Usually, for our monthly groceries, I shop at Hy-Vee, Sam’s Club, and occasionally Moser’s. Hy-Vee is a “big box store” and it has the best produce around. Sam’s Club has the best deals on fresh steaks, pork, etc. Moser’s is a locally-owned grocery store that has some extremely great deals on varying things. Recently, a new Aldi grocery store was built in Columbia. We’ve had an Aldi for a long time, but I never shopped there. Why? Well, because I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m a snob. There was always a certain stigma attached to shopping at Aldi, but I’m 38 years old now. I should know better than to think such things. So, I checked out the new store. My first time in there I was a bit stunned by the prices on some of the various foods. $1.39 for a box of graham crackers? I usually pay $2.50 at our regular shopping spot. Snacks for the kids cost me $5. Easily $12 at my regular stores. That convinced me to return. The next time in there I found MORE things at a distinctly discounted rate, not the least of which was frozen chicken nuggets for $2 less a bag. On my last menu plan, I spent $110 for two weeks worth of food between Aldi and Hy-Vee. Shopping at Hy-Vee alone would have been $200. Somehow I can’t ignore saving $90. This month, I’m experimenting a bit more and I’ve spent a grand total of $50 at Hy-Vee (mostly milk, coffee, and produce) and only $140 at Aldi. At this rate, our monthly grocery bill will total out to less than $250. THAT IS APPROXIMATELY A $250 PER MONTH SAVINGS. Let me repeat that…$250. While I will continue to shop at Hy-Vee, Sam’s Club, and Moser’s for some things, Aldi has become my main grocery store. And next time I find myself thinking that some place is beneath me, I’ll think twice…. How funny that a grocery store slapped me back to reality.