Jan. 17, 2007 - Feeding the Family - Tips & Discoveries
This is just a few unorganized list of tips that may be helpful to you. These tips are more towards saving money and time on the grocery shopping.
1) When I DON'T Clip Coupons
I used to buy the Sunday newspaper for all the coupons. But what I discovered is that I would spend $1.75 each week for the paper only to end up with maybe 6 coupons. When I totalled up the amount saved on the coupons then subtracted out the cost of the paper....well.....my time of sitting and sifting was not paying off. And on top of that, I didn't always end up using every coupon that I clipped.
Plus, on most items I purchase the store brand anyway. Even with a coupon, the name brand still usually cost more (which is why the coupons I clipped never got used)
I cancelled my newspaper subscription.
2) When I DO Clip Coupons
I only clip coupons now if the source doesn't cost me anything. First, that would be when my m-i-l is able to bring me her Sunday paper. Second, the internet, which I'm still searching out. So far, I have found Coupons.com. However, I'm still not finding coupons to be worth the time and effort involved. Plus, there's just not very many items that I purchase the name brand on.
If you are aware of any other great internet grocery coupon resources, please let me know!
3) Comparing Prices
Just because something is on sale does not make it the best deal for you. It was very laborious but I made it my business to know the prices. I started my own price log starting with the highest priced and most frequently purchased items such as cereals and meats.
Let's take boneless skinless chicken breast for example. Around here it costs $5.49/lb. I started noting that sale prices were sometimes advertised as $2.99/lb and sometimes $1.77/lb. Well, that stopped me in my tracks! When it comes to meats, cereals and dairy I do not buy when it goes on sale but rather when it goes on sale for the lowest possible sale price.
4) Wholesale - Best Buy or Not?
For so many years I made the assumption that wholesale was the best buy. I now know that just isn't so! I am still trying to price these things out but so far I have found that some things are cheaper if I wait for them to go on sale at the market. Over the next year or two I am hoping to determine if I am really saving money with the wholesale club after I factor in my $45 annual fee.
Gordon Food Service is a free wholesaler. But so far only peanut butter is cheaper. It could come in handy, though, if I find I must buy something that is not on sale at the market. Then, GFS is a better alternative as would be the wholesale club should I continue my membership.
5) Wholesale - The Best Things!
My wholesale club (Sam's Club) is not a convenient stop for several reasons. Here's what I recently discovered about it! First, I can do all my price comparisons online. It is so much easier than trying to do this at the store especially because it's not easy to compare prices between the grocer in smaller quantities and the wholesaler in bulk quantities. Much easier to do my figuring from home!
Secondly, I can do my shopping online. With Sam's, I simply select and submit all the items I want to purchase. Within a couple of hours of making my selections, the club has them carted and ready for me to pickup at the customer service desk. And even better, I can pay for them at cust. svc. instead of having to stand in line.
6) Bed, Bath & Beyond
If you shop at Bed, Bath & Beyond, be sure to never pay for anything at full price. Always use their 20% off coupons. (Get on their mailing list if you're not). They accept coupons no matter their expiration. They only allow the use of 3 (I think) coupons per visit). However, they allow you to bring back your receipt along with additional coupons to get adjustments. I don't purchase very much from BBB but I collect the coupons (my neighbors give me theirs, too) for when I do shop there.
Please share any money saving tips you have that will help me!!!!!
