~ Step 5: Saving at Walmart
So how was your Walmart shopping trip? It's a pretty easy place to use coupons, real straight forward and no hassles (or very little). Were you surprised at how much you were able to save?
My grocery bill used to be around $150.00 per week and I used to think that I was getting away cheap. I have 3 boys and a husband who know how to eat and they are really good at it. I always knew how to save money on the big things, clothing, cars, household expenses, insurance, but I never really applied those skills to groceries. I always thought that I was doing good with $150.00 a week.
When my husband and I decided to make a lifestyle change I found that I needed to find a way to cut that grocery bill down so that we could keep more money in our pockets. So I began doing research and in my search I learned how to save an incredible amount of money on my groceries. My grocery bill now is only $50.00 - $75.00 per week. I learned how to save over 50% on my grocery bill, that's more than $300 per month.
Here is what I learned:
- Buy Low - Buy items when they are at their lowest price point. As you become a more seasoned shopper you will begin to recognize what the lowest price of an item is. When that item is at its lowest point that is the time to purchase it.
- Stockpile - When you find an item at its lowest price point buy it in quantity. (1) You will avoid buying at a higher price when you need it, (2) You will avoid making unnecessary trips to the store, which leads to spending more money on those “impulse” purchases. (3) You will avoid going out to eat because you will have a full pantry. (4)You will have a nice supply of food in case of an emergency.
- Don’t be picky – The pickier you are the less savings you will have. If you are brand loyal you may have to wait a long time to get that really awesome stockpile price.
- Menu planning - Plan your menu with the store sales. Check to see what meats and produce are on sale and then make your menu based on these sale items. There usually aren't coupons available for meat and produce however planning your menu around these sales will cut your bill by $20 or more every week.
- Make a shopping list - Prepare a shopping list before you head to the store and be sure to stick to the list - DO NOT DEVIATE FROM THE LIST!!! Impulse purchases are "budget busters".
- Store Loyalty - When you plan your menu be sure to look at all of your local store ads this will help you to not only save money but also give you a larger choice in menu options.
- Don't shop hungry - Old wives tale? No, shopping hungry leads to impulse purchases which we know are "budget busters".
Step 6: This weeks Assignment
- Gather all of your local grocery store ads.
- Print a copy of the shopping list (found on this site) for each grocery store in your area.
- Begin planning your menu from the ads and the shopping lists.
- Check out the meat sales from each store.
- Check out the produce sales from each store.
- Check out the printed shopping list for each store.
- Look for items at their lowest price point and be sure to add several of them to your grocery list to build up your stockpile.
- Gather your coupons.
- Shop & Save
Next weeks lesson: Step 7: Saving at CVS
I am here to help you get started! If you have any questions email me or leave me a comment.
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