Walmart – The High Cost of Frugal Living
April 23, 2010 by The Frugal Home
Filed under Featured, Frugal Home, Frugal Living
Last weekend I watched the documentary, Walmart – The High Cost of Low Prices. Much of the documentary I already knew or suspected but there were quite a few surprises. But this isn’t really a post about bashing Walmart, its about there not being many other options.
We do not have a lot of money, enough that we’re by no means poor, but not enough that I can afford to pay the prices at a local grocer. I am left with little option but to spend a great deal of my money at Walmart or Sam’s Club. I do try to purchase a great deal or food and other items at Aldi’s or flea markets, at Etsy, or by searching online but when we need something, food or other, it is almost always cheaper to get it at Walmart.
I dislike that I am not able to fully support other local businesses, especially as I grew up with parents who are small business owners and I am a small business owner as well. I do use a local grocer for those middle of the week runs, a local health food store for my dairy free products, and a few local flea markets for a great deal of our furniture, but these are just a small portion of my monthly food bills and other purchases.
I guess I can only do what my budget allows and continue to look for more frugal ways to purchase the things my family needs without relying so heavily on Walmart and Sam’s Club. What local businesses do you visit regularly?
Ever since I saw that movie I’ve gone out of my way to avoid going to WalMart whenever possible. It usually takes some effort, but I can often find comparable prices if I look around a little bit.
I know exactly how you feel. We try to avoid Walmart as well, but with a new baby and only one income it leaves little options. I have found however, that I am willing to sacrifice a few dollars for some smaller items. If I ever need milk or a six pack of beer, I will always go to the locally owned grocer. It’s not a full week of groceries, but it’s a start.
This is an issue I find myself grappling with on a constant basis. In theory I’d like to avoid Walmart, but I just can’t justify spending more money on the exact same item at another store just so I can pat myself on the back and say “I didn’t shop at Walmart!”
They have the best prices, and that’s not a point anyone can argue with. I have limited resources, so I need to allocate them to the best of my ability.
Yes… what I like about spring is doing a vegetable and fruit exchange. That way we support one another. Thanks for the share!
Just one word, people – actually, it’s two:) – farmers’ markets! Fresh and healthy and ethical!
Where I live, we have Esh’s Discount Groceries. We still shop at Walmart, but we only buy about half as much as we used to! AND the things we buy at Esh’s are much cheaper than at Walmart. I’m willing to bet that there are discount and ‘dented can’ grocers near most people. You just have to look!
Kalika – That’s right! We don’t have an Esh’s but we do have an Aldi’s which I bet is pretty close to the same thing!