How to Shop for Groceries...

Rule #1: Always look at sales papers prior to going and have all coupons together
Rule #2: NEVER SHOP WITHOUT A LIST
Rule #3: ALWAYS HAVE A BUDGET

Now let me explain, my rules for shopping for groceries wisely.

Rule #1: Always look at sales papers prior to going and have all coupons together.
You must prepare before you go or you will impulse shop. You will buy what you think you need or not buy items at the best prices. Also, to get great deals, you may need to shop at more than one store (not necessarily weekly).

I try to sit down a couple times a week and go through the weekly sales ads for the various grocery stores with my coupons beside me. I may not NEED mustard this week, but if it is buy one get one free for $1.99 and I have a $0.50 coupon....that means it is really $0.99 for one (must stores do NOT require you to buy two, but will half--there are policies for every store), and if you shop at a store that doubles coupons (Bi-Lo, Ingles, Publix, Harris Teeter, and more), then your $0.50 coupon is worth $1.00. What's that mean? FREE mustard!! Anything that is a great deal (especially FREE), I buy whether it is needed or not. That is why I have about seven different types of BBQ sauce, five different salad dressings, etc. You learn to stock up on items you use. This way you are never out!

Of course, there are items you will need (especially when you begin couponing) that are not on sale. This is when you need to determine do you have to have it now or can it wait. If it cannot wait, try to find a coupon. As well, products such as milk, eggs, etc are generally not at great prices. These are items you already know the price you will spend. Also, you must learn to plan your meals according to what you have or what is on sale. Do not plan your shopping around what you are cooking. This brings us to the next rule.

Rule #2: NEVER SHOP WITHOUT A LIST
I always make my list out as I go through the ads. I like to put the price beside the item and then the coupon value. This way, if I follow my list, I will know exactly what my bill should be when I check out. It is important to learn to plan your meals around what you already have in the home or what is on sale. If you know you will be having a party in a few weeks, begin purchasing items ahead of time that are on sale that you will need. For instance, at the end of July, we will be going to Myrtle Beach for a week. I've already begun to look for deals on items we will need while there so I do not have to "grocery shop" as much when we get there. For instance, sandwich meat is on a great deal at Bi-Lo with my coupon this week; therefore, I'm going to get a few packs and freeze a couple for the beach trip.

Rule #3: Always have a budget (and FOLLOW it)
If you follow the first two rules, you will have no problem, as long as you follow your list. Sometimes it is best to go with cash only, this way you MUST follow your budget. This Saturday while John and I are in South Carolina, I will be making a stop at Ingles (there is not one where I live). Why? Because of some great deals with General Mills Products. I have my list of 15 items, their prices, coupons I will use, and the total bill. My bill before tax (and my budget) is $7.75. Here's my list:

(2) Cocoa Puffs Cereal $2 each
(2) Betty Crocker Cake Mixes $1 each
(2) Betty Crocker Frostings $1.50 each
(3) Hamburger Helpers $1 each
(2) Old El Paso Shells $1.25 each
(4) Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $1.50 each

Total after sale prices: $20.50

Promotion: Buy 15 General Mill Products (certain ones) and get $5.00 off.
Coupons:
-$1.00 ($1.00/2 Cocoa Puffs)
-$2.00 (2 doubled $0.50 when you buy Betty Crocker Cake Mix and Frosting)
-$0.75 ($0.75/3 Hamburger Helpers)
-$2.00 (2 doubled $0.50 Old El Paso product)
-$2.00 (2 doubled $0.50 when you buy 2 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks)

Total Discount: -$12.75

Total Bill: $7.75 (which is what you would probably pay for 2 boxes of cereal at regular price)
(All of the above coupons I printed ONLINE at www.coupons.com or www.bettycrocker.com or www.smartsource.com. So, if you have not received the Sunday papers lately and you live near an Ingles. Go snatch up some great deals!)

Summary: PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!! In order to be effective at couponing, you must plan your grocery trip and you must stick to it! (AKA--Do not take your spouse:))