Appreciation post: My grocery app glitch saved me $40 on a Tuesday

I was at the Kroger on Maple Street, staring at a cart full of stuff I didn't really need. The app said my total was $112, but my budget for the week was only $75. I went back through the aisles and put back the fancy cheese, the chips, and the pre-cut fruit. I ended up with just the basics like milk, bread, and chicken. My final bill was $72. Has anyone else had a moment where a simple check stopped a big overspend?

3 comments

3 Comments

adam_thomas22d ago

Know that feeling too well. My phone died right as I was about to scan my cart at the self-checkout last week. Had to actually add up the prices in my head while the line piled up behind me. Realized I was about to drop thirty bucks on snack food I didn't need and just left it all on the belt. Walked out with just the laundry soap and a loaf of bread. Sometimes a little forced pause is all you need.

riley_ramirez8122d ago

My grocery bill dropped by forty bucks last month after my own phone died at checkout. I used to grab chips and soda without a second thought, but having to actually look at the price tags changed that. Your story, @adam_thomas, really hits home about that forced pause. Now I try to add things up in my head as I shop, and it stops a lot of dumb buys before they even get to the belt.

lindagreen21d ago

Honestly, the forced pause is huge. It’s like your brain finally gets a turn to talk over the impulse. I’ve started leaving my wallet in the car and just bringing the cash I’m okay with spending. Having to walk all the way back out to get more money gives you that same stop and think moment. Usually by then I’ve talked myself out of half the junk in the cart.