Sunday I did my first real shopping using the list from The Grocery Game.   They have lists for 2 stores in my area, and since I am still in the $1 Trial Period, I have lists from both. (once you are past the trial period, you pay a fee for each store you want a list from; I'll have to see if it is worth paying for both )  I am fortunate (?)  to live within 5 miles of 6 major grocery stores or super discount stores. So I printed off the lists, pulled out the coupons that went with the lists, scanned the store flyers of the other stores nearby for great specials ( like .99/lb split chicken breasts at Kroger this week ) jotted down my own list for them, and went out.   I hit Harris Teeter ( double coupons), Kroger ( double coupons), WalMart, Food Lion, and Lowes Foods.  It took me about 3 hours.  I came home with $232.35 worth of groceries and paid $144.75.   Total savings of 38%.  

Part of the "game" is to stock up on things at their lowest prices, so that you don't need to buy them again later when the prices are high, so I stocked up on a couple of items, and bought a few "extra" things for Super Bowl snacking.  ( we don't really care about football at all, but the FOOD is the important part of the day!)

I was pleased, and hope to be able to increase that savings percentage as I go along. Hubby was very pleased  ~  groceries ( including paper products/ cleaning supplies/ personal hygiene )  is our #1 expense annually - more than our home mortgage!   So anything that reduces that cost is significant for our budget!  And with a second child entering college in the fall, pennies count.

If any of you decide to try The Grocery Game, do use me as a reference ( and I'll earn free weeks ).  cstonehs@juno.com

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