Now that we’ve moved and I’m working from home again, I’m packing her lunch every day. One reason is because I want to monitor what she’s getting and how much she’s eating. The main reason though is the price. School lunch for elementary students is $2.30!!! Of course, rates are higher for older children and adults.

If you’re thrifty, you can pack your child a healthy lunch for less than $1 per day. Yesterday’s lunch for my daughter was a turkey and cheese sandwich on whole grain bread, sliced peaches, and a cup of milk. I pack her a Munchkin straw cup that has a valve in it, so that the milk doesn’t leak.  Of course, there is a large ice pack inside to keep everything fresh.

I’ve done the math and figured that if I bought school lunch for her everyday, it would cost about $46 per month! Ouch! That’s a good part of my grocery bill.

Please vote in our poll to the right and let us know if you buy school lunch.  We’d also like your thoughts below in the comments.  Thanks!

image by me

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Monday night I ran into Wal-Mart to get the few things we needed to complete our meals, along with the bread and other necessities.  While I was there I decided to pick up a roll of the Pillsbury orange cinnamon rolls.  They would be a nice treat for Saturday morning.  I was going to get the WM brand, but the Pillsbury brand was the same price as the generic.  Then I saw some Lender’s bagels on sale for 98 cents and I grabbed some of those.

After leaving the register, I checked my receipt (as I always do).  I usually try to check it while the stuff is being rung up, but when you have kids with you, it’s not the easiest thing to do.  I noticed I was charged $1.88 for the Pillsbury rolls and $1.18 for the Lender’s bagels.  That’s 58 cents (plus tax) that I was overcharged!

Before I went up to the customer service desk, I decided to leave my husband with the kids while I ran back to double check the prices.  Sure enough, I was overcharged.  I went to the customer service desk for my refund.  The thought came to me to let it go and leave, but then I just couldn’t shake the thought, “That’s MY 60 cents!”.  That’s not Wal-Mart’s 60 cents.  They posted a price and they need to live by it. 

I just can’t help it.  My mom instilled this value of money into me.  I’ve seen her go back up to the register many times for an over charge.

I’m curious.  How many of you would have walked away without the refund?  Have you gone back up to the counter when you’ve been over charged?

image via Morgue File

Post from: Thrifty Mommy