TGG...a way to save money or a hobby?

Admin Randy's Wife · #1 11-03-2009, 09:15 AM

What is TGG for you? Is TGG just a way, a tool for you to save money and cut down on the grocery bill? Or do you consider it more of a hobby for you... something enjoyable, you love to GG and the rush of the savings and size of your stockpile?

When I started 2 1/2 years ago, I simply did it in the beginning as a way to save money and help us out financially. But, boy oh boy, did it turn into a hobby for me quick! Now, obviously the less spending, more groceries surely helps us out. But, I do consider it a true hobby...even on weeks that I don't need to shop....I want to shop, can't wait to hit a store with my Q's and I have to find some type of deal to go score on no matter what it is!

bellaboodaisy · #2 11-03-2009, 09:29 AM

You just described me in a nutshell. It started as a way for us to save money, that was it. After our first shop, DH & I were totally hooked! We look forward to Sunday's when we do our shopping, we do it as a family and enjoy it thoroughly!

I get so excited when the list comes up and I can scroll through it to see what sort of fantastic deals I can score! I love it!!

makintraks · #3 11-03-2009, 09:36 AM

I had to find a way to change the grocery end of things. I hate shopping so I would go when I was down ot nothing, spend about $300 at WM for groceries and household items and repeat the cycle every 3-3 1/3 weeks. I then went as needed to buy produce & fruit (once every 7-10 days). I bought my dairy and some of my fruits and fresh veggies at Braums every 7-10 days. I was spending at least $400 and up each month and never had much to choose from for dinner beyond the first few days after shopping. Oh I also bought most of my meat at a local meat market (except chicken/fish), I shopped there about once a month.

Now I just budget $100 a week, buy my needs, then spend all the rest on stockpiling. When the weather gets cold I hope to just do needs shopping for 3-4 months and start shopping deals again in March or so. I have really been shopping for a longer time than 3 months.......my goal has always been to shop to hold me thru the winter--and since I rejoined in March, I have been shopping with that in mind all these months.

Tigger · #4 11-03-2009, 09:37 AM

It is a way for me to spend my money wisely. That being said, it could be considered a hobby. I enjoy what I am doing. Many hobbies have limits due to the costs. This is low cost enjoyment.

Admin Randy's Wife · #5 11-03-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tigger

It is a way for me to spend my money wisely. That being said, it could be considered a hobby. I enjoy what I am doing. Many hobbies have limits due to the costs. This is low cost enjoyment.

That is true, DH is thrilled that I have such an affordable hobby, lol!

mrsmuffin · #6 11-03-2009, 10:12 AM

It was the money savings that made me check out TGG, but to me it is definitely a hobby now. That is not to say that we don't have months that it is a true blessing to be able to save the money!

meramr · #7 11-03-2009, 10:17 AM

It started as a way to save money but ohhhh I am having so much fun with it!

It is definitely a really fun hobby that doesn't cost money and I look forward to shopping now! I also love getting the mail to see what ads, coupons, free samples, or rebate checks are waiting for me.

I have tried so many new things in the past couple of months including making my own versions of processed foods that I would never have tried before. I would have just bought them because it was 'faster'. I've made my own cream soups, manwich, bread, pizza sauce, taco & fajita seasonings, salsa, hamburger/tuna helpers, detergent, and who knew vinegar could be used for so many things? I'm more apt to reuse or repurpose things we already have instead of buying new ones.

It is amazing how it has changed my perspective on things and I absolutely love it.

Admin frugalmama · #8 11-03-2009, 11:15 AM

It is both for me. In weeks where I don't have a lot of time, it is a way to save $. When I have time to do the extra I want to like premake things, clip my coupons, do large shops, etc. it is definitely a hobby. That is what I love about GG...it is flexible!

memoryworkshop · #9 11-03-2009, 11:25 AM

Definitely started as a way to save money. The thrill of the deal and the satisfaction of the stockpile make it fun. I wouldn't call it a hobby, maybe more of a lifestyle choice

Tigger · #10 11-03-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memoryworkshop

Definitely started as a way to save money. The thrill of the deal and the satisfaction of the stockpile make it fun. I wouldn't call it a hobby, maybe more of a lifestyle choice

Lifestyle choice - I like that way to phrase it.