I can teach YOU to shop smart!

The receipt you are looking at is Toby and I's last shopping bill for this month. Some of you may think it's quite odd to blog about grocery shopping, but let me tell you... I can save you so much money if you just follow a few tips!

Okay so when you look at the amount we spent you might be set off a bit and think, "I don't even spend that much!" The trick to our shopping is, yes, though we spent over 100$, you would not believe how long we can stretch it! So instead of having to shop every week, we wait for the deals and the "right" coupons. I DO NOT take full credit for the methods I use, as I have been "influenced" by Dave Ramsey and "The Grocery Game".

BUY IN BULK and
BUY ON SALE!!!

The important thing to remember is this took a little time to "bulk" up on things, so that is why we were able to spend a chunked amount like this! Once you get yourself to the point of having enough, then you can spend your budget on things you need (such as eggs and milk etc.). Because the truth is Toby and I HONESTLY do not need this much food at once. But you would be utterly amazed at how nice it is to have what you need and know you got it for cheap! Plus Wal-mart always has great deals on H&B products (and there are even coupons for those things too!)

Okay so the grocery bill from Wal-mart says we initially spent 150.00$. After, no longer than an hour of clipping coupons (from the Sunday newspaper and The Grocery Game) I was able to save us over forty dollars JUST IN COUPONS! If you know Wal-mart well then you know that is an accomplishment, because their prices are already so cheap. However, Toby and I hate buying produce at Wal-mart because it always goes bad on us... so we look to King Soopers and Safeway for deals. Safeway is infamous for deals on paper products. So we wait for their deals to come around and we really stock up (as you can tell from the pictures below). King Soopers (or Kroger) also always have GREAT deals on fresh fruit and veggies!

MY TIPS:

1. Actually watch the weeks adds and circle what you could use.
2. Save every coupon you can, even if you think you may not use it down the road. I ended up switching from a "professional" shampoo/conditioner to WHATEVER is on sale and I have a coupon for.
3. While you are watching the adds, pull the saved coupons for ONLY the items that are on sale. (HINT!!! Wal-mart matches typical grocery adds)
4. Make a list - do not count on just "shopping" - and stick to the list!
5. If you find a deal, bulk up! (For instance: Safeway typically does a deal on a 24 pack of Charmin TP for 9.99 if you buy two packs. You CAN NOT buy good TP at Wal-mart for cheaper than that!)
6. Don't be afraid to have "extras" right now... it WILL save you down the road. (Toby and I have FIVE Mayos in our cabinet because we buy when its on sale and end up getting it free after the coupons!)
7. Don't be afraid to make trips to mulitple stores. If the stores are close by you can do the running around (NOTE: Wal-mart does not match manufactors deals, for instance, if Safeway is giving away free 24pack of water if you buy two 12 packs of soda, Wal-mart WILL NOT match it!)
8. DO NOT pay for coupons! The Grocery Game is a paid membership, BUT you can download the coupons for free, and you can keep going back to get more! Plus what they teach you through your membership on The Grocery Game I am teaching you here!
9. Stock up on BOGO Deals!

Because Toby and I have faithfully been following this plan, we have been able to save more money for occasions when we eat out (which is usually at least once a week). Our budget is 70$ a week on groceries/food/H&B products/dog food etc. We hardly ever go over because of the system we use. I know 70$ a week is alot, but I promise you, you can do this on much less a week even! We save on Dog Food, shavers, toothpaste, food, YOU NAME IT! YOU HAVE TO BE WILLING TO Play the Game. And hey, once you figure it out, its amazing how natural it becomes.

Check out our cabinets, we are going to be able to save so much more money for the baby!