We don’t know anyone who isn’t looking to save money where they can. Some of us Know How in the business budgeting area, some of us at the supermarket. Here’s to clipping costs and saving lifestyle. — BadWitch
Readers Are Spellbound & Perplexed…
Dear GW/BW — Are the people who come out of the grocery store saving bazillions of dollars in league with the devil? I’ve read and watched things that try to explain what their system is, but am still lost. I’m asking how do I save money but not drop my standard of living too much? — Not Savvy Shopper
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Dear Not Savvy Sistah,
My best dish is when, “I make reservations,” my idea of shopping smart is, “Know what you want, get outta there,” and I basically get chewed out by the cooking whiz hubby, “Don’t you know what brand I buy by now?” (A.: Uh helloo?, they should make the label a different color…). So while I’d love to shine my divine light of wisdom on your dilemma, I, too, am flabbergasted as fascinated by watching those people in line at the store with their little coupon folders in hand, and those others who have kitchen drawers full of “savings systems.” Whaaa–? Here’s me helping you by letting someone else go the heck ahead.
10 Items or Less czarina,
BW
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Dear Not Savvy Shopper,
Honey, deals are to be had! Now, I must say, you have to do a little homework ahead of time, but the cash in hand is sooooo worth it. Just today, I saw a man walk out of the store with two bags of groceries which included 2 packs of chicken for—wait for it—less than $17.00! Even I, the consummate bargain shopper, was impressed.
So, how to bag those deals? Start by knowing what you need. Write out your shopping list. Then, go online for coupons. Stores like Safeway offer online coupons, as well as savings guide for your local area. If the coupon or savings fit your shopping list, you’ve got savings. There are online coupon sites like CouponCabin which have been featured on NBC and offer coupons for retail, grocery stores and even restaurants.
But the real secret to savings? Buy only what you need. Coupons can suck you in as fast as any “Sale” sign. Next thing you know you’ve got a cart full of Ho-Ho’s because you can save 25¢ a pack. That’s not really saving—or healthy.
After coupon cutting from local newspapers and online, look for the best sales at local grocery stores. If you know you eat a lot of chicken and see organic chicken on sale at a particular store, head to that store and buy a few packs. You can freeze it and save for meals to come. (I say organic chicken because it really does make a difference in taste and healthfulness. But that’s another topic).
I shop at a few different stores. Some stores, like Target, are great for staples like paper towels and napkins, while other stores like Trader Joes always have low prices for organic, healthy foods. Of course, TJ’s does not have many coupon friendly products, but any store that can sell palatable wine for $2 (fondly known as Two Buck Chuck) is worth laying down the scissors for. I can honestly say my best has been two full bags of groceries with a weeks worth of food for 3 people at $40. Not $17, but, my bag was filled with more healthy foodstuffs and, of course, Mommy calming vino.
Keep your eyes open. The bargains are there—no soul selling contracts required.
Happy shopping!
GoodWitch
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