Meal Planning Day 2: Store Ads & Coupons

Today is going to be super fun and jam-packed with information all on SAVING MONEY! WHOOT!! Let me begin by saying that I have been on both ends of the couponers spectrum - yes, I could've been in a support group and yes, I had a stockpile. Sigh! I get it though - once you save BUCKETS on your groceries it is easy to get way sucked in and even a little lost in the craze. But as a recovering addict more realistic shopper/couponer these days I hope to help you find a system that is best for your family.

- - - In a nutshell this is how I shop - - -

I only buy things that my family will actually eat or use,

when they are on sale at the lowest price,

paired with a coupon when possible.
 

Today's goal: Find out what is on sale and which things you can get for the least amount of money
Printable worksheet: Store Comparison Worksheet
Time: 30-60 minutes (or more depending on how many stores you scope out)

STEP 1: Gather your local store ads.
Most grocery stores run sales Wednesday-Tuesday. I used to think this was a hastle when coupons come in the Sunday paper, but one of the benefits is being able to wait until Sunday to see if there is a coupon for a sale item  you want in the paper. ; ) Grab a newspaper on wednesday for the major stores. (Where I live King Soopers, Safeway, Albertsons and sometimes Walmart are included each week.)

STEP 2: Browse through the ads to see what is on sale.
Decide how many stores you are going to shop and which ones. (I used to shop at several to make sure I was getting rock-bottom prices for everything, but I have since decided to stick with my favorite store and shop there for *most* of my groceries. I say most because I do still scan the other store ads - plus Target on Sunday - to see if I can get something for WAY cheap)

STEP 3: Using the Store Comparison Worksheet list items that you plan to buy from each store.
Secondly, match-up any coupons you have in your stash with these items and note the final price. This worksheet will help you decide how many and which stores to shop at as well as give you an idea of what sale items to build your menu on. If you find an item that you would like but don't have a coupon for it - - - jot it down and hold off buying it until after you check the Sunday paper for new coupons. (Click here to see a sample comparison)

STEP 4: Where to find coupons

• Load coupons onto your shoppers reward card for instant savings. BUT only those for more than $1 if your store doubles coupons - - - electronic coupons are taken off first and don't double usually. If you have a paper coupon for $0.50 it will double to $1 but the e-coupon will remain at $0.50
• Print coupons online from sites like: coupons.com, kelloggs.com, or boxtops4education.com
• After printing the first set of coupons click 'back' or reselect them and print a secont time - - - you are allowed two sets per household.

STEP 5: Tips for using coupons

• Be aware of price fluxuations and buy items when they are on sale paired with a coupon if at all possible.
• Some stores like Target & sometimes Safeway will allow you to "Stack Coupons." That means you can use one "store coupon" and one "manufacturer coupon" on the same item to save even more money! You can find store coupons in the store ad or at the store website to print from home. You have to watch prices though because sometimes the prices are inflated so stacking doesn't acctually help in the long end.
• Another technique that is like stacking is when a coupon says something like this: "Save $ on 'this' when you buy 'this.' " Most stores will let you use one manufacturer coupon per item, BUT in this case the coupon applies to the first item listed not the second - - - so you can also use coupon for the second item listed.
• Ask if your store will "double coupons." Two of the three local stores here will double any coupon up to $1.00 in value.
• When a store has an item listed at "buy one, get one free" ask if they will give you 50% off just one, then use a coupon on that one item.
• Don't forget to check the clearance section - you can use coupons on these things too!!

Don't Forget to enter the

Coupon Giveaway

going on this week!!!

Yesterday: Using a Kitchen Inventory
Tomorrow: Creating a 14 Day Menu