One of the most overspent budget categories is food. We all got to eat but those trips into the grocery store inevitably make a hit to the wallet. When I first started couponing I would go on couponing grocery trips, which were solely just to get 'deals.' I eventually smartened up and realized that if we don't need it, won't use it, then it's NOT a deal! I'm just giving them our hard earned money and cluttering up our living space with stuff.
After 7 years of couponing, I feel like I have grocery shopping for my family (and without obliterating the checking account) down. Most of what we do to save money is done before we even leave for the store!!
First, and hardest IMO, is menu planning.
-If you've never menu planned, I'd start with just one week and then work up to a pay period (for us that's two weeks), and then the whole month. The longer of a menu plan you do, the more potential money savings.
-I write our menu on a calendar we got for free. I like this because If I can't think of anything, I can just flip back to an earlier month for ideas!
-Another thing we do is have a leftover night and pizza night each week. That leaves only five days to think of ideas.
-I've found it helpful to have a list of meals that I know our family likes and I just plug those into the various days depending on our schedule.
Second, shop your pantry and make your shopping list.
-Using your menu plan check the areas where you store food and see what ingredients you already have. We're blessed to have a fruit room under our front porch where we can store lots of food. We also bought a large freezer because we stock up when meat, frozen veggies, butter, tortillas, etc. are on sale and freeze the extra. It's amazing how much can be frozen!
-The ingredients you don't have already stored in your home, becomes your shopping list!
Third, check local grocery ads for the best prices on the things you need.
-I use www.dealstomeals.com to do this. This is a price comparison website. You select the stores in your area and then, using the search bar, enter what you're shopping for. You'll then be able to see which store has the best price and add it to your DealsToMeals shopping list. You can then do all your shopping at Walmart, and use their savings catcher app to get the best prices, or go to each individual store to ensure you get the best price! DealsToMeals has a free two week trial so you can try it out and see how you like it!
-You can also compare prices by going to each store's website and looking at the weekly ad, or keeping the weekly ad when it comes in the mail. I'd keep a notebook and pencil handy to write down the prices for those shopping list items as you peruse the ads.
Fourth, search for coupons.
-I use www.hip2save.com and their coupon database to do this. Just put the name of what you're buying in the search bar and hit enter. Any available coupon will be listed. Sometimes these are printable, meaning you can print it right from your computer. But most of the time you'll need to have the coupon inserts that come in the newspaper.
-If you don't get the newspaper, find someone who does and ask if they'll save the coupons for you. Our Aunt Lorraine does this for us and it's SOOOO nice!
You're ready to shop!! At the store, stick to your list!!! The only exception I make is for clearanced out items that I know we already use. Our grocery store has several areas throughout the store where clearance items will be. I always check those first, as sometimes they'll have items that are on our shopping list! I got lunch meat yesterday for only .40 a package doing this!!! As long as you properly store these items when you get home, they're perfectly fine for consumption.
The last thing I do to save money is after the shopping trip is over. There are several cash back apps that you can use to lower your bill even further. Again, the trick is not buying anything on the app, but just those things that were on your list to begin with. I view the cash back apps as a happy bonus to my already cost saving shopping!
These are the apps I check against my receipt and submit for any rebates:
1. Saving Star: This has a healthy offer each week. It only accepts certain store receipts.
2. Mobisave: Accepts receipts from any store. Has several 'any brand' offers.
3. Checkout51: Accepts receipts from any store.
4. ibotta: Only accepts certain store receipts. Has several 'any brand' offers.
Following these five steps will help you save so much money!!! Let's review:
1. Menu Plan
2. Shop your pantry
3. Compare ads for best price
4. Look for coupons
5. Submit receipts to cash back apps
If it's too much to start all at once, menu planning will give you the most bang for your buck.
Share your grocery saving tips and/or come back and let us know if you try any of these methods!
***I was also able to submit my receipts to get free movie tickets. Through October 31st 2017, purchase three General Mills cereals and receive a code good for one FREE admission to see a disney movie of your choice (up to $12) – limit of 12 reward codes per email or mobile phone address.
Simply send the photo of your receipt to gmcereal@drvsusa.com by 11/30/17. Your reward code must be redeemed by 12/15/17. Head HERE for more information on this promotion.***
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