- May 6, 2024
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So I know you guys have lives and stuff, but if you recall a column I wrote a month ago, I took a stand against the overwhelming amount of dollar stores we have within our city limits. I ranted on for a few hundred words about how it's too much, and we need more diversity in our retail market.
While I still stand by some of that, I have since learned that dollar stores kind of rule — especially when adulting hits, and you have to give up your daily Starbucks lifestyle.
I’ll be the first to admit that I'm little naive when it comes to money. Usually when I'm shopping for groceries, I don’t think twice about what I’m throwing in my cart. My philosophy tends to be: "I want it. I’m buying it."
But let me stop you mid-eye roll there friend to let you know that I’m currently doing some super grown up things that have changed that philosophy and turned me into a very frugal person.
Like attempting-to-live-off-$30-a-week kind of frugal.
While I’m mostly saving money by mooching off my friends and making a large Hawaiian pizza last an entire week, I have been missing my one passionate love in life: shopping for useless things I don’t need. And also having a fully stocked fridge.
I thought it would be months before I could go on a "normal" shopping trip again — until my mom changed my life, per usual.
She originally came over to help me get out my fall/Halloween decorations, but we realized I only had like, two pumpkin candle holders. Between that, and noticing that my fridge was getting scary empty, she suggested we go out and pick up a few things.
My heart screamed Target, but my bank account whispered Dollar Tree.
And while I thought I'd just get my basic necessities, I actually ended up finding some really awesome stuff for only twenty bucks: off-brand deodorant, blackberry wine, potato chips, two screaming baby masks for Halloween, a huge bouncy ball, a pumpkin-scented candle, and a big pack of Slim Jims. It was nothing short of insane.
So I’m sorry Dollar Tree, Dollar General and whatever other dollar stores may exist in my zip code. I misjudged you by your sometimes sketchy exterior and failed to get to know all the strange and wonderful products you provide on the inside.
Now who wants to buy me a pizza?
