How to save money at the grocery store?

I would say there are hundreds if not thousands of posts in the blogging world about

 

HOW TO SAVE MONEY AT THE GROCERY STORE

 

 

 

So I am not going to reinvent the wheel in this post I just wanted to share a few things that I have learned over time.  I really have a passion for saving money in the grocery department.  I like to find good deals and feed my family on a small budget. Here are my ideas:

 

1.  Do what works for you! and be willing to try something new!

I have read and talked to many people about how many times they go grocery shopping.  Some like to shop once a month, others twice a month (pay period), others weekly and some even shop daily.  We are very blessed to live when stores are open 24/7 so if you really wanted you could be in the grocery store every hour of everyday.

 

So think about it,  What works for you?  Are you a twice a month shopper?  Does it work for you or are you actually running to the store every week or every few days? Could you try something new?

Menu planning?? Do you plan a for a month, a week or daily? No Menu??  Does it work for you or could you try something new?

Eating in front of the TV, fast food, home cooked meals, vegan, not enough veggies??  Does it work for you or could you try something new???

I hope you get my point.  If something doesn't feel right or isn't working than try to fix it take small steps.  If it is working for your circumstances then enjoy it and stop worrying about what you aren't doing.  If you are spending too much at the grocery store then create a budget and work towards staying in that budget.  Then try making a menu with things that are on sale.  Just start with small steps.

2.  Make a Notebook.

About nine years ago I was a big coupon shopper.  I loved shopping with coupons.  I got such a high off of good deals.  My stock pile grew and it was so much fun for me!!  We moved about 7 years ago to a smaller place and I realized how many boxed and canned goods we really had, when we had to start putting food under beds and in bedroom closets.  I also realized how much I didn't use but had bought because it was on SALE with a COUPON.  So I changed my way of shopping.... 

 

I made a notebook of what we used regularly.  If you are a menu planner save your menus for a couple of months or save your grocery list or bill for a few months and you will be able to see what you really buy, then see if you really use it.  Once you know what you use keep track of the "BEST PRICE" for each item that way if it is on sale you can stock up and use a coupon if you want.  You can also keep track of how many you should buy by keeping track of how long that item lasts. 

I know you are thinking I don't have time for a notebook and that is ok back to the first rule,

Do what works for you and be willing to try something new.  Try it see if the system works for you.  Honestly, I rarely use my notebook anymore because I now know what my family uses and I know what a good deal is on these items. But it was how I started to learn to save for our family.

3.  GROCERY ADS

I am a once a week shopper.  I try to create our menu by what is on sale and what I have in the cupboard and freezer that I have stocked up on.  This saves us a lot of money.  I have found that I spend more money by just following this idea then if I just think what sounds good to eat this week. You can save big time on produce by eating what veggies and fruits are on sale rather than just whatever sounds good. Buy meat when it is on sale and stock up.  Use similar ingredients that are on sale.  Ex.  A case of strawberries on sale:  Make waffles with strawberries, strawberry smoothies, strawberry spinach salad, and strawberries in your cold cereal for different meals for the week.   I believe when I use a menu with the grocery ad that is the way I truly save the most.

4. MENUS

Nancy wrote a post a few days ago about her Menu Planning System and I love her ideas.  Having a menu really is the key to helping you save money, feed your family healthier, and not having dinner be so crazy that you just call for pizza or go through the drive thru.  I really like the families input on this too.  I think including the family in dinner options can help too. Sometimes we as moms like control but if it overwhelms you, I guarantee the kids and the hubby would love to have a say in "WHAT'S FOR DINNER?"  Also don't forget to include in the menu breakfast, lunches, snacks or desserts.  Also it is good to try new meals so I keep those recipes and when those main ingredients are on sale then we make that new dish.  That way you are not just buying all the ingredients for one meal that can increase your grocery bill.

5.  SALES

I LOVE the Case Lot Sales and believe you can save big on this area.  Again only if your family uses canned food and baking supplies.  Also I found this great article about when other things go on sale. For example you should stock up on Ketchup, Mayo, Mustard in May(Memorial Day) June (Father's Day) July (4th of July), that way you are paying for the item at it's lowest cost and you have bought enough to last you until the next sale. Some stores will have a Tuesday Sale or Friday/Saturday Sale, those are also great times to take advantage of the savings. 

6. OTHER GOOD IDEAS THAT SAVE

Make a list and stick to it.
Avoid grocery shop when you are hungry unless you can stick to a list.
Make more food from scratch, especially baked goods.
Try using a outlet bread store for bread products.
Use coupons.
Shop quickly: Skip Isles.  Research proves that the longer you are in the store the more money you spend.
Shop with Cash it will help you to avoid impulse buying or budget for impulsive buying..
Use a calculator to keep track of your total.



Remember:

Do what works for you! and be willing to try something new!



6.  The 20/50/30 rule.  The last idea was not my idea but I love the concept so I am going to send you to this Blog called Surviving the Stores to learn more.  She has other great tips and ideas as well.

Happy Shopping!!

Jan 

8 Ways to Save on Back to School Clothes

I am no expert on clothes shopping, but I have some helpful tips that I do to help save us money when buying school clothes.   Please feel free to share any of your helpful hints in the comments below!!!

 

1. Shop the Clearance Racks at Department Stores.  We have found lots of great deals for dollars that were regularly $30 to $40.
2. Shop outlet stores.  We love stores like Ross and TJ Maxx.
3. Buy during the off season.  The first few weeks of school are usually warm around our neck of the woods so we buy a few shorts on the clearance rack then when spring comes again they have new spring and summer clothes.  Also remember in the spring to watch for winter stuff to go on sale.  It's a great time to buy pants for more than half off.
4. Watch for sales and coupons.  Kohls always has amazing cash rewards. Watch for BOGO deals.
5.  Do a clothes swap with your friends. 
6. Sew your kids clothes.  Nancy did a great pants to skirt tutorial here.  She also made awesome skirts here.
7.  Shop online stores, especially their clearance sections.  Lauralee gives great advice here for places to shop online.
8. Shop second hand stores.

 

This was a shopping trip I made several years ago when my oldest was going into first grade and my second was going to preschool.  We bought clothes in the spring time after we had gotten our tax return.  Using the tips above our shopping trip included: 2 swimming suits, 1 jacket, 2 shorts, 14 pants, 18 shirts, 1 dress and 6 underwear.  Had we bought these at regular price we would have spent $631.22.  We spent $184.48, almost 70% savings!   

 

 

Happy Shopping!! 

Jan

 

Best Online Shopping Sites

I was the kid at McDonald's Playplace that brought their own drink (you could get the same drink for dimes
less at the grocery store down the street), and would only get Happy Meals if it was a very special occasion. Basically, I was raised a cheapskate to save a buck! I hyperventilate at the thought of paying full price for anything! So, I am going to let you in on some of my favorite online discount stores!


Zulily: This site is great if you have kids, are expecting or looking for a great deal! It features different companies products and changes daily. You can expect to find great discounts on familiar brands and also boutique style brands!

Groupon: Go to this site and type in your area code and it brings up local events and deals you can purchase. Products range from restaurants to oil changes.

Amazon: This is a more familiar site. I love going here to purchase books (especially textbooks)!

Overstock: Think of this site as a department store. You can snatch electronics to jewelry for great prices! Also, shipping is free if you purchase $50 or more.

Ebay: To say that I love ebay is an understatement! Here is the the trick to ebay, know exactly what you are looking for so you don't get sucked into a black hole! Do your research! I shake my head when I see people try to sell items for more than you would pay at an actual store, so buyer beware! But, if you do your research, know exactly what you are willing to pay, and are patient you can score some great stuff (especially if you don't mind "gently used" items)!

Veryjane: If you love boutique style goods, then this is your site! Each day they promote new items at big discounts. If you are looking for jewelry, handmade items, and etsy style goods,  you won't be disappointed!

Sierra Trading Post: For all of you outdoor and adventurous types, this is a great stop. With discounts of 35%-70% off you can stock up on winter jackets, pocket knifes, hiking gear etc.  I also love Backcountry.com and REIoutlet.com for these type of purchases too!

6pm: If you like shopping for name brands, head over to this site! Brands like Northface, Nike, Lacoste, and  many more offer loot at great discounted prices! If you don't mind last years models and styles or discontinued items, put this site on your short list!


Do you love finding a deal as much as I do? I am curious to know if you have a favorite online stop.

-Lauralee