Grocery Challenge

I've done a little experiment with grocery shopping.

Over the past couple years I've gone to Wally World (wal-mart). I started to wonder what was up when my grocery bill gradually went up. It quickly got to the point of out of control.

Each time I visit I have to go from one side of the store to the other.... that's where they get you.

I was picking up candles, craft items, kids clothing... etc.

My bill in the meantime had gone up almost $100 a week. Out of control I tell ya!

So, after we moved I visited the new Wally World, same deal.

Then I decided to go back to the grocery store get a saver card and all.

In 2 weeks my grocery bill is down $75 a week and I'm getting more food. Yes some items are more expensive but I'm saving money. I've also noticed the high quality of meats and produce.

I'm saying so long farewell to my weekly trips to Wally World! Hello little ole small town Brookshires.

P.S. I love that I get help out to the car!

Coming soon, back to coupon Frugal Jen.

Grocery Time Again

** Update I did it! I spent $102***

Last week it was grocery intervention time. I am sorry to say I did not make it to Costco this week. My week has been crazy and it didn't happen.

Tomorrow I am back to Kroger. They have a big sale. I've matched my coupons and made my list. I wanted to share these great sites:

• http://www.couponing101.com/ She lists Kroger match ups
• http://www.kroger.com/ There are several sites like supersaver, cellfire and smart source to add coupons directly to your reward card

My goal is $110. Let's see how good I do this week.

I have to share something funny. The last 2 weeks I've purchased Halloween candy ahead of time. Problem is we have consumed 4 bags in 2 weeks. I just can't stay away from mini twix, m&m's, milkyway.

What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Grocery Trip... a small success

I did it I followed my list and spent $107.70 at Wal-mart for my weekly grocery trip. This is a huge improvement from my $175 from last year at this time. Remember I do have a family of 5 to feed.

I want to thank you all for the wonderful tips on my last post. I am going to really look closely at what I buy and take a trip to Costco to price out some items.

Keep the tips coming!!!

Grocery Intervention

I am keeping it real again..... yes I need a grocery intervention.

I do not claim to be the best frugal grocery shopper, I do my best. Sometimes coupons.... sometimes great deals. It seems more often than not I spend about $150. Well things have to change...

Remember I told you my husband started his own business. So as a new business owner we have a lot of expenses and I have to keep the budget down at home for a while.

This week I am going to Wally-World. Seriously we have the nicest one and it's way better than Kroger. I plan to spend $110. Yes, I know I could do better. Anyone want to come over to my house and do my list and coupon match? It's hard with 3 kids and a hectic schedule.... yes excuses.

• I make my meal list on the calender. I grocery shop on Friday mornings and meal plan Friday - Thursday.
• I don't necessarily buy what is on sale I buy what I think sounds good for meals. (In order to stay away from the eating out temptation I have to make foods we crave)
• Pull out the grocery store ad's and circle items on my list. Almost always find Diet Coke on sale somewhere.
• My mom gives me all the coupons in her Sunday paper so I go through those for my regular items.
• I go to coupons.com and look for online coupons.
• I check http://www.couponing101.com/ she's got great store match ups and links to coupons.
• Head to the store armed with snacks for Madeline. I try to get in and out withing 45 minutes otherwise I spend more money.

I've got friends who do the grocery game. I would love to try but I can make 100 excuses... you don't want to hear them.

I would love to hear any of your tricks and tips. I used to love grocery days now it's like laundry I dread it!

Wasteless Wednesday - Bad Food?

Have you had this happen?

You are getting ready for dinner and you pull out an ingredient and to your surprise it is bad! Maybe smelly chicken or off colored meat.

Wait don't throw it away yet.....

Pull out the packaging and write down some important information:

• Expiration date and sell by date
• UPC Code cut off if possible if not write it down
• Write down any other production numbers
• Find company website

Once you've got this info simply pull up the company's website. Click contact and report a bad food item. 99.9% they will mail you a coupon for another item (usually worth more than you spent, this time you can get the supersized box) or send you a check for the amount you spent.

Sometimes you luck out and get a package full of coupons!

Think twice before you just throw it away!

If you are highly motivated take your receipt back to the store and get a new item that day. My receipts are usually thrown away or lost after my grocery trip.

Wally World vs. Kroger

I've been back and forth with the two for many years. For the last 2 years I've been a Wal-mart grocery shopper.

Why, well I was slacking on the coupon cutting and figured I was getting the cheapest price.

*Sigh and Head Hang*

Yes, I know I am self proclaimed Frugal Jen and I wasn't using coupons.
Let me share my pro's and con's of both....

Wal-mart

• I can bring in other stores ad's and they will match the price
• They are coupon nuts.. they instantly know if one is expired or you need a multiple item. They almost call you out on the loud speaker.
• They have the best price on diapers!
• If the kids need some clothing items I can pick it up. Remember this post.
• They sell my favorite coconut lime candle.
• The two above bring me to the conclusion... I won't stick to my list I spend more $$$
• I will only visit one location. Some can be kinda shady and scary.

Kroger

• They have a car cart which the kids enjoy.
• They double and triple some coupons.
• You can have your grocery's taken to the car.... Do we tip these people?
• I stick to my list.
• They have Boars Head brand meat!!!
• I spend less money.

Conclusion:

I bought the same grocery items at Kroger this week I usually buy at Wal-mart. I spent $60 less. I noticed that the regular price of items is cheaper on most of the items. Kroger was cheaper on breads, cereals and can items. Wal-mart was cheaper on it's meats.

I will be Krogering and see if this saving trend continues. Plus, I am back couponing!

Where do you grocery shop?