Fredericksburg Parent

8 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • March 2021 WRITTEN BY DEBRA CAFFREY practical pantry practical pantry APOLOGIZING APOLOGIZING APOLOGIZING APOLOGIZING APOLOGIZING STOP STOP and and It's a well-established joke that there are plenty of "Karens" out there who, in an eff ort to get what they want, are nasty and high-maintenance to businesses, em- ployees, clerks and cashiers. I'm not really a fan of using this tle, but we can all agree that there are indeed lots of individuals who expect too much from an establishment and fail to ask for assistance the right way. But does this mean that the rest of us should always remain mousy and complacent even if we need more service? It's important to remember asking for assistance or taking full advantage of services shouldn't automa cally equate with being demanding or expec ng too much. Some- mes one can risk being too self-conscious about coming across the wrong way. In the end, remaining silent doesn't help your budget. When it comes to grocery shopping in par cular, there are plenty of opportuni es to save money and avoid spending unnecessarily by reminding ourselves that it's OK to ask for help. Here are some grocery store scenarios I feel it's me to not only stop feeling guilty about, but are also examples of ways to cut back on avoidable spending. SAVING! START START Asking For Fresher Produce You planned a nice meal and head to the produce sec on of the store only to fi nd that the baby bok choy and fresh ginger at the center of your s r-fry are not there. It's OK to ask the produce employees if there are any in the back, as long as you ask nicely. I fi nd that I have to do this pre y much every me I shop for groceries. Don't feel badly about this. You also have every right to ask if there are fresher or newer fruits/vegetables in the back, if you fi nd there are only two sad looking potatoes or a handful of shriveled up mushrooms in the bin. There are usually more wai ng to be unpacked. Asking nicely can save me and money. Se ling on a package of pre-cut broccoli instead of a whole head because you feel shy will only double the price. If you wait and try again later in the week, or go to another store, you're increasing the likelihood that you'll spend more on other impulse items. Save yourself and just ask kindly! Using Coupons Figuring out how to enter in coupons is part of a cashier's job responsibili es. I've certainly had my fair share of employees who aren't afraid to show their stress about entering coupons when I hand them over, but I've learned over the years to not feel guilty about it. Manufacturers and stores are giving out coupons in order to get your business. In other words, you have every right to use coupons, even if the cashier has to call over a manager to fi gure something out. Be friendly, stay orga- nized, keep the coupons neat, and follow the rules. Beyond that, stand back and relax–you're saving money, and that's nothing to feel ashamed about.

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