Many readers have asked how I stay withing my budget each week and save so much. I've started to post my weekly shopping plans, so everyone can see my thought process for shopping and saving.I've been posting my shopping plans for six week. Overall, my plans have been quite boring. Is it just me being stocked up on most items, or do think the great deals have been few and far between also?
Here is what I plan to shop for this week:
Aldi: I picked up the basics and cheap produce. Milk, creamer, eggs, pineapple, strawberries, Roma tomatoes, and lettuce. Spent: $11.76
CVS: Since I'm not a big Fig Newton fan, I was going to skip CVS, but maybe I should stop and see if they have the Oral-B toothbrushes in stock. It's hard to pass up a money-maker at CVS since you don't need fillers to use your ECBs.
Walgreens: I haven't shopped at Walgreens in weeks. Maybe that is why I've been bored with shopping lately. Jenny B mentioned in one of her comments she found Walgreen weirdly thrilling because you never know what to expect. Hmmm. Maybe I should dig out my Stayfree coupons and head to Walgreens for a thrill.
Target: I can get excited about Targets deals this week. Well, at least the Breyers and Ben & Jerry's. I only have one of the Target insert and not much space in the freeze, so I'll be picking up (3) Breyers and (2) Ben & Jerry's. I'll need dog food soon, so I'll save my $5 giftcard to purchase Dog Chow later. Somehow having a Giftcard takes the "bite" out of the price of dog food. Projected to spend: $10.95
Shop 'n Save: I don't usually shop at Shop 'n Save unless they offer $10 off $50. The Old El Paso seasoning, Small Steps napkins, and Red Gold tomatoes are good deals this week, but I'm stocked up on seasoning and napkins. I don't think it's worth my time to stop and see how they might deal with the .75 Red Gold coupons.
Schnucks: Nothing better than Breyer's, unless it's Breyer's with Smucker's Carmel topping. Projected to spend: $10.00
- Smucker's Topping
- Cilantro
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Palermo's Pizza - If there is room in the freezer after I squeeze the ice cream in.
- Fresh Express Complete Salad Kit - $2.50 isn't a great deal, but I've got room in the budget this week.
What are you shopping for this week?
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I have been couponing for about two months now. Trying to refine the process and my skill. Do you save all coupons or only the ones that you know you will use? For a while I was just buying the good deals - now - I think I need to stop buying stuff we don't really love.
ReplyDeleteIt's just hard to feel like you are passing up a great deal...
I'm battling the stocking up monster in side of me. I find that every week I stock up on stuff but then still have *nothing* to eat. Or go back for just one thing to make a meal complete. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI did buy lots of cheap diapers at Target and CVS. I think I'm going back to Target for more of them I just got a new batch of Target coupons in the mail.
I too am battling the stocking up monster when it comes to food, but I love the fact that as far as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, toliet paper, paper towels, cleaning stuff we are stocked up so I guess it's balancing itself out. I just wish we would get some good stock up deals w/ pantry stuff!!
ReplyDeleteNot many great deals lately except for a few freebies here and there. I just donated 6 bags of stuff to the Girl Scouts so I'm gonna step back for a bit before restocking my stockpile.
ReplyDeleteLiz - I know its hard to pass up great deals but its not really a great deal unless its something you will use or be able to donate.
Anymore it seems like I am shopping for myself and my grown kids families. They come over and stock their shelves also. It seems like I am shopping more that ever for everything but groceries. Just hasn't been many good deals for what we eat. I heard on the news this morning that hamburger is going to even go higher. It seems ethanol is taking the corn away from our cows.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what it is about the St Louis area but our grocery stores seem to have fewer good sale prices, fewer deals, higher everyday meat prices and more restrictive coupon policies as compared to stores in other cities. It's a wonder we save as much as we do.
ReplyDeleteI hate to stumble on other blogs that triple coupons at grocery stores & they save a ton of money!! Really bums me out especially when it's stuff we use, but can't seem to get the same deals here. :(
ReplyDeleteI love the pierogies. Feel free to send extra bags my way! LOL
ReplyDeleteHi Liz - I don't clip any coupons until I'm getting ready to head to the store. I only take the coupons I'm going to use that day with me to the store. It saves time and I'm not tempted to make a spur of the moment purchase, jut because I have a coupon.
ReplyDeleteIf a product is cheap enough, I'll try most anything once. (Peirogies) I don't buy the product again unless it's something my family enjoys. It's not a good deal, if it just takes up space in the pantry.
Its because there isn't much grocery store competition. I'm from Texas originally and there is steep competition so they have triple coupons and reward programs etc. My sister was getting free cutlery and pots/pans from her grocery store last winter. I want something like that!
ReplyDeleteHi CJ and Rachel - I've stopped looking at the grocery deals other parts of the country get - too depressing.
ReplyDeleteHi Marcella - We need a agressive national chain in the St Louis market. But, I don't think that is going to happen any time soon.
ReplyDeleteWhile new hires at the three major unionized chains aren't paid too great, the last few contracts ensured the old timers were provided withn good raises. I know the current contract with the meatcutter union requires members to opt for their spouse's health benefit plan if it's cheaper.
ReplyDeleteThe employees of the chains over in IL belong to different locals and I can't say if they paid the same and receive the same benefits. However, those who work at the Troy and Warrenton Krogers receive a lower hourly rate.
Now do Super Walmart local stores really undercut the union chains? IMHO, prices maybe lower, except one gives up double coupons and on a regular schedule suppliers, e.g. SuperValu, and manufacturers do provide merchandise to the chains at good prices that entice the typical shoppers to be loyal to their neighborhood grocery stores. Finally, for years the common belief is that the St. Louis area has one too many chain.