Do NOT do what I did!

I have found that one of the biggest keys to saving money on my grocery budget is planning ahead and being organized. I attempt to make this a common practice but this is proof that I failed at my attempt and ended up with expensive cheese dip.

This past weekend we were invited to a Super Bowl party and I decided I would like to take Taco Cheese Dip and chips. I needed Velveeta Cheese. Earlier in the week I was at Target and picked up a box of Velveeta. $4.99 for a box of cheese seemed a little steep. I did have a coupon for $1.00 off which brings it down to $3.99.

I almost bought it but then I remembered that we were going to Wooster for my husbands hockey game and I could stop at Walmart and get my much needed cheese. :) Surely it would be priced less at Walmart and I could still use my coupon. Yeah!

Here's the problem: We went to Wooster and we were almost home when I remember I still needed cheese. :( Bummer. Our little town just doesn't have much to offer in the form of grocery stores. I had to go to the little gas station and ended up paying a whopping $6.99 for my cheese.

Yes, I should have bought my cheese at Target AND

Yes, I should have been willing to change plans and make something different instead of forking out that much for a bit of cheese.

No, this isn't a feel good story of getting things for free but it is reality. It happens from time to time but I have found I can eliminate a lot of these type of issues by being organized and planning ahead.

Keep a few things on hand that you can make or serve for unexpected company. I have found it to come in handy SO many times.