Made a Challenge for Myself for This Next Year!!!

I clip coupons from the Sunday paper. I try to menu plan at least 10 dinners and do my major grocery shop every two weeks. I try to send my husband for the things that we need as fillers throughout those two weeks. Even though my husband doesn't shop as well as I do for the best prices it is best for him to go because he sticks to just the few things on the list. I find that even if I run in the store for ONE thing I will buy WAY more. So, I just avoid going.

www.coupons.com
www.redplum.com
www.smartshopper.com

My husband also brings home the coupons from the Sunday paper where he works since it goes in the recycle bin there. If you are brand-loyal to anything, check their website and sign up for emails, promotions, coupons, specials, etc. If you shop a few specific grocers, see if their websites list the store prices and make sure you get their weekly flyers or look at them online. I have tried and WILL NOT shop at Aldis (I know a lot of people who do, and I've tried, and there is no point for me), but I shop at Wegmans, Sam's Club, and now Tops since there is one right next to my work. I check price per pound or ounce to see which brand/store is the best deal. I do not make more than one major trip to one main grocer and we plan our meals accordingly.

I have for the past 2 months been keeping itemized (by department, item, quantity, and cost) lists of our purchases to see what we purchase, how often, and how much it costs to see where the leaks are or where we are better off buying in bulk. That has been pretty helpful for me. I also have not bought cleaners except for dish soap in at least a year since I am makign mine with vinegar, baking soda, and borax mostly, and make my own laundry soap, which I like better and find to be dirt cheap. =)

I clip coupons from the Sunday newspaper & stick them in an envelope. I try & use only what I actually need.

Is your Target a SuperTarget? We shop there weekly. A few months ago I signed up for the Target debit card. (Not the credit card) I figured I shop at Target once a week for nearly everything, so I should take advantage of the 5% off every time you use their debit or credit card.

I don't really have any fabulous shopping tips that other moms probably can't give you, but a woman who works at a business I frequent told me the neatest thing. I thought so anyway. She said that everytime she got change for anything while shopping, she put the change in a jar. She started in January and had many jars full of coins and some dollar bills, but at years end this year she had almost $900 saved.
I thought that was the coolest thing and I'm going to start doing that too just out of curiosity. Or to have a little emergency fund.
She used the money she saved for Christmas.

It's worth a go anyway.

Best wishes.

I don't spend as much if I stock up on things. So if I shop twice a month instead of once a week, it saves money.

Aldi and Save-a-Lot will save you more than any coupon can. Most of the plain labeled foods are the same, even processed by the same companies that process the brand names. The only thing I can't seem to find that I like in a plain label is the AE yogurt.

I like to stock up when I see sales. But In find the cheapests way to eat is to make a lot of crock pot soups. Potatoes bake, fry, work well in soups and are surprisingly better for us than people realize. They should be washed and scrubbed and ate with the skins on, only cuttong off the bad spots.

For me, staying out of the fast food places is really hard to do. I just get tired of cooking all the time. My other weakness is the monster drinks. Without them I am a slug. But we spend very little when I make myself create all my own meals at home.

Is there a Target or WalMart in your area?
They take coupons.
Also, if you get their inhouse brands -- canned vegetables,
cold cereals, etc. -- they usually cost much less
than the name brands, even with cents-off coupons.
Notice when there are sales on items you ordinarily get.
Stock up when they're on sale.
For example (and this one may be too simple but, just in case . . . . )
if 24-count toilet paper is less PER ROLL than 6-count or 12-count,
get that.
Good luck.

Love those coupons but you must use what you want need & will use.If your store offers a double coupon day go for it plus a shoppers card your saving money,most stores will take a Manufactuer coupon (from the mail,newspaper, or printable coupon plus the store coupon like Target.com coupon site & if there is a peelie on that item they will honor the coupon for the item)Also go to the feedback that the stores are now offering they want your opinon on the service in return you'll get a coupon plus like JcPenny they will take 2 coupons on top of their sales or clearance get on the mailing lists for the stores you shop at they email or mail great coupons now they are doing texting coupons (don't have that)Savings is out there you just have to look
www.coupons.com
www.dealspl.us

hip2save.com

I love your list idea, I had done it and then compared the same items at different stores. That way when they go on sale I know which place has the best deals.

I don't know how much I save, it depends on how much time I actually have.

Some ideas...

Know your prices. Often things are advertised to make you think you're saving, but in reality it's only a few cents. One of the best gimmicks in our area is buy one get one free - boneless chicken breast. Normally $2.99/lb but you can get it for $1.99lb. most of the time. They'll mark it up to $3.99/lb and give you the lesser package free, so you're really paying more.

Use coupons, but there aren't that many good ones any more, a lot of $1 off 3 - I only want to buy 1 - I don't spend a lot of time searching for them.

If stores are close in your area, shop at more than one store per week and take advantage of the sale items.

Stock up when things are on sale.

Join a warehouse club, like BJ's or Costco. Once again this is a know your prices type of thing. We save a lot buying meats, cheese and snacks, but it's not for everyone.

Try some store brands or no name brands. I've found some cereals and crackers that I think are just as good or better than the name brands.