My uncle's 3 month rule saved our grocery budget by accident

Last year my uncle told me to wait 3 days before buying anything over 20 bucks, including groceries. I thought it was dumb at first, but then I started writing items on a list and checking prices twice. What happened was I realized half the stuff I wanted was just cravings, not needs. My weekly bill dropped from 140 to about 95, and I actually eat more leftovers now. Has anyone else tried a waiting period on groceries, or does that just not work for families?

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nora1015d agoMost Upvoted

Waiting three days might work for you, but calling it a "3 month rule" is just wrong. Your uncle said three months, you waited three days. Those are totally different things. A three month wait would mean you never buy fresh produce or dairy because it goes bad. The real trick you found is impulse control, not a waiting period, and that works for any family if you plan meals ahead. The price checking twice part probably saved you more than the waiting did, since you caught sales and swaps. Just don't give the uncle credit for something you actually built yourself.