Not exactly a frugal day

[disneysteve]

We just got back from Walmart. Of course, Walmart is a favorite among those looking to stretch their dollars a little farther. The problem is we often end up spending money we weren't necessarily planning to spend.

1. I needed a Disney necktie for a gift. In Disney World, they sell for about $35.00. Since we aren't going to Disney until November, I needed to find one locally. Walmart had one for $8.96.

2. We have been wanting to get the Wii Fit game since we got our Wii. Numerous people have told us it is a lot of fun and good exercise. Since all of us need to get off our butts and move more, we consider this an investment in ourselves. The store had just gotten in 2 units so we grabbed one - $89.99.

3. DD and I have been bike riding a lot but have been limited to riding around the neighborhood because we don't have a rack for the car. I checked Dick's and they wanted $50 for a 2-bike rack. I really wanted a 3-bike one so all of us could go. Target had a 2-bike rack for $40, but still I wanted to look around. Sure enough, Walmart had a 3-bike rack for $39. Again, a want but one with our health in mind.

4. Assorted everyday items that we needed anyway - shampoo (Walmart is cheapest and sells a bulk package that nobody else carries), some final school supplies and a couple of other necessity items.

End result was we spent nearly $200 on a quick trip, but I think we got good prices on everything (Wii Fit is the same price everywhere) and got some stuff that will get us in better shape, always a good thing.

[maat55]

I fell of the wagon myself. We went to the EAGLES concert last night. We spent 43.00 including tip eating out and paid 10.00 for a buggie to the entrance. Inside we bought 2 9.00 margaritas. Tickets were 210.00 or so all together.

Total: 281.00 for one evening. But it was GREAT!!!!!!!!

[sweeps]

I fell of the wagon myself. We went to the EAGLES concert last night. We spent 43.00 including tip eating out and paid 10.00 for a buggie to the entrance. Inside we bought 2 9.00 margaritas. Tickets were 210.00 or so all together.

Total: 281.00 for one evening. But it was GREAT!!!!!!!!

Being frugal vs. being interesting. You chose being interesting.

Walmart is a favorite among those looking to stretch their dollars a little farther.

Walmart is really not that cheap anymore. If they happen to be cheaper on something, it's by 12 cents or so ($xx.99 vs. $xx.87) And of course they never have sales or coupons... just annoying customers and nonexistent salespeople.

[kork13]

Being frugal vs. being interesting. You chose being interesting.

But then, as mentioned elsewhere, it's good to take a break from it all and do something you enjoy. $300 for a really enjoyable night with the mrs. that you'll look back on happily for years? yea, whatever. Keeping in mind, Maat prolly isn't one of those that has inexorably broken the bank and sold the farm on this one night out.

Eagles concert.... wow, I didn't know they were still performing! How's that for pop culture standing the test of time?

[disneysteve]

Walmart is really not that cheap anymore.

I think it depends on the item in question. As I said, I got a silk necktie for $8.96. In Disney World, a silk tie would be $35.00. My daughter got her shampoo and conditioner. The regular size bottles are cheapest there and they carry bulk size bottles that we haven't seen anywhere else which have an even lower unit price. Then I got the bike rack that holds 3 and was cheaper than the one at Target that only holds 2. Both DW and DD bought personal care items that we always go to Walmart for because they consistently have the best prices.

[atomicrc11]

steve, I understand your issue. The closest Walmart to us is 15 miles away, so we don't usually go there. We usually go to Target for our items and then go to Costco which is right down the road. We went today and ended up spending $120. Not bad though, consider we bought a lot of good quality meat at Costo and will freeze it for later use. We also ended up with other things that were certain worth it, but we probably spent more than if we just went to the local supermarket.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I love the eagles. We saw last month jack johnson, fantastic. It meant a weekend in Montreal! And an all day rock concert. I've also done front row seats for my DH's one and only hockey team! eek, besides the fact I had a few beers to drown the pain of sitting there pretending to watch the puck.

I love concerts. This year we also did a symphony, musical, and broadway show.

[Cassandra]

Walmart is really not that cheap anymore. If they happen to be cheaper on something, it's by 12 cents or so ($xx.99 vs. $xx.87) And of course they never have sales or coupons... just annoying customers and nonexistent salespeople.

Not true. The prices of video games are pretty much standard so a video game at Walmart will cost the same elsewhere, but for everything else (or just about) Walmart is cheaper. I bought a 1.5 gallon tank for my fish at PetSmart for $25 and a week later found it at Walmart for $15.

DisneySteve, Wii fit is a lot of fun. A friend of mine has it and I've used it a few times. You and your family will love it.

[sweeps]

One fish tank doesn't prove a point.

What I'm saying is in general, prices at Walmart aren't that great anymore. At one time you could be certain that whatever you were getting at Walmart was noticably cheaper than anywhere else. You just can't count on that anymore.

[Scanner]

I have to say, I am a Target customer (across the street from Walmart). . . the aisles are wider. . .it's cleaner, etc, etc.

But we have a newborn and the formula is like seriously cheaper at Walmart.

I mean seriously. . . like $8.00/can cheaper (the powdered stuff). So. . .we grudgingly go in and buy 5-10 cans and save $50-80.00.

There are some things I admit you just can't beat them on.

[sweeps]

I must live in an alternate universe or something.

Formula was not cheaper at Walmart than Target for me. Again, maybe 12 cents cheaper -- that's all.

Best deal I would get was the Friday morning coupons for Walgreens. ($10 off $30, etc.) Buy a bunch of cans of formula on those days. Even though Walgreens was more expensive, the coupon made it a good deal.

Next best was waiting for a sale at Babies R Us.

[disneysteve]

I must live in an alternate universe or something.

Perhaps.

I know that everything we bought on Sunday, with the exception of the Wii Fit which is price-fixed, was cheaper at Walmart than at any other store. I also happened to pass the digital cameras and stopped to look because we just bought one for DD. The camera we bought was $99.99 at Target and was on sale last week for $94.99. At Walmart, their everyday price was $89.99. So while they don't do sales, they really don't need to.

[GREENBACK]

Our Wal-Mart is down the road from both Meijer and Target and all the prices are virtually the same due to competition. I love it, because they all scramble for your buisness. You can get any of them to match their competitors prices with little effort.

[PrincessPerky]

Walmart is not a 'sure thing' but if ou pay attention many times there are things cheaper there, you have to look though.

[rob62521]

What I'm saying is in general, prices at Walmart aren't that great anymore. At one time you could be certain that whatever you were getting at Walmart was noticably cheaper than anywhere else. You just can't count on that anymore.

It's like everything -- if you can, comparison shop.

And, Disneysteve, you spent money you had on things you wanted and Wal-Mart used it's hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising bucks to it's advantage...they are masters in marketing!