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Can You Buy Local at Your Commissary?

07/28/2014 By Jessica Aycock

“Eating local” is a popular buzz phrase in the media.

Experts suggest that eating locally grown foods is better for the environment, the economy and your health.

Local foods usually have less environmental impact. Foods that are grown locally don’t spend a lot of time in transit, so you’re getting them at their freshest. All those transit costs have to be made up somewhere and that usually means on the consumer end. Not only that, but often local farms are small and do it old school by using less pesticides or chemicals to keep costs down.

Less pesticides & chemicals = better health for you and your family.

Buying locally helps your community. Think of local farmers as local businesses. By giving them your money, you are helping to keep a small business in … well, business. That goes a long way in today’s economy.

One thing is absolutely certain– local food just tastes better. If you have ever eaten cherry tomatoes warm from the vine, you’d agree that they taste different than anything from the stores. Or fresh strawberries in the field.

But, how easy is it to really buy locally? Especially if you do most of your shopping at the commissary?

Not as hard as you’d imagine, actually. Most commissaries (and grocery stores) have begun labeling the origin of fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you’re headed to your local military commissary this month or in August, you may want to check it out on a weekend. Select commissaries are highlighting local food in an outdoor farmers market setting. You’ll be able to pick up any of your favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables.

If you’re lucky enough to live near Fort Meade, Md., Fort Bragg, N.C., Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. and March Air Resrve Base, Calif., you could see a whole new layout to your commissary soon. SpouseBuzz reported the new layout is part of a Healthier Base Initiative that puts healthy options in the limelight.

Do you shop locally at your commissary? How is the selection?

10 Signs You are Frugal to a Fault

07/25/2014 By Kimber Green

Are you guilty of being frugal to a fault?

Is it really worth it to only have single ply tissue?

I love saving money. My proudest moment in savvy shopping was when I haggled with a Navy Exchange salesperson to reduce the price of a patio set by 55% and it wasn’t even on sale. However there have been times when I have to admit, I’ve been guilty of being frugal to a fault.

Here are 10 ways you think you’re saving money, but are actually spending more. (Yes I am guilty too.)

Clipping ALL Coupons: We all love coupons, but if you buy something you don’t need just because there’s a coupon, you are wasting money. The flyer when you walk into the commissary is full of coupons but do you really need everything offered or do you just feel the need to buy them because there is a coupon? Don’t buy the bottle of mouthwash just to save 50 cents.
Buying Sale Items: You see that big red sale sign and are drawn to it. Though you know you don’t need it, you no doubt instantly come up with a reason you should buy it. Read sale signs carefully. Target has red clearance signs that make you think you’re getting a great deal, but quite often it’s only a few cents difference. Seriously, numerous times I have almost picked something up only to read the fine print that it’s only 5 cents off the regular price.
Creating Upcycled Crafts: Turning something into a craft project sounds good and fun, but how much money did you just spend buying all the other things you’ll need to turn that toilet paper roll into something?
Redeeming a Store Credit Card Discount: As you check out of most stores these days the clerk will likely ask if you want to save 15% by opening a store account. You might want to open their little pamphlet and check out the details first. The 29% APR is going to change your mind.
Buying in bulk isn’t always the best way to save money.
Purchasing Warranties: As Consumer Reports points out, it isn’t worth the money in most cases. You might be spending more money than your product is worth and many companies will work with you regardless because they want to keep customer service positive.
Buying in Bulk: Do you really need 5 gallons of mayonnaise? Will it go bad before you can use it all? Before you buy something break down the price per ounce to see if it really is cheaper.
Being a Cash Hound: Saving money for a rainy day is great, but keeping large amounts of cash on hand is actually causing you to lose money. You’re missing out on interest you would be earning through a checking account or other financial endeavor.
Buying More for the Free Shipping: I’m guilty of this one. I just can’t stand the idea of paying more for shipping than I did for the product itself. If shipping will cost the same no matter how much I buy then I feel like I should get more for the money. Similarly, if spending $75 qualifies for free shipping but you’re only up to $60, do you buy more to meet that amount?
Making Your Own (fill in the blank): Pinterest has many wonderful ideas. Is it really worth the money to spend the time to make some of these things (ie. beer, laundry detergent, butter)? Many DIY projects require buying supplies that you’ll only use for one project.
Being Cheap. If you are so over the top frugal that you will only buy what’s at the cheapest price possible you might just be missing out. Is it really worth it to only have single ply tissue? Did you buy something so poorly made that it breaks and you have to buy another? Did you thaw out a chicken breast and not get around to cooking it until 5 days later and make yourself eat it even if it is bad just because you don’t want to waste the money you spent?
Keeping cash on hand is actually causing you to lose money.

Sometimes being frugal just doesn’t add up.

What have you done to save money that ended up costing you more?

Wife Searching for the Spouse Sisterhood

07/21/2014 By Julie Provost

Dear MilitaryShoppers,

I’m new to the military. My husband joined late (he was 26 years old) and we have 2 kids, ages 5 and 2 years old. We just moved to our first duty station, San Diego. My husband is working all the time and I’m home with the kids. How do I meet people and make friends? I thought the military was one big fraternity of support. Please help.

Signed,

Lonely at Camp Pendleton

Dear Lonely at Camp Pendleton,

It can be difficult to meet people and really feel like you have a circle of friends when you first move somewhere. Sometimes it takes months. I tell myself that it can take up to six months to find a group of friends in a new location. You sometimes need time to get used to your new surroundings and to feel comfortable with your new home.

There are some things that you can do to make new friends at your new duty station. You should check and see if they have any activities for kids. At a lot of places they have different playgroups that you can join. These are great places to make some new friends. Go in with a smile, be friendly and you should be able to meet some new people. You can also take your kids to the park and see if you can meet some people there. Usually you will find other moms at the park that you probably have something in common with.

Make sure to do a search on Facebook for groups out of Camp Pendleton. You can join these groups and find out when they meet up in real life. You might be able to find a group that has to do with one of your hobbies such as fitness or reading.

If you are religious, church is another great way to make some friends. There are also Bible studies you can attend on most military installations.

The key is finding an activity that you or your kids enjoy and finding others who enjoy it too. When you attend these groups, you know going in that you have at least a few things in common with them.

Good luck to you as you search out what is available in your community. Before you know it will you be making friends and will have the circle of support you are looking for.

Stop Committing Professional Networking Suicide

07/18/2014 By Michelle Volkmann

Dating is WAY easier than networking. Once you get married, you are no longer on the hunt for your spouse. You can relax. You are done. When it comes to professional networking, you are never done. Keeping your network alive and vibrant takes persistence and constant involvement, like a healthy marriage. It’s a tango of two people that’s a win-win for both parties.

In today’s professional world, people are either good at networking or terrible at networking. Military spouses who can negotiate the social tightrope of professional networking find themselves jumping from job to job like a trapeze artist. Others try and find that their network is nonexistent. Or worst yet, nonresponsive.

Networking is essential for military spouses in the job hunt. Essential. A nonexistent or nonresponsive network will kill your career faster than you can say “We’re moving in 6 months.”

Are you committing professional networking suicide?

[Read more…]

5 Barriers to Mental Health Treatment for Military Spouses

07/16/2014 By Jessica Aycock

Last month we talked about PTSD and mental health of our service members. Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones who need therapy. The all-too-familiar stressors of military life– such as deployments, separations, frequent moves and a feeling of isolation– can be a catalyst for psychological distress.

Military Spouses Face Hurdles to Mental Health Help

Depression and other mental distress can affect military spouses. Many don’t seek help because they face serious hurdles.

It’s normal. What isn’t normal is the barriers that stand in the way of receiving treatment for military spouses.

Three doctors with the Department of Psychiatry at Oregon Health and Sciences University did a study recently that examined why military spouses are underserved when it comes to mental health treatment. The study outlined 5 barriers military spouses face:

inability to attend daytime appointments
inability to find a counselor who understands their needs
inability to find a counselor they could trust
concerns about confidentiality
lack of knowledge about where to get services

With at least 1 million spouses of active duty, Reserve or National Guard service members, this is highly unacceptable.

Let’s take a closely look at each barrier to mental health treatment for military spouses.

Barrier #1: Inability to Attend Daytime Appointments

Most military spouses are either working outside the home or have children. While spouses are quite resourceful, sometimes it’s not possible to get away in the middle of the day. Solution: Counselors should offer evening appointments or provide child care for clients. Another option, although nontraditional, counselors could make house calls and meet the client in their environment.

Barrier #2: Inability to Find a Counselor Who Understands Their Needs

Anyone who has sought mental health help knows how important it is to find a therapist or provider you connect with. Someone who understands your situation and can advise accordingly. This shouldn’t be difficult in military towns, but it can be particularly difficult for National Guard or Reserve families. Solution: Find a counselor you can connect with and educate them throughout your sessions. If that feels too daunting, check out MilitaryOneSource.mil and set up a phone or online counseling session with someone knowledgeable about the lifestyle. ALL members of the National Guard and Reserves and their immediate family members are eligible to use MilitaryOneSource.

Barriers to mental health treatment for military spouses

Finding someone you can trust can be a huge hurdle. Don’t give up.

Barriers #3 & 4: Inability to Find a Counselor They Can Trust & Concerns About Confidentiality

It’s not uncommon for individuals to be nervous about divulging a lot of personal information to a perfect stranger. Especially for individuals who have been drilled with the importance of OPSEC and PERSEC. On top of that, spouses worry that anything they say could be used against their spouse and damage their career. Talk about a barrier. Especially one that is completely irrelevant. Solution: Educate yourself.

MilitaryOneSource addresses this issue in their post about counseling options:

Family members may use counseling services without the notice or consent of the service member. For service members or their families seeking counseling through military support channels, those services are confidential. The only exceptions to confidentiality are for mandatory state, federal and military reporting requirements (for example, domestic violence, child abuse and duty to warn situations). Even then, only those who need to be notified will be informed.

Barrier #5: Lack of Knowledge About Where to Get Services

We’ve all be in a new place and feel completely lost about where to go to find anything. Mental health services shouldn’t be one of those things. It should be as easy to find as the closest grocery store. Solution: A one-stop shop for finding help. MilitaryOneSource does a great job of highlighting options on their website. Not only can they help you find local counselors, but they also outline when you should seek treatment through Tricare or your nearest Military Treatment Facility or VA Center. When in doubt, ask.

Bottom line: There’s absolutely no reason a spouse should go without treatment for a mental health issue, no matter how big or how small. Educate yourself and others on the opportunities and options available and help each other out.

We’re a strong military family. Let’s make sure we’re a healthy military family.

Why do you think military spouses are underserved when it comes to mental health treatment?

Special Needs Met with Caroline’s Carts

07/14/2014 By Kimber Green

Carts for special needs children available at 40 military commissaries.

Imagine taking your special needs child to the commissary and being able to maneuver the produce section.

Maneuvering through the commissary is a difficult task to say the least. Add pushing a cart and a wheelchair and you have an even bigger challenge. Thanks to Drew Ann Long, things just got a little easier. Her daughter Caroline has Rett syndrome, which makes her unable to walk, talk or use her hands. Knowing that she would one day outgrow a traditional grocery cart, Mrs. Long invented Caroline’s Cart. This uniquely designed cart is specifically tailored to children with special needs.

What makes Caroline’s Carts different from traditional shopping carts?

It has a large seat that holds up to 250 pounds and the 5-point harness ensures the passenger’s safety. The handles swing out making it easier to place the child in and take him or her out. No more back pain the moment you enter the commissary from lifting. Doesn’t your back need a rest?

The cart has a foot rest for the passenger and unlike traditional carts, this one also has a much needed brake. This will not only be helpful in loading your child in the commissary, but also keeping them safe in the parking lot as you transition them into your vehicle.

Don’t worry, this cart is so well designed that you still have plenty of space for groceries. You don’t lose the undercarriage either. You know, where you usually toss the toilet paper that comes in bulk packaging.

You can also toss your anxiety. Some parents worry about going to the commissary and maneuvering the isles with their child. They either bring family members or friends with them to make it easier or leave their child at home with a caregiver and tackle the commissary alone.

Caroline’s Cart will be welcomed by thousands of families who have children with disabilities. This shopping cart will make it possible for kids with disabilities to be part of a family shopping outing. More than this, when families use Caroline’s Cart in neighborhood stores, it sends an important message to everyone who sees them that kids with disabilities are kids first and need to be included.

–Sara Brewster, VP Marketing Communications National Easter Seals

Now imagine taking your special needs child to the commissary and being able to maneuver the produce section easier. More importantly, imagine how your child will feel. They will now be part of the the trip, sitting up high with better visibility of the fruits and vegetables. You’ll be able to look your child in the eyes as they will be sitting up higher than a traditional wheelchair. Hopefully they will look forward to going to the commissary now. Shouldn’t everyone?

Caroline’s Carts are now available in 40 military commissaries in the U.S. and Randy Eller, DeCA’s deputy director of logistics, said more may be added as demand is evaluated. Check out this list of commissaries in 24 states and D.C. to see if your commissary is on the list. Next time you stop to pick up a cart look for Caroline’s Carts.

Have you seen Caroline’s Cart in your commissary?

5 Tips to Reduce Relocation Expenses

07/10/2014 By Michelle Volkmann

How do you save money during a PCS? Share your tips in our comments sections.

I always underestimate the cost of a PCS. I tell myself that the Navy moves us so relocating from one military installation to another isn’t expensive. I don’t pay for anything. Right? This is my mental talk 30 days prior to a PCS. Then the whirlwind of the PCS happens and I am reaching for my credit card more than I have in the last 2 years. 60 days later when I am reviewing our credit card bill at our new duty station, I am shocked by the balance. How did we spend ALL this money?

The average service member shells out $1,725 for non-reimbursable moving expenses. That’s nearly $2,000. Let’s say that we move every 2 years during my husband’s 20-year career. That’s a total of $17,250 of MY money to move for the Navy. No thank you.

This year, we will be moving again and I’m committed to reducing our relocation expenses. But how do I cut costs when we are homeless and living out of our car?

Here are 5 tips for reducing relocation expenses when transferring to a new duty station.

Save for a Sensible Spending Plan.
Call it a budget. Call it a spending plan. It doesn’t matter. But make a plan for how much it will cost to set up your new home. Calculate an estimate for security deposits for housing and utilities. Cut back on eating out in the last 3 months of your current duty station and put that money in to a savings account. You’ll need it when you establish your new home. Do not depend on your Dislocation Allowance to cover all of your expenses. It never does.
Negotiate and Ask to Speak with a Manager.
Practice saying this phrase “Is that the best price you can give me?” When you set up your Internet and cable, ask for the “best price.” Let them know that you compared prices between different providers and ask if the company offers a military discount. You will never get a discount if you don’t ask for it. If you have a credit score of higher than 600, ask if your landlord will consider reducing the security deposit. Mention that you’re a classy military person who pays your monthly rent on time every month.
Embrace House Camping.
Hotels are expensive. Even staying at the lodge on base can get expensive after more than 5 days. If you don’t have your household goods, but you have a home, consider house camping. Eat on the floor, sleep on an air mattress, let your kids bounce a ball against the wall and eat food that you prepare out of your microwave. Is it ideal? No. Will it save you money? Absolutely.
Buy Used –Not New– Whenever Possible.
When we moved to Maryland, for the first time we had a yard. This was great news until I realized a yard means grass which means we needed to mow the yard. We didn’t own a lawnmower. Foolishly we bought a brand-new lawnmower. Now we live in California. We don’t need the lawnmower and it sits, collecting dust in our already-stuffed garage. What’s the lesson? Be patient and buy seasonal items used online. I recommend SargesList and those Facebook Yard Sale groups. For every military installation, there is a military spouse monitoring a Facebook group.
Take Another Service Member’s Trash.
Through Facebook you can connect with military spouses at your new duty station. Guess what? If you are moving there, I bet someone else is leaving that duty station. Most likely they have cleaning supplies, spices and random other things that they can’t or don’t want to take with them. Offer to take it. Free stuff doesn’t cost you anything.

Plan ahead to save money during a PCS.

What are your tips for saving money during a PCS?

Ignore Your Oven, Fire up Your Grill

07/07/2014 By Michelle Volkmann

Grill your dinner tonight.

My monthly meal plan took a nosedive last week. For the majority of the year, my family eats home-cooked meals consisting of a meaty main dish, two colorful vegetable side dishes and a fruity dessert. Once I flipped the calendar to July, this mother decided to lighten up on dinner.

During the summer we take advantage of the long and lazy days by avoiding the hot stove and quickly preparing dinner on the grill. When it’s hot, I don’t feel like cooking. When it’s hot, my family doesn’t feel like eating. It’s a win-win.

Our favorite summer meal? Hot dogs.

I will proudly repeat that. We eat hot dogs. A lot of them. But not just any hot dogs. We are strictly a Hebrew National family. The no-filler, no-artificial flavors of Hebrew National All-Beef Dogs taste delicious with or without ketchup and mustard. They are also twice the size of your average hot dog. That’s why Hebrew National dogs are the Nats Dog at Nationals Park near the Navy Yard. I filled up on just 1 jumbo hot dog at a baseball game on Mother’s Day 2013.

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July 23 is National Hot Dog Day. Celebrate with pigs in a blanket or a more traditional wiener. The choice is yours. But whatever you do, buy your Hebrew National Beef Franks at your military commissary. Regular, bun-length and jumbo are all on sale this month at your military commissary.

Do you know what else is on sale during the month of July? Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil! An essential component for grilling. I like to partner my hot dogs with Corn with Chili Lime Butter, Roasted Garlic Asparagus or Grilled Stuffed Zucchini. Once you start grilling, you can’t stop. Keep the Reynolds Wrap on hand … you never want to run out during the summer grilling season.

Combine corn on the cob with hot dogs for a complete summer meal.

Finally, if you ignore every food holiday during the year, you don’t want to miss July 20. It’s National Ice Cream Day. It’s the 1 day of the year when my 2-year-old gets her wish fulfilled: ice cream for breakfast. Since it is breakfast, I try to keep it healthy with Outshine Fruit Bars. Then I can also sneak in a bit of vegetables. We save the Lil’ Drumsticks for desserts. Both are on sale right now at your military commissary.

July 20 is National Ice Cream Day. Do you want a cone or a dish?

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The Right Way to Select Ripe Produce

07/02/2014 By Jessica Aycock

Use this guide to select ripe, not rotten, produce.

Choose fruits that are free of flaws and firm.

Choosing perfectly ripe produce can feel like a game of Russian Roulette. There’s nothing like picking up a beautiful looking watermelon to find it mealy inside when you cut into it.

One of the main things to remember when handling produce is to be gentle. If you bruise it, you buy it! I’m kidding. That would be a horrible practice.

A good rule of thumb when selecting produce is to check the surface of the fruit or vegetable for flaws, gently squeeze and use your nose to guide you.

Avocados should have a darker skin and should be soft– but not too soft– when you gently squeeze them. If they’re too hard, you can always speed up the ripening process by putting them in a paper bag for a day or two. On the other hand, you can keep them from ripening too fast by placing them in the refrigerator.

If you’re shopping at a farmers’ market, don’t be afraid to ask for a sample.

Berries can be tricky, especially during the summer months. Mold is the thing to watch for when choosing berries, especially raspberries or blackberries, which are more delicate. Use your nose to detect unseen mold and try to buy berries in paper containers during peak season.

Cantaloupes and other melons should have a scent to them. If you push along the end opposite where the stem or vine was, you should be able to tell what type of melon it is by its scent. Watermelons are a bit different though, as they don’t have a scent. Look for ones that are heavy and avoid flat sides.

Citrus fruits that are too hard will probably not be juicy. Look for ones that are heavy and have a bit of give to them when you squeeze them.

Guide to buying ripe, not rotten, produce at your military commissary.

Buying produce in paper containers keeps away mold.

Tomatoes should be brightly colored and firm. Storing them at room temperature keeps the flavors from going bland.

Peppers should have a smooth skin and be firm. They should not feel rubbery if you squeeze them gently.

Choosing perfectly ripe produce can feel like a game of Russian Roulette.

Wrinkles and sprouts are signs of a bad potato. If you can, buy potatoes individually instead of prepackaged, so you know what you’re getting. Store in a cool, dark place.

Zucchini should be firm and smooth. You can tell how fresh or not, a zucchini or summer squash is by examining the tip. Don’t buy them if they’re squishy or dry.

If you’re shopping at a farmers’ market, don’t be afraid to ask for a sample. Many farmers are willing to let you taste before you buy. If you’re at the grocery store, seek out an employee or the produce manager if you have questions or print off this handy guide from Martha Stewart.

Get more tips from the University of Maryland Extension:

What are your favorite tips for choosing perfect produce?

Click2Go Services Available at Commissary

06/30/2014 By Julie Provost

Information about the Click2Go service at military commissaries.

Click2Go services allow commissary shoppers to buy groceries online and pick them up curbside.

Recently I heard about a new service at certain military commissaries that is going to make life a lot easier for commissary shoppers.

Click2Go services!

With this type of service you can order your groceries online, choose a time you want to go get them, pickup your food and head home. You will be able to pickup your food curbside. What a great convenience.

This type of service is ideal for the military community where most families have to bring all the children to the store with them. It also will be handy for those with special needs. I would have loved to have something like this when my kids were younger. It would have saved time and a lot of stress.

Unfortunately, it is currently only offered at 3 commissaries: Fort Lee, Offutt Air Force Base and Travis Air Force Base.

How does Click2Go work?

You create an account, log-in and then virtually browse through all the foods. Add the foods you want to your online cart. When you are ready to check out, you can do so by reserving your pickup time. You can also tell the system if you are OK with replacement orders if they are out of stock of one of the foods you have put in your cart. Once you submit your order, you should be able to pick it up at your selected time.You must place your order at least 6 hours before you want to pickup your food.

How do I pay with Click2Go?

Most grocery items will be offered with this system. There will be a limited amount of meat, bakery, deli and seafood items. You will not pay for the groceries online. You pay when you pickup the items. You will be given an estimated total but the actual total will be based on the prices at the time of pickup.

What you need to know about the Click2Go services at your military commissary.

New Click2Go services are ideal for military families.

Should I tip with Click2Go?

It is also important to know that you are not allowed to tip the person that brings out the food.

You can visit the Click2Go website for more information.

I think this service could be a good one. I think time will tell if it works out the way it should. I am sure if it is going to come to other commissaries, but that will not happen for a few more years.

Here is one military spouse’s review of the Click2Go service.

Have you or would you use the Click2Go service at the commissary? Have you used a curbside grocery service similar to this one?

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