Welcome to another fun Saturday Playdate! Today we're playing with Elizabeth from 20something Saver. Elizabeth is a 20something learning to live on less. Sheʼs on a journey of learning to save money and give back with her two dogs. I can definitely learn a lot from her!
When you're done here, please check out Elizabeth's blog. Leave her a comment and let her know you stopped by from the Playdate!
7 Days to a Lower Grocery Bill
Confession time-- Who has been watching TLCʼs series, Extreme Couponing? Be honest! Everyone is jealous of the woman who was paid to leave her grocery store with $1100 worth of groceries. Now I canʼt teach you something like that in one blog post and I probably wouldnʼt recommend it, either. But hereʼs what I can do-- help save you some dough!
So how does it work? Well, thatʼs just what it is; it does require some work. If youʼre willing to do some research and take some time, then I can start saving you money in about a week.
First things first, make your grocery list. Be reasonable but get what you need. I only allow myself to go to the store once a week, so if it wonʼt last me a week, it goes on the list. You have to do what works for you, though. Thatʼs the most important tip!
Next you need to find your storeʼs weekly ad online, in the newspaper, or at your store. If you must go to the store to pick up the ad, donʼt buy anything-- go for the ad and leave. If youʼre like my dad youʼll see the red balloons marked “SALE”, signs with “BOGO”, and youʼll come out $100 poorer. Get your ad and come home.
Grab a pen or sharpie and start going through the ad. If eggs are $0.99 and you need them, circle it. If cereal your kids like is BOGO, grab 2. If itʼs cereal they really love and you have coupons, grab 4. More on that later.
Get the Sunday paper and find some coupons online. Only clip and cut coupons that youʼll need, itʼs silly to cut diaper coupons if your only son is in college!
Get your list and coupons together. This is probably the most difficult step. If something you really, really love is on BOGO, stock up! Sales cycle about every 6-8 weeks, so get enough to last you that long. It may seem silly to come home with 10 boxes of cereal, but if youʼre getting them for $1 each, consider that a deal! Eventually you will learn what a deal is for your family. I used to think Rice for $0.99 was cheap, but I can get it for $0.88 now. Try to keep track of what youʼre buying and for how much. It will pay off!
Lastly, learn some of the general coupon rules. Some grocery stores accept competitor coupons, which is awesome. Most stores in the south do not double coupons, but your store could. Talk to your manager before you shop to avoid confusion and embarrassment.
And of course, shop! Shop alone and on a full stomach. Be sure and send your savings to 20something Saverʼs Facebook wall, we love to see how much you saved!
-- Elizabeth Glavin
Thanks for stopping by for our playdate! I hope you had fun! If you would like to come over for a playdate, let me know in a comment or an email.
1 comments:
Great tips! I am terrible at using coupons but am trying to learn, so this helps.
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