Friends! Let’s talk about shopping locally-when, how, where, and how to stretch our dollars, shall we? If you know me, you’ll know that I am a fan of shopping locally. But I also think there’s a big push to only shop locally. And I’m here to tell you that that ideal is not always possible. There. I said it. It’s just not always possible. Read on to find out what I mean.
First up, my theory is that you shop locally when you can. Everyone seems to eschew big box stores. I get it. I do too. But I would not be able to stockpile certain things without the big box stores. No way. My budget doesn’t allow for local shopping all the time. So how do you know when to shop locally? Well. You have to do your research. If you read this post then you know I’m a big believer in doing research (umm…hello…librarian here). So. You set your budget and then you check the ads for the stores. Does the local feed store carry mason jars? Are their prices competitive with the big box stores? Yes? Then go stock up on your mason jars at the local Agway. If not, then hit your local big box store and save some money.
I should also note that for me, the local big box stores are at least 45 minutes away. So I have to factor in time and gas in order to shop there. I also have to factor this in for most local shopping as well. My town is not known for it’s retail options, but we are fortunate to have a few really good locally owned businesses. You’ve heard me talk about my local grocery store (which I haven’t been in in weeks). I also meal plan and ‘shop’ the freezers and pantry.
Right now we are in the ‘make do with what you have’ stage. If you recall, I just did a big stockpile run. And I just cleaned out and reorganized the freezers (more on that at a later date) and we are flush with meat right now. I’ll be heading to the local(ish) farm stand this week to stock up on whatever they have in season (more on that at a later date too). The garden has been planted and now we’re tending it to help it grow. I hope to have enough from the garden to ‘put up’ for the coming year.
So. What’s the point in all of this? It’s to say that you have to do what you think is best. Do I really like supporting the big box stores? No. But sometimes I can’t afford a monthly meat subscription from a local business. But what I can, and do, do is buy my meat in bulk from my favorite farmer and I buy raw milk from the dairy down the road. I try to make as much from scratch as I can (and you’ll be seeing a lot more about that in the near future too). But friends. My budget is tiny. And I have to stretch that dollar the best I can. So sometimes I have to go to Sam’s Club. Sometimes I even have to go to Walmart or shop on Amazon.
And if you do shop at big box stores, one thing I’ve found very helpful is to build carts or start a list in my notebook. Then when I’ve gotten enough stuff in the cart or on the list, I start to pair it down. Then I’ll go shopping. I try to only order Amazon every few months. And it’s only for things that I can’t buy economically near me. I don’t shop every week. Shocker, I know. I don’t hit the grocery store every week any more. I don’t even purchase the Misfits boxes any more! And we hardly ever eat out anymore. That includes fast food. But every once in a while, I’ll splurge and have lunch from the local café.
What about clothes? I shop at the thrift store. And I don’t do that often. Usually a few times a year. I find that I can live without a lot of things now. So, my point is shop locally when and how you can. And don’t worry about the rest. Set your budget, stretch that dollar locally as best you can, but also realize your limitations. Be as self sufficient as you can, when you can. But most importantly, do what’s best for you. What creative ways do you have for stretching your dollar? Do you shop locally? Do you have a budget that you are working with? What does ‘shopping locally’ mean to you?
’til next time
-k
xoxo