Today, I managed to squeeze in a quick trip to Kroger in between running the teenagers around town. Kroger is my second tier grocery store. I love the savings that I can find there but I get the majority of my groceries at Meijer. Both Meijer and Kroger double their coupons up to .50.
My Kroger shops are usually small and allow me to get in and get out quickly. I don't have a lot of aisles that tend to distract me like Meijer does. However, I did find some great deals on Saturday at Meijer while browsing the homegoods aisles. I was able to get a HUGE battery operated remote control candle for half off and some great gifts for the family Christmas grab bag!!
When making my list for Kroger today, I used the Grocery Game and quickly clipped my coupons in about 15 minutes.
The items I put on my list today were BLUE which means that they are the best price they will be during this cycle.
I bought:
6 Yoplait Greek Yogurt
6 Boxes of Nature Valley Granola Bars
2 Boxes of Nature Valley Protein Bars
1 Bottle of Welch's Grape Juice
4 Can's of Campbell Soup
Tide Detergent
6 cans of refried beans
1 container of Kroger sour creme
Not on a BLUE sale...but we still needed.
Bananas
Lunchmeat
Truvia sweetner (coupon for 1.50 off)
My total for these 31 items was $41.08 BUT I used my Visa card that received from the P&G rebate sale for $15.
Total after the $15 Visa Card= $26.08
Saved a total of $43.86 with coupons and shopping the sale + my $15 gift card = $58.86
So I spent $26.08 and SAVED $58.86
I recommend taking advantage of opportunies for rebates and use that money towards your grocery budget because a rebate is like a REALLY good coupon!
Look for my upcoming post regarding my grocery budget and savings for September!!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
August grocery savings
I am finally getting closer to reaching my monthly grocery budget! I have spent much of the summer stockpiling and spending a little bit more than my average budget in order to build up the pantry again. Now that I have built up my stockpile in order to meet my monthly goal, I have to be more conscious of my weekly spending on groceries.
The way I make this happen is cooking off my stockpile. What that means is that I am planning meals based on what is already purchased. It is a backwards design from how many of us usually plan our meals. In the past, I would decide my meals from menus or recipes that I "felt" like making.
Now to make the most of my savings, I plan meals based on the staples I have gotten on "sale". This can be challenging but it can be done. For example, this past week shrimp, talapia, and chicken were on sale. My menu planning needs to be around dishes that include these meats. There are great websites that help you backwards plan. Here is an example of one that lets you click what you have on hand to find recipes. http://www.recipekey.com/
My monthly goal for groceries is $400 a month this includes ALL items such as detergent, tooth paste, cleaning products, and toiletries.
Every family makes their own decisions regarding budget but this is one that I know can work for us WHEN I take the time to coupon.
So after adding up my receipts for the month of August....
I spent $667 this month on groceries and SAVED $363 with coupons and shopping the sales. So, if I had bought these items without coupons and not purchased them on sale my monthly spending would be $1030! Yikes!!
My average weekly spending was $166 and weekly SAVINGS of $90. Each week I plan on getting closer to the $100/week goal.
This month I did spend more on some great deals on detergent and P&G products. I saved a lot of money on these products by using coupons and shopping the sales, but I will also be receiving $30 in Visa/MC gift cards through these promotions to apply to my groceries the next month. This unexpected expense pushed my budget over but it was worth it because I won't have to buy detergent for about 5 months or so! :)
Happy couponing and don't forget to follow me on my coupon journey through email!
The way I make this happen is cooking off my stockpile. What that means is that I am planning meals based on what is already purchased. It is a backwards design from how many of us usually plan our meals. In the past, I would decide my meals from menus or recipes that I "felt" like making.
Now to make the most of my savings, I plan meals based on the staples I have gotten on "sale". This can be challenging but it can be done. For example, this past week shrimp, talapia, and chicken were on sale. My menu planning needs to be around dishes that include these meats. There are great websites that help you backwards plan. Here is an example of one that lets you click what you have on hand to find recipes. http://www.recipekey.com/
My monthly goal for groceries is $400 a month this includes ALL items such as detergent, tooth paste, cleaning products, and toiletries.
Every family makes their own decisions regarding budget but this is one that I know can work for us WHEN I take the time to coupon.
So after adding up my receipts for the month of August....
I spent $667 this month on groceries and SAVED $363 with coupons and shopping the sales. So, if I had bought these items without coupons and not purchased them on sale my monthly spending would be $1030! Yikes!!
My average weekly spending was $166 and weekly SAVINGS of $90. Each week I plan on getting closer to the $100/week goal.
This month I did spend more on some great deals on detergent and P&G products. I saved a lot of money on these products by using coupons and shopping the sales, but I will also be receiving $30 in Visa/MC gift cards through these promotions to apply to my groceries the next month. This unexpected expense pushed my budget over but it was worth it because I won't have to buy detergent for about 5 months or so! :)
Happy couponing and don't forget to follow me on my coupon journey through email!
Saving Money by giving old things a new life!
I am sure many of you are finding some amazing ideas on Pinterest. I find that although I LOVE PINTEREST it encourages me to WANT for more. Yes, they have great ideas to save money, budget and organize which in turn will save you money, but it also gives me great ideas for redecorating that makes me want to SHOP!
There is a great blogger that I have begun to follow at Infarrantly Creative. I found her through Pinterest and subscribe to her posts through email. This summer she posted a great patio redo that inspired me to consider giving my patio set a new life.
My husband and I bought our patio set about 10 years ago. The set consisted of 6 dining chairs, umbrella and table, swinging bench, and chaise lounge. It was a sturdy rod iron set that we knew would hold up through the years. The furniture was in great shape but the paint job and the cushions were a little worse for wear.
I had begun to price out new sets and the cost for as many pieces as we currently had would have had us spending thousands of dollars. This was not going to happen so I began to consider how can we give this old set new life!
The deciding factor was to see if we could find cushions that fit our chairs. Our original set had cushions that folded over the top to create a pillow top to rest your head against. I was unable to find cushions that would include this feature. So hubby and I shopped for a cushion that would go higher to cover this portion of the chair.
After looking online and at every store that we thought would carry cushions, we found some at our neighborhood Lowe's. Once we found cushions, we could make some decisions about the color. The cushions I found were just perfect.
It is amazing what a can of spray paint can do to give something new life! Our entire family is very happy with the patio set's new face lift and so is my pocketbook!
There is a great blogger that I have begun to follow at Infarrantly Creative. I found her through Pinterest and subscribe to her posts through email. This summer she posted a great patio redo that inspired me to consider giving my patio set a new life.
My husband and I bought our patio set about 10 years ago. The set consisted of 6 dining chairs, umbrella and table, swinging bench, and chaise lounge. It was a sturdy rod iron set that we knew would hold up through the years. The furniture was in great shape but the paint job and the cushions were a little worse for wear.
I had begun to price out new sets and the cost for as many pieces as we currently had would have had us spending thousands of dollars. This was not going to happen so I began to consider how can we give this old set new life!
The deciding factor was to see if we could find cushions that fit our chairs. Our original set had cushions that folded over the top to create a pillow top to rest your head against. I was unable to find cushions that would include this feature. So hubby and I shopped for a cushion that would go higher to cover this portion of the chair.
After looking online and at every store that we thought would carry cushions, we found some at our neighborhood Lowe's. Once we found cushions, we could make some decisions about the color. The cushions I found were just perfect.
It is amazing what a can of spray paint can do to give something new life! Our entire family is very happy with the patio set's new face lift and so is my pocketbook!
 |
| Old Set before face lift |
 |
| Left chair was spray painted brown |
 |
| New umbrella, spray painted table, new cushions |
 |
| New set with glider |
Sunday, August 26, 2012
I'm BACK!!
I have decided to become an active blogger again on this account.
There are many reasons that I have decided to resurrect this blog.
The first reason is I love to share my grocery savings ideas with my friends and I have been doing this through facebook but feel that many of my facebook friends may be getting sick of my coupon celebrations. This blog would allow people that are passionate about savings to check in or follow the blog to learn more about ways to save money with couponing.
Another reason, to start updating again is that by doing so it helps my accountablility. As I set goals, like being back on the coupon wagon, having an "audience" helps me stay true to my mission. I have been on and off again with couponing and have decided that I need to stay on and that the time I spend couponing is worth the savings. I have 2 children that will going to college very soon and sticking to grocery budget has to be a priority for me.
I hope this blog also will be a resources for ideas regarding saving money in other areas and some of the tricks and resources that I know of to save money. I am looking forward to some of my die hard couponing friends to also share some of their secrets with our readers (if anyone really follows me on this journey :) ).
Here are some features that I am planning for my posts....
1. Grocery savings and way to stay on a grocery budget using couponing and shopping the sales. (weekly and monthly updates)
2. Other ways to save money and blogs to follow with coupon codes, savings etc.
3. Renewal projects and crafting ideas - ways to revive items that you have in your home and make them look new again or repurpose them in other ways.
4. Organization strategies - I am an obsessive organizer. I plan to share a variety of methods that work for me to make life easier.
5. Cooking savings and recipes that have been road tested by our family and friends. This one will really help me with accountability as I have fallen into a rut with my cooking and make the same things all of time. I will need to lean on many of my amazing friends who inspire me in their cooking!
So if you already follow this blog, look for more updates. If you are interested in following me on this journey, you can subscribe to this blog through email. :)
I have lots of ideas of future posts and ideas to share with my friends!
There are many reasons that I have decided to resurrect this blog.
The first reason is I love to share my grocery savings ideas with my friends and I have been doing this through facebook but feel that many of my facebook friends may be getting sick of my coupon celebrations. This blog would allow people that are passionate about savings to check in or follow the blog to learn more about ways to save money with couponing.
Another reason, to start updating again is that by doing so it helps my accountablility. As I set goals, like being back on the coupon wagon, having an "audience" helps me stay true to my mission. I have been on and off again with couponing and have decided that I need to stay on and that the time I spend couponing is worth the savings. I have 2 children that will going to college very soon and sticking to grocery budget has to be a priority for me.
I hope this blog also will be a resources for ideas regarding saving money in other areas and some of the tricks and resources that I know of to save money. I am looking forward to some of my die hard couponing friends to also share some of their secrets with our readers (if anyone really follows me on this journey :) ).
Here are some features that I am planning for my posts....
1. Grocery savings and way to stay on a grocery budget using couponing and shopping the sales. (weekly and monthly updates)
2. Other ways to save money and blogs to follow with coupon codes, savings etc.
3. Renewal projects and crafting ideas - ways to revive items that you have in your home and make them look new again or repurpose them in other ways.
4. Organization strategies - I am an obsessive organizer. I plan to share a variety of methods that work for me to make life easier.
5. Cooking savings and recipes that have been road tested by our family and friends. This one will really help me with accountability as I have fallen into a rut with my cooking and make the same things all of time. I will need to lean on many of my amazing friends who inspire me in their cooking!
So if you already follow this blog, look for more updates. If you are interested in following me on this journey, you can subscribe to this blog through email. :)
I have lots of ideas of future posts and ideas to share with my friends!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
6/11 Another shop at Meijer
Another shop at Meijer....
I am continuing to add to our stockpile. This shop's savings was not great because we were in need of items that weren't on sale and I didn't have coupons for them. My husband was in desperate need of razor blades. We had also run out of our laundry detergent!
Meijer promotions $7.48
Meijer items on sale $31.98
Total coupon savings: $6.60
Total SAVINGS: $46.06
Spent: $165.44
I am continuing to add to our stockpile. This shop's savings was not great because we were in need of items that weren't on sale and I didn't have coupons for them. My husband was in desperate need of razor blades. We had also run out of our laundry detergent!
Meijer promotions $7.48
Meijer items on sale $31.98
Total coupon savings: $6.60
Total SAVINGS: $46.06
Spent: $165.44
Still on the coupon wagon....
I am still couponing. I did take a break this last week because the sales weren't enough to bring me into the stores. I managed to squeek through what we had in the house. I was down to the wire and had to purchase a gallon of milk and some chicken tenders at Target but we made it through eating what was in the house.
My shopping at Meijer continues to help me build my stockpile.
5/25/2011
Saved - Meijer mealbox coupons = $4.00
Saved - Buying items on sale =$41.46
Saved - Coupon savings = $24.55
Total SAVINGS: $70.01
Spent: $98.20
My shopping at Meijer continues to help me build my stockpile.
5/25/2011
Saved - Meijer mealbox coupons = $4.00
Saved - Buying items on sale =$41.46
Saved - Coupon savings = $24.55
Total SAVINGS: $70.01
Spent: $98.20
Thursday, May 19, 2011
How to Organize your coupons
Date the circular was in the Sunday paper
Each Sunday's insert goes into a sheet protector in my binder
All of my inserts with the dates on them before I put them in sheet protectors in my binderI thought that some of you might appreciate seeing pictures of how I organize my coupons.
Back on the wagon....(Spent 94 and Saved 62)
Well, I am back on the wagon again! I went to Meijer after work tonight with my grocery list and my wad of coupons. Another reason I love to coupon shop is that I am in and out of the grocery store in such a short amount of time. I don't browse the aisles; I shop with a purpose.
In this trip, I was able to get many items that I will be able to stockpile. Stockpiling means buying more than you need but what will get you through the next sale cycle. The key to stockpiling is making sure that you don't over buy and you pay attention to expiration dates. Today I bought 6 boxes of cereal, 4 marinades, and 6 garlic bread. I bought a variety of items today. In this total, I have toiletries such as razors, deodorant, dental floss, Paul Mitchell shampoo and face cleanser. The majority of these items were on sale and I was able to apply coupons to the sale price. A few of these items I had to buy because I was out of them. I hate when I have to pay full price but if you have to I recommend that check out the coupon database on www.hotcouponworld.com . You can enter the item that you want to purchase...for example coffeemate creamer. They will tell you date of when the coupon was in the circuluar. For example, 5/22 PG. This means that you would be able to find a coupon for coffeemate creamer in the 5/22 proctor and gamble insert. Of course, it is better to buy this item when it is on sale and then add a coupon to the total price but sometimes you just need the item and can't wait for it to go on sale.
Today's shopping trip cost me $94.19 (with tax)
I saved $62.35 with coupons and buying sale items.
($33.35 Sale savings; $29.00 COUPON savings)
I love COUPONS!
In this trip, I was able to get many items that I will be able to stockpile. Stockpiling means buying more than you need but what will get you through the next sale cycle. The key to stockpiling is making sure that you don't over buy and you pay attention to expiration dates. Today I bought 6 boxes of cereal, 4 marinades, and 6 garlic bread. I bought a variety of items today. In this total, I have toiletries such as razors, deodorant, dental floss, Paul Mitchell shampoo and face cleanser. The majority of these items were on sale and I was able to apply coupons to the sale price. A few of these items I had to buy because I was out of them. I hate when I have to pay full price but if you have to I recommend that check out the coupon database on www.hotcouponworld.com . You can enter the item that you want to purchase...for example coffeemate creamer. They will tell you date of when the coupon was in the circuluar. For example, 5/22 PG. This means that you would be able to find a coupon for coffeemate creamer in the 5/22 proctor and gamble insert. Of course, it is better to buy this item when it is on sale and then add a coupon to the total price but sometimes you just need the item and can't wait for it to go on sale.
Today's shopping trip cost me $94.19 (with tax)
I saved $62.35 with coupons and buying sale items.
($33.35 Sale savings; $29.00 COUPON savings)
I love COUPONS!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Getting organized...
This is lots of wasted savings....These are all of my coupons that have expired and haven't been used! Uggh! I went through my huge pile of coupons and got organized again.
Clipped my coupons and ready to go to the grocery store tomorrow.
It only took 40 minutes, and I did it while watching last nights' Glee with my daughters.
Back on the wagon again!!
Getting Ready...to start again
I am already behind my plan for this week, but I am pushing myself to follow through. So, tonight I printed my grocery list from the grocery game and I am going to match my coupons to the items on my list. In the past, this took at the most 3o minutes. Most days it was less than 20 minutes. But......since I have neglected my organization I am going to have to spend some time getting my coupons in order.
If you have read other posts by me in regards to organization, I recommend using sheet protectors and a 3 ring binder for your coupon inserts. Each week when you receive a coupon insert you write the date on the outside of the insert and then stick that week's insert in one sheet protector. I continue to do this every week. Then, when I am ready to find coupons you go to the date and the type of insert and then cut out the coupon that you need. This way you are only cutting the coupons when you need them. The Grocery Game will list the week and the type of insert...for example it might list SS 5/15...This would mean that the coupon you need can be found in the Smart Source insert from May 15th.
Off I go to organize and clip...I will be sure to note in my next post how much time it takes me. I am planning on grocery shopping tomorrow after work!!
If you have read other posts by me in regards to organization, I recommend using sheet protectors and a 3 ring binder for your coupon inserts. Each week when you receive a coupon insert you write the date on the outside of the insert and then stick that week's insert in one sheet protector. I continue to do this every week. Then, when I am ready to find coupons you go to the date and the type of insert and then cut out the coupon that you need. This way you are only cutting the coupons when you need them. The Grocery Game will list the week and the type of insert...for example it might list SS 5/15...This would mean that the coupon you need can be found in the Smart Source insert from May 15th.
Off I go to organize and clip...I will be sure to note in my next post how much time it takes me. I am planning on grocery shopping tomorrow after work!!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Uggh!!! Still not back on the wagon
I know that I have expressed many times that I just can't seem to make couponing a priority. I am going to try again....
I have been keeping a spreadsheet on my grocery and eating out for the last 3 months. I just crunched the numbers and I am frustrated with myself.
Month Groceries/Savings Eating out
February $767/$108 $311 = $1,078 for the month on food
March $1,065/$23 $346 = $1,400 for the month...UGGH!!
April $848/$7 $525 =$1,373 for the month....Uggh!
We are an active family of 4 with 2 teenagers. Expensive items like Gatorade, Power bars, Vitamin Water also add to our grocery bill. Our grocery shopping has become Sam's Club and Fresh Market. Although, I know that we save money shopping at Sam's; I save more money when couponing is a priority.
I also include the amount that we spend on school lunches in our eating out budget.
Even though I am spending more on food than I have in the past, I still have to cut our spending in other areas. It isn't like new money is there to make up for my lack of coupon savings. I have 2 children that will be in college soon and other bills that need to be paid.
As I have stated in other posts on my blog, I am also not able to provide as much to our local food pantries when I am not couponing. I need to coupon for my family's savings as well as helping my community.
So, I have said it again...I am going to give it another try....
Here is my plan for this week...
Tuesday, create my Meijer grocery list and clip matching coupons. (I am anticipating this taking awhile because my coupon organization has become a BIG MESS!! Uggh!!)
Wednesday, shop after work with my coupons.
Thursday, make my list for Aldi
I will post my savings and what I spend this first week back on the wagon!!
Wish me luck!!
I have been keeping a spreadsheet on my grocery and eating out for the last 3 months. I just crunched the numbers and I am frustrated with myself.
Month Groceries/Savings Eating out
February $767/$108 $311 = $1,078 for the month on food
March $1,065/$23 $346 = $1,400 for the month...UGGH!!
April $848/$7 $525 =$1,373 for the month....Uggh!
We are an active family of 4 with 2 teenagers. Expensive items like Gatorade, Power bars, Vitamin Water also add to our grocery bill. Our grocery shopping has become Sam's Club and Fresh Market. Although, I know that we save money shopping at Sam's; I save more money when couponing is a priority.
I also include the amount that we spend on school lunches in our eating out budget.
Even though I am spending more on food than I have in the past, I still have to cut our spending in other areas. It isn't like new money is there to make up for my lack of coupon savings. I have 2 children that will be in college soon and other bills that need to be paid.
As I have stated in other posts on my blog, I am also not able to provide as much to our local food pantries when I am not couponing. I need to coupon for my family's savings as well as helping my community.
So, I have said it again...I am going to give it another try....
Here is my plan for this week...
Tuesday, create my Meijer grocery list and clip matching coupons. (I am anticipating this taking awhile because my coupon organization has become a BIG MESS!! Uggh!!)
Wednesday, shop after work with my coupons.
Thursday, make my list for Aldi
I will post my savings and what I spend this first week back on the wagon!!
Wish me luck!!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
2/12 Meijer Shop (Spent $127 and Saved $48)
There is nothing better than grocery shopping when the store is dead! Just got back from the grocery store on a Saturday night, I am sure you are all so jealous and wish you lead an adventurous life like me! The family all had plans this evening so I chose to casually stroll the aisles at Meijer with no concern about racing home to run someone to their next activity. I forgot how quiet grocery stores are in the evenings. I remember when my twin daughters were infants I was a frequent customer at Walmart after 10 or 11 pm as I tried to find a time to get to store when it was quiet and without screaming children.
Today's shop and browsing proved to be worthwhile. As you know Valentine's Day is on Monday. I had been looking for something to get my daughters. On Friday, they went to see Justin Bieber's Never Say Never movie with some girlfriends. I think every single teenage girl in America saw this movie this weekend. I stumbled upon giant sized poster of Bieber. They will be thrilled as they have Bieber fever. I also got them nailpolish that was on sale with coupons. They will be thrilled!!
Anyways, I also found a great deal on a coat for a 24M old boy. This time of year, I am able to get winter coats to donate to the church coat drive in the fall. The coat was 50.00 and I got it for 7.00. It will be a great coat for a needy child.
So, today's grocery shop contains items other than groceries but they were also purchased on sale and with coupons!
Spent $127.49
Saved: $1.75 with Meijer coupons
Saved: $34.61 for purchasing items that were on sale
Saved: $11.98 with coupons
Total Savings: $48.34
Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentines Day with someone they care about...their children, friends, family, boyfriend/girlfriend, or spouse.
Today's shop and browsing proved to be worthwhile. As you know Valentine's Day is on Monday. I had been looking for something to get my daughters. On Friday, they went to see Justin Bieber's Never Say Never movie with some girlfriends. I think every single teenage girl in America saw this movie this weekend. I stumbled upon giant sized poster of Bieber. They will be thrilled as they have Bieber fever. I also got them nailpolish that was on sale with coupons. They will be thrilled!!
Anyways, I also found a great deal on a coat for a 24M old boy. This time of year, I am able to get winter coats to donate to the church coat drive in the fall. The coat was 50.00 and I got it for 7.00. It will be a great coat for a needy child.
So, today's grocery shop contains items other than groceries but they were also purchased on sale and with coupons!
Spent $127.49
Saved: $1.75 with Meijer coupons
Saved: $34.61 for purchasing items that were on sale
Saved: $11.98 with coupons
Total Savings: $48.34
Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentines Day with someone they care about...their children, friends, family, boyfriend/girlfriend, or spouse.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
2/5/2011 Meijer shop and Stockpiling
Well, I have been back on the coupon wagon for about a month now. However, this is the first post I have regarding my savings.
Today at Meijer, there were so many great deals! When I do my grocery shopping, my total savings is based on all purchases. Sometimes I will have household items, cleaning products, and tolietries as well as groceries.
As I work on building up my stockpile again, I know that my grocery bills will be higher than my goal. For those of you that aren't sure what stockpiling is it is when you buy as much of an item as you can to get you to the next sale cycle. Every item in your grocery store goes through a sale cycle. A cycle can vary from 6-12 weeks depending on the product. Many items in your store will go on sale again but there is a time when the item will be at it's lowest price. This is the time that you want to stockpile. Now, this doesn't mean you have to turn a spare bedroom into a pantry. You need to determine how much of that item your family really eats. For example, if pasta was on sale and your family eats pasta on average once a week you would want to buy 10 boxes of pasta to get you to the time that this item is on sale again.
Since I haven't stockpiled until just the last 2 weeks, I still have to buy items that are not on SALE or are on sale but not at their cheapest sale price.
Summary of today's shop at Meijer
Spent: $101.53 (including tax)
Saved: .50 (do to a Meijer promotion)
Saved: $26.19 (by buying items on sale. This is the sale price savings)
Saved: $21.42 (by matching my coupons to the sale items. This is the total savings of all of my coupons once they doubled them. Our Meijer doubles up to a $1.00.)
Total SAVINGS $48.12
In this total I bought shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and food to donate for our church's food drive tomorrow. As I begin to add more to my stockpile, I know that I will be able to provide more for others while still saving money for my family.
Today at Meijer, there were so many great deals! When I do my grocery shopping, my total savings is based on all purchases. Sometimes I will have household items, cleaning products, and tolietries as well as groceries.
As I work on building up my stockpile again, I know that my grocery bills will be higher than my goal. For those of you that aren't sure what stockpiling is it is when you buy as much of an item as you can to get you to the next sale cycle. Every item in your grocery store goes through a sale cycle. A cycle can vary from 6-12 weeks depending on the product. Many items in your store will go on sale again but there is a time when the item will be at it's lowest price. This is the time that you want to stockpile. Now, this doesn't mean you have to turn a spare bedroom into a pantry. You need to determine how much of that item your family really eats. For example, if pasta was on sale and your family eats pasta on average once a week you would want to buy 10 boxes of pasta to get you to the time that this item is on sale again.
Since I haven't stockpiled until just the last 2 weeks, I still have to buy items that are not on SALE or are on sale but not at their cheapest sale price.
Summary of today's shop at Meijer
Spent: $101.53 (including tax)
Saved: .50 (do to a Meijer promotion)
Saved: $26.19 (by buying items on sale. This is the sale price savings)
Saved: $21.42 (by matching my coupons to the sale items. This is the total savings of all of my coupons once they doubled them. Our Meijer doubles up to a $1.00.)
Total SAVINGS $48.12
In this total I bought shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and food to donate for our church's food drive tomorrow. As I begin to add more to my stockpile, I know that I will be able to provide more for others while still saving money for my family.
Back on the wagon...
I have decided to put coupons back on the priority list.
We all know how expensive groceries are. For the last year, I have been relying on Sam's Club to feed my family. Although, I know we can save money by shopping at Sam's Club I know the savings are not as great as when couponing was a priority for me. Even though Sam's is a stock up store, it seemed like my pantry was never as full as when I shopped with coupons at Meijer and Kroger. When our church would have a food drive, I could always pull from my stockpile and not make much of dent on our food supply. Because of this, I hadn't helped out our food pantry as much as I could have.
In 2009, I was able to save almost $1500 in groceries!
I need some accountablility for myself as much as an opportunity to share my savings with you. Because of this, I will continue to update this blog with my weekly purchases and savings. My goal is to get back to my $400 a month grocery budget.
I admit I have used a lot of excuses as to why I stopped couponing. But the real reason is that I just became lazy. Many of us say how busy we are but when things become priorities it happens. Couponing only took me 30-40 minutes a week to prepare my grocery list and to cut my coupons. I use to do this while watching TV with my family. It didn't take any time away from family time. I could still engage in conversation as well as talk to them about what they would like to eat this week. Saving almost $200 a month should be a priority for me... not sure why I let this get away from me.
So if you are interested in following me on my journey again, please feel free to follow my blog. You can subscribe to receive any updates via email or RSS so you won't miss a moment of savings journey.
We all know how expensive groceries are. For the last year, I have been relying on Sam's Club to feed my family. Although, I know we can save money by shopping at Sam's Club I know the savings are not as great as when couponing was a priority for me. Even though Sam's is a stock up store, it seemed like my pantry was never as full as when I shopped with coupons at Meijer and Kroger. When our church would have a food drive, I could always pull from my stockpile and not make much of dent on our food supply. Because of this, I hadn't helped out our food pantry as much as I could have.
In 2009, I was able to save almost $1500 in groceries!
I need some accountablility for myself as much as an opportunity to share my savings with you. Because of this, I will continue to update this blog with my weekly purchases and savings. My goal is to get back to my $400 a month grocery budget.
I admit I have used a lot of excuses as to why I stopped couponing. But the real reason is that I just became lazy. Many of us say how busy we are but when things become priorities it happens. Couponing only took me 30-40 minutes a week to prepare my grocery list and to cut my coupons. I use to do this while watching TV with my family. It didn't take any time away from family time. I could still engage in conversation as well as talk to them about what they would like to eat this week. Saving almost $200 a month should be a priority for me... not sure why I let this get away from me.
So if you are interested in following me on my journey again, please feel free to follow my blog. You can subscribe to receive any updates via email or RSS so you won't miss a moment of savings journey.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
1/16/10 Meijer Shop (Spent 74 and Saved 68)
Today was the 10 for 10 sale at Meijer. I love it when they have this sale. The pantry is full of snacks: pretzels, combos, chex mix. I was able to get about 4 items for FREE: Chicken Broth, Betty Crocker snack cake, and Cough drops.
There were 75 items that I purchased.
Savings Summary:
Total Meijer promotions: $8.59
Total Non-coupon savings: $47.13
Total coupons savings: $12.60
Savings Total: $68.32
There were 75 items that I purchased.
Savings Summary:
Total Meijer promotions: $8.59
Total Non-coupon savings: $47.13
Total coupons savings: $12.60
Savings Total: $68.32
Sunday, January 10, 2010
2009 Savings of $1,495 with coupons!!!
2009 has flown by!!!
I wasn't as dedicated to couponing as I have been in the previous year but still the savings has been great! I am still proud of what I was able to save.
In 2009, we spent$5,240 on groceries and SAVED $1,495. NOT TOO SHABBY!!!
There was one lost month of May that I couldn't find spending or savings.
This equals an average of $476 a month on groceries and savings of $135 a month of savings!!
Shopping the sales and applying coupons to the sales is WORTH it!!!
I wasn't as dedicated to couponing as I have been in the previous year but still the savings has been great! I am still proud of what I was able to save.
In 2009, we spent$5,240 on groceries and SAVED $1,495. NOT TOO SHABBY!!!
There was one lost month of May that I couldn't find spending or savings.
This equals an average of $476 a month on groceries and savings of $135 a month of savings!!
Shopping the sales and applying coupons to the sales is WORTH it!!!
December Savings
I haven't been as good at keeping you informed of my weekly purchases. But I have the overall purchases for December.
In December, I spent $639 and saved $112.
This works out to a weekly average of $127.80
In December, I spent $639 and saved $112.
This works out to a weekly average of $127.80
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Meijer shop 12/5
Today's shop was another great savings!!!
Total spent was $81.19 (including tax)
Total savings: $38.73
Non coupon savings = $24.33 (savings from purchasing these items on sale)
Coupon savings= $14.40
Yippee!!!
Total spent was $81.19 (including tax)
Total savings: $38.73
Non coupon savings = $24.33 (savings from purchasing these items on sale)
Coupon savings= $14.40
Yippee!!!
The reason why I coupon shop!
A fist full of coupons, a cart full of goodies, and my favorite cashier at Meijer helped solidify another marvelous experience of savings today!!!
If you frequent the same grocery store, you might have a favorite cashier. Today my favorite cashier was there. I just love Imelda. She gets my coupon addiction. As she rang up my 6 pack of brawny paper towels that rang up for $7.24. She said that is a good deal. I smiled because I had a raincheck to get these paper towels for $5.99 and I had a .50 cent coupon that would be doubled. I purchased these paperttowels for $4.99. A much better savings that the $7.24!! She then turned to me and said now that was a great deal!!!
When I first began my coupon adventure, I would buy the items that we needed without batting an eye at the price. Now don't get me wrong I would buy generic or I might even have a coupon but I didn't play the savings game like I do now.
Even though, we weren't out of paper towels. This price was a great deal so I bought 2 packages. Another strategy that I didn't do before. I would only buy items that we needed on the list and usually we were totally out of that item. Since we were out, I was forced to buy that item whether it was on sale or not. When the cashier rang up my cart of groceries, I would always have a heart attack when my total rang up! Now, almost every grocery item in our home was purchased when it was on sale. This type of savings changes your thinking that you have to buy items even when you don't need them.
Be careful playing this way as you may end up with too many of an item that will spoil before your family eats it or they may grow tired of this item and never get around to eating it! Then this would be a waste of money! Something that I will not allow!!! :)
Now, I watch the cashier as she rings up my coupons and my original price drop and drop and drop.
This just makes me squeal with glee!!!
If you frequent the same grocery store, you might have a favorite cashier. Today my favorite cashier was there. I just love Imelda. She gets my coupon addiction. As she rang up my 6 pack of brawny paper towels that rang up for $7.24. She said that is a good deal. I smiled because I had a raincheck to get these paper towels for $5.99 and I had a .50 cent coupon that would be doubled. I purchased these paperttowels for $4.99. A much better savings that the $7.24!! She then turned to me and said now that was a great deal!!!
When I first began my coupon adventure, I would buy the items that we needed without batting an eye at the price. Now don't get me wrong I would buy generic or I might even have a coupon but I didn't play the savings game like I do now.
Even though, we weren't out of paper towels. This price was a great deal so I bought 2 packages. Another strategy that I didn't do before. I would only buy items that we needed on the list and usually we were totally out of that item. Since we were out, I was forced to buy that item whether it was on sale or not. When the cashier rang up my cart of groceries, I would always have a heart attack when my total rang up! Now, almost every grocery item in our home was purchased when it was on sale. This type of savings changes your thinking that you have to buy items even when you don't need them.
Be careful playing this way as you may end up with too many of an item that will spoil before your family eats it or they may grow tired of this item and never get around to eating it! Then this would be a waste of money! Something that I will not allow!!! :)
Now, I watch the cashier as she rings up my coupons and my original price drop and drop and drop.
This just makes me squeal with glee!!!
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