Does anyone use the grocery game list to save money on groceries?

[lbgraves]

One thing that I have discovered this summer is that I can get snack crackers for the kids cheaper at WM. I don't buy many things there because I generally get a hassle when I use coupons but they have the Whales that are just like the goldfish that are 1.50 for the big box. The kids also like their cheese nip WM brand crackers...the triangular ones. Those are only 1.00 each! The cookies cheaper too. The only other thing I buy there is milk. I run in once eow and get 3 gallons milk, yogurts that don't get coupons, and I get a supply of crackers too.

 

[cruisnfamily]

The paper plates--now are those a true need? .

Well, in addition to saving money, my other goal~Convenience. Paper plates are all about convenience Plus, think how much I save on not running the dishwasher because I've used paper plates

No really, I guess it all depends on how you look at it. Paper plates are usually used around here when we have pizza or a sandwhich for lunch or something. I guess it's not really a true need....but I WANT it! And I want sauce, paste, and oregano. I guess I'm not quite ready to cut my grocery shopping right down to the bone but at least I'm looking at it harder.

 

[cruisnfamily]

...they have the Whales that are just like the goldfish that are 1.50 for the big box....

My kids are sooo picky. I tried the whales and they complained. Something about the salt, either too much or too little on the whales as compared to goldfish. But, ya know what? I think I may go this route anyway and they can have the choice, Be Picky and not have crackers or Don't be picky and have crackers. The two of them go thru A LOT of goldfish.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Also wanted to mention if you go to www.winndixie.com and click on "coupons" on the left side and it gives you a ton of coupons. You click on the ones you want and then you print them. They are manufacturers coupons, not Winn Dixie coupons although they do say "redeem at Winn-Dixie". I know for a fact that Publix takes WinnDixie coupons so know you could use them there. I actually think you could use them anywhere because they are manufacturers coupons.

I did this so that I could kind of build up my stash of coupons to use on the grocery game list. Most coupons expire the end of August on in September so I think they are similar to what you would pull out of the newspaper inserts.



Also, for clarification, if something is blue or green on the list I should buy it whether I need it or not in order to "stockpile", right? That's the theory with this? I did read the game rules just wanted to be sure I got it.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Also, for clarification, if something is blue or green on the list I should buy it whether I need it or not in order to "stockpile", right? That's the theory with this? I did read the game rules just wanted to be sure I got it.

That's what I gather---but if it isn't something you would consume....then that answer is obvious .

 

[lbgraves]

My kids are sooo picky. I tried the whales and they complained. Something about the salt, either too much or too little on the whales as compared to goldfish. But, ya know what? I think I may go this route anyway and they can have the choice, Be Picky and not have crackers or Don't be picky and have crackers. The two of them go thru A LOT of goldfish.

LOL! That is how I feel too! They go thru them pretty quickly. I am just happy it isn't candy or other junk.

 

[cruisnfamily]

GG just uses the coupons in the Sunday paper. Teri considers them the best of the best. You can find on-line coupons at www.smartsource.com and www.boodle.com.

OK, just went to these sites. The smartsource one is the same one you get on the winn dixie website.

If I get my coupons every week from these sites, do you think I still need to buy the Sunday paper? Do you think these cover all the newspaper insert coupons? I don't mind the cost of the paper, it just seems like such a waste since we don't ever get around to reading it. I figured if I could get the coupons online, then I wouldn't bother but I don't know if these are the same as what is in the newspaper.

 

[disneymom3]

Wow--after reading this thread, I have to say I am a little relieved.

I went to the grocery game site and discovered that my state is not even listed. One less thing that I have to worry about that I am not doing to save money!

 

[Nicolepa]

No really, I guess it all depends on how you look at it. Paper plates are usually used around here when we have pizza or a sandwhich for lunch or something. I guess it's not really a true need....but I WANT it! And I want sauce, paste, and oregano. I guess I'm not quite ready to cut my grocery shopping right down to the bone but at least I'm looking at it harder.

Go ahead and buy those things if they are on your list! The goal is to start stockpiling to save money, not make yourself miserable by "depriving" yourself. Everyone has different goals, if paper plates are a need for you then get them, don't beat yourself up because other think you don't need them.

Next time Sauce & paste are on sale stock up! The goal is to start stockpiling things when they are on sale so that eventually you don't have to pay full price for those kinds of items.

 

[Nicolepa]

sauce can be gotten so cheaply--and personally..I hardly ever see spices on sale (maybe the game does--fingers crossed!!!).

Around here spices go for 25% every now and then. Even that I think is too high. Once a month or so I order all my spices from www.penzeys.com. They have awesome prices and quality. I like that i can buy a little or a lot depending on how often I use something. The also frequently send samples of rubs or spices to try. I refuse to buy spices at the grocery store anymore.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Around here spices go for 25% every now and then. Even that I think is too high. Once a month or so I order all my spices from www.penzeys.com. They have awesome prices and quality. I like that i can buy a little or a lot depending on how often I use something. The also frequently send samples of rubs or spices to try. I refuse to buy spices at the grocery store anymore.

I remember reading somewhere that you could stock up at a dollar store type place. Same spices--but only $1 instead of $3-$4.

 

[sln88]

lots of times walgreens has cheapie spices for about .65

Couponing is not for everyone(thank goodness cause if everyone did it, they would stop some of the deals I get). If you are the type of person that just wants to buy what you want when you want it, it probably won't work(at least not to the extreme level) I am lucky enough to be a SAHM so I have the time for this and I feel like I make up for some of our lost income from me not working.

I did not always coupon- I used to just buy what I wanted/needed when I wanted/needed it. If it was on sale great, if not, I got it anyway. That all changed when I got laid off. Now, I see it as a challenge and a fun hobby.

 

[donnajon]

I think you still need to get the newspaper for coupons. These are the "best of the best" as Teri calls them. You get a lot more and more variety. I've gotten some really good ones from boodle and smartsource but after a few weeks (now I've only been doing this 4 or 5 so it may change) they all seem to be the same ones and sometimes will say you've reached your limit. My Sunday paper is $1.50 and I've bought a 2nd one before just for the extra coupons - knowing I would get more than $1.50 worth out of it. Publix publishes a penny mystery coupon every Sunday and you don't know what you'll get for a penny. Two weeks ago it was a 5lb bag of sugar (why I bought the 2nd paper). Last week it was a half gallon of milk.
You should buy and stockpile blue and green items if on the list even if you don't need them - unless you don't use them (i.e. don't buy dog food at 90% off if you don't have a dog) because they likely wont be back on the list for about 12 weeks. You need to stockpile at rock bottom prices so that when you need it you don't have to pay full price - you just go grab it out of your stockpile.

 

[lbgraves]

Our paper has terrible coupons ... along with terrible writing ... so I don't stress about what comes on Sunday. I just use a service to get the ones that I can use. I get more of what I want this way & don't have to hunt around for them.

 

[wackywexler]

I have been doing the grocery game (formerly known as Teri's List) for about three year now, out here in California, where the list originated and I love it!! I was already cutting coupons and trying to match them to the sales, this just made it sooo much easier and quicker!! I am so spoiled now, I am entirely used to saving 50% on my grocery bill. I just hate to shop without my grocery game list! If you keep at it you will see that things cycle through so that evetually you are getting almost evreything you need on sale. We have bought things we wouldn't normally buy and ended up loving it (and sometimes not) I always get the free items and somethimes I get a stockpile of things going and have plenty to donate to food pantrys. Some things like toothpaste you can end up with way too much of so you start only buying your favorite brand. There are great deals on non food items such as name brand cleaning products and health and beauty items like shampoo and conditioner. If you are not too picky and willing to try some new things you too can expect to get half off on all of your groceries! Give it a try you really have nothing to lose!

 

[cruisnfamily]

Publix publishes a penny mystery coupon every Sunday and you don't know what you'll get for a penny. Two weeks ago it was a 5lb bag of sugar (why I bought the 2nd paper). Last week it was a half gallon of milk.

Wherre do you find this mystery coupon? I've never heard of this. It's not in the glossy coupon insers.

You should buy and stockpile blue and green items if on the list even if you don't need them - unless you don't use them (i.e. don't buy dog food at 90% off if you don't have a dog)

This much I figured out on my own!

 

[cruisnfamily]

I just use a service to get the ones that I can use. I get more of what I want this way & don't have to hunt around for them.

More details ont this please. What kind of service?

 

[lbgraves]

Actually, if you can get dogfood at 90% and there is a local animal shelter, this would be a great donation.

There are many services out there. Of course Ebay is good for the hard to find coupons.
Rebecca Addington
http://members.tripod.com/~rebadding/index.html
Dabs Forms/ We Clip It
http://www.dabsforms.com/
Mega Coupon Mart
http://www.megacouponmart.com/

 

[lillygator]

where is the Publix penny coupon?

 

[sln88]

http://kchappellsc.tripod.com/

sometimes she runs 2 cent sales

http://www.taylortowncoupons.com/

you can also sign up to get previews of the coupons on her site

http://www.cutncoupons.com/