Grocery List Help

[SarahandPaul]

I am hoping you budget-focused readers can help! I have recently gotten very involved with using coupons for groceries. I have been going to the 4 closest stores. In the past, I have kept a running list on the fridge for the whole week, but don't think that will work for a 4 store shopping approach. I am trying to make this as easy as possible...any ideas? TIA!

 

[smiller]

I keep everything on one sheet:

- running list of needs
- Jewel
- Dominick's
- CVS
- Walgreens
- Target
- Costco
- Aldi
- Trader Joe's
- Whole Foods

I put items that are needed and that are on great sale (and something we need) under each specific store, after I read the sale ads. Places like Aldi and Costco, I list the items we need this week and maybe what we'll need next week.

I'm constantly rewriting the lists, but it's helpful to have it in one place. I also note all sale prices and coupons I have next to each item, so I make sure I don't miss anything.

I have my coupons all divided up by category, but then I start a "This Week" envelope for the ones I'll be using, well, this week!

As you continue with couponing, you'll start recognizing best prices and which store you can get the best deals at. So, when you run out of a certain item, you can jot it down under that specific store. If a better sale/coupon comes along, just cross it out and write it under a different store!

 

[ShiPooOwner]

I keep everything on one sheet:

- running list of needs
- Jewel
- Dominick's
- CVS
- Walgreens
- Target
- Costco
- Aldi
- Trader Joe's
- Whole Foods

I put items that are needed and that are on great sale (and something we need) under each specific store, after I read the sale ads. Places like Aldi and Costco, I list the items we need this week and maybe what we'll need next week.

I'm constantly rewriting the lists, but it's helpful to have it in one place. I also note all sale prices and coupons I have next to each item, so I make sure I don't miss anything.

I have my coupons all divided up by category, but then I start a "This Week" envelope for the ones I'll be using, well, this week!

As you continue with couponing, you'll start recognizing best prices and which store you can get the best deals at. So, when you run out of a certain item, you can jot it down under that specific store. If a better sale/coupon comes along, just cross it out and write it under a different store!

I kind of like that idea of having it all on one sheet, but I've always kept separate pieces of paper and after checking out the ads, made weekly lists and then folded my lists with the coupons I'll be using for that store stuck inside. I have a plastic basket that I keep all my shopping gear in. I don't take it into the stores, but leave it in my car but it keeps everything in one place when I have several errands to run. In it I put all of my shopping lists from the ads along with my CVS ECB's clipped together with my last receipt so I know where I am on my deals that week. I have a small scissors in there in case I want to do multiple transactions and want to cut off the ECB's right away.

As Smiller mentioned, after a while you will automatically know what's the best price on things you buy frequently. Try to combine sale prices with mfg. coupons and store coupons as much as possible to really make using coupons pay off. If you keep track of your savings on a monthly basis, it really add up and can be amazing!

 

[dizluvah]

I feel a little disorganized after reading the first couple of posts - but I get the grocery ads weekly for 3 stores (they arrive on Friday). I review whats on sale, I take a quick inventory of pantry/freezer items I have on hand - then I plan a weekly menu based on whats on sale and what coupons I have. I usually have 1 sheet of reg. paper with lists for all three stores on that one sheet, then I put in my expandable coupon organizer/folder - and keep that in the car all week. I also keep a pair of scissors in the glove box when I need to clip a coupon from a circular I get instore, etc.

I keep a dry erase board on the fridge and whenever we run out of anything or someone takes the last of something (last bag of microwave popcorn) we write it on the board (this includes personal items) - if it's not on the board don't come crying to me about not having it - I'm not psychic.

When I began couponing my biggest hurdle was being out in town, knowing there was something we need on the board but not having the coupon with me - that was my biggest challenge but I developed a routine eventually.

 

[deerhart]

The big problem with shopping multiple stores is dealing with inventory, time, and gas. You may save $0.10 buying the item at another store, but then you also have to account for the increased gas cost, your increased time, and the availability of the product. This is especially problematic if your going to that store just for a few specific items on sale.

It may be a better option to see if your preferred store price matches on advertised sales, so you can still get the sale price and only use one trip!

 

[MarilIncredible]

The big problem with shopping multiple stores is dealing with inventory, time, and gas. You may save $0.10 buying the item at another store, but then you also have to account for the increased gas cost, your increased time, and the availability of the product. This is especially problematic if your going to that store just for a few specific items on sale.
It may be a better option to see if your preferred store price matches on advertised sales, so you can still get the sale price and only use one trip!

This is true. I do most of my shopping at one store, but will go to one of the other 2 if they have a really good sale on meat, or several items on sale that I want to buy, but will not bother if it is only 1 or 2 things. Not worth my time or gas.

 

[AllieBoo]

For groceries, I also go with the one store approach. It saves time and gas and is easier to get my trip organized. I shop almost exclusively at Publix - they double coupons and have awesome BOGO deals. For toiletries and other items, I shop mostly at CVS and Walgreens - I am able to gettoothpaste, shampoo, razors, feminine products, floss, etc. for practically free doing this.

 

[mskayjay]

There are weeks when I spend a ton buying items that are on great sales and I know we use regularly and other weeks I spend next to nothing. You need to "shop the sales" and combine with your couponing to maximize your savings. I have running list of items that I buy no matter what when they are on a good sale. Perfect example would be the 40 bottles of Wisk I just got for free...yes, free. Do I need 40 bottles? not right now but it isn't going bad and I stockpiled till the next good sale. If it happens to be next week, so be it....I'll grab some more.

in terms of shopping multiple stores, it all depends on the distance to get there and how good the deals are. If you are going for a regular item that you stock up on and the sale is that good then heavens yes go for it!

I am a regular on weusecoupons.com and we are all very open about sharing the deals we find and how we are doing match-ups to maximize the savings. We also have people who are pretty much pros at answering questions like yours. I can tell you that even after doing this for years, I am amazed at what I learn. Come join us and you'll find a really helpful, caring group that may be able to help you boost your savings quite a bit. We have dedicated forums for your stores too and having someone put the deals right up for you can really help a lot!

 

[ohlas]

if it's not on the board don't come crying to me about not having it - I'm not psychic.

AMEN SISTER LOL

I would keep the running list and if you start this wonderful but i do it a little different i set amt im willing to spend every 2 wks for food and house..

I use the coupon if i need it or it on sale and will need it soon, but then im only going to 2 different stores.

 

[ceecee]

I go to one store, I just can't stand the other two super stores even to save a few bucks! I buy the things I use weekly when they are on sale and store them.