My Two Cents

Written by DeeDee from It Coulda’ Been Worse

My grandparents lived during the Depression. Consequently, they developed what I call the Depression mentality. Their spare bedroom was always stocked with canned goods, boxes of crackers, and more toilet paper than they would ever use. In fact, when I would visit, they would often give me a package of Charmin as I was leaving, kind of like a parting gift. My mom inherited this trait as well, and we grew up in a Depression mentality type of household. If one can of pork and beans was good, then a case would be better.

I don’t want the same for my family. It’s not that I don’t appreciate a good supply of toilet paper, I don’t want to hoard. But, I do want to be a good steward of what God has blessed us with. The way that I do this is by being a careful and conscientious grocery shopper. In the last couple of weeks, we’ve been talking about meal plans, and shopping lists. This week I’d like to cover the use of coupons and sales circulars when shopping.

I’ve been a coupon clipper as long as I’ve been on my own. Now, however, I really use coupons and sales to dictate what I will buy, and the kinds of meals that I prepare. Stores will offer what I call “deep discounts” to get you through their doors. These are often advertised in circulars that you can get in the newspaper, at the store, or even on-line. Their hope is that once they get you through the doors, you’ll be tempted to purchase other items as well. Items which are not discounted. That makes sense. But don’t do it!

I do my main grocery shopping at Wal•Mart, because the prices are much lower, in general. Wal•Mart doesn’t advertise “food sales”, and their prices are pretty consistent. So, that’s where I purchase my staples. The rival chain in our area is Publix. I go to Publix.com on Thursdays and peruse the specials, jotting down items that I normally use, that may be deeply discounted as two for one specials, for example. I then go through my coupon box and see if I have a coupon for that item. I found a service that does this for you. The fee is minimal, and there is an introductory offer of 4 weeks for $1. The website is The Grocery Game and you can find them here. I participated in the introductory special, but canceled when I saw that what she offers is pretty much what I do on my own. But I found it really helpful. Also, she offers some great coupons that you can download, and not even have to subscribe to her site.

A good rule of thumb is only to clip coupons for items that you really do use. I clip coupons also for items that I might want to try, only if they are offered at a very good sale price. It’s not unusual that I walk out of a store having gotten an item for free, by using a coupon and the store’s sales price. Walgreens is wonderful for offering sales such as this, just to get you inside the store. But, only buy what you came intending to buy. And don’t be afraid to pack a calculator!

It does take a bit more time, but the savings can really add up. Now lay it on me. What money saving tips have you found? Any great coupon websites?

Links of Interest:
Publix Specials
Eversave Coupons
Walgreens (Easy Saver Catalogue)
The Grocery Game
Albertsons Grocery Specials