My goal for the next year is to spend less money on groceries. I am so sick of coming home from the store and feeling like I don't have much to show for the money that I just spent. There are so many resources out there for money saving ideas and coupons that it is a waste for me not to take advantage of them! I have been getting some tips and tricks from a few really good "couponers" that I know. After a lot of research and some preperation I felt somewhat ready to make my weekly grocery trip.
I had a few rules for myself:
1. Follow my list. I had a VERY detailed list! It included what I was going to buy, prices of what I was to buy, how many of each item and what coupons I was going to use for that particular deal.
2. Only buy things that were on sale. I was not going to be "brand picky" for most items. I just wanted to get the best prices on things that brands don't matter on. (Black beans, tomato sauce, etc.)
3. Get as many of each item on sale that I could afford. My secondary goal for the year is to build up our food storage, which up until now has been non-existent!
So I headed out, with both kids in tow. I went to my usual store (Harmon's) so I would be able to find what I needed. Eventually, when I get better at this I may start shopping at other stores that my "experts" say have much better deals. It took a little more concentration than my normal shopping trips but the end result was worth it!
I saved $89.53 by only buying sale items and using my coupons! My reciept was longer than both of my arms reached out! I had some things that I normally wouldn't buy and that makes for a little more variety in my pantry. Also, my storage shelf downstairs is so much fuller than it has been! It is a really exciting and empowering thing to make your dollar go further! I love it! I hope to do more of this in the months to come!
Here are some of the websites that I used this week to fuel my deals:
