving high! My first thought was “Andrew would be SO proud!”. I’ve started ordering delivery from them every week, and my average bill is back to about $150 per week. Even better, they always waive the $5 delivery fee so no guilt there!
How easy has it been to make and stick with this change?
It’s been super easy, but with a few sacrifices. The pre-made food at the big chain just isn’t as fresh so I don’t get it, the staff doesn’t always pick the best looking produce, and they sometimes make substitutions I wouldn’t choose. But I tell myself a slightly brown banana is worth $75 in savings each week and suck it up. I think I’ll stick to grocery delivery about 80% of the time.
What are you planning to do with the money you're saving on groceries? Is there anything in particular you're saving for?
We’re planning a trip to Colombia in the spring and there is a luxury hotel by the beach calling my name. By putting about $200 extra into my savings each month, I feel I can justify the nicer hotel.
Have you successfully implemented any other Saving Money with Andrew tips?
Yes! Saving Money with Andrew is a family favorite over here. We have moved to credit cards with additional cashback and switched to all LED lighting.
Coming off this big win, are there any words of wisdom you'd like to share with the Saving Money with Andrew readership?
Consider your trade-offs. Grocery delivery may be slightly worse than picking out your own stuff, but chances are it will all be fine and worth the money and time saved.
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And now, Andrew’s pick(s) of the week:
62 years after her professional debut at 18 years old (!), Columbia Records is planning to release a live album of one of Barbra Streisand’s first concerts at a small club in Greenwich Village. Whatever you think of Barbra, and even if you don’t like her at all, I encourage you to listen to this November 1962 track, recently posted on YouTube. It is absolutely incredible. And if you enjoyed it, you’d probably like her recent interview with The Guardian.
Also:
Cockatoos Are Getting Smarter. Should Humans Be Worried?
What We’ve Lost Playing the Lottery
Some good tips for dealing with large medical bills
I hope this has been helpful. If you liked it, please share it on social media! Also, please send me your feedback, requests, and success stories.