You know, I think we've been brainwashed into believing that grocery shopping can be done only in one place and at one time. Well, I think that's just bunk....
During the course of any typical day, I know that I pass at least 2 different drug stores, 2 different grocers and a discount store - and I'm just talking about the major chains. Also, that's just on the way to and from work - 8 minutes from home.
If you take into account running errands, making a trip to mom's house, or even church, you can add 2 more locations of each drug store and possibly at least one of the major grocers.
Now you may ask, "SO WHAT? I'd rather get all of my shopping done at once and then be done with it." I say this -- shopping a little smarter can help the budget go a little farther. Look for specials on items that you normally buy at stores that you normally don't visit. By doing so, you can save hundreds (maybe more) of dollars over the course of a year.
Here's an example of stretching your milk money - even if you don't save anything else. At Publix, the store we tend to frequent the most often, a gallon of Publix brand milk is $2.89, and MacArthur brand (a South Florida dairy) milk is upwards of $5 or $6. Just across the street at CVS, MacArthur milk is regularly priced for $2.99 per gallon and a sale right now gives the buyer a price of $2.79 and adds a bonus $1 of their EVB (Extra Value Bucks) for use with a future purchase.
With just that one grocery item, I can save apporximately $8-$10 this month.
Multiply smart buys like that by three or four items, and add coupons, and you're on your way to a smarter budget.
Blessings,
Scott
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Smart Shopping
You know, most people hate to go grocery shopping so badly, that they seem to go seemingly "with a mission" - that is, get in - get my stuff as quickly as possible - get out (alive) :)
However, with a little patience, pre-planning, and a willingness to vary your shopping locations, you can save some significant $$.
Check out ALL of the sale ads - Grocery stores, drug stores, major retailers. If you think about it, during the course of a week (or even a few hours), you will drive right by 2 or 3 grocers, at least 2 major drug stores, and about 3 or 4 major retailers that handle groceries (like Wal-mart, Target or K-Mart). If you think ahead, you can get part of your groceries at one store, run right across the street or maybe even right next door and get a lot of the rest of your groceries, as well as other necessities.
This combined with smart coupon shopping will add up!
Frugally,
Scott
However, with a little patience, pre-planning, and a willingness to vary your shopping locations, you can save some significant $$.
Check out ALL of the sale ads - Grocery stores, drug stores, major retailers. If you think about it, during the course of a week (or even a few hours), you will drive right by 2 or 3 grocers, at least 2 major drug stores, and about 3 or 4 major retailers that handle groceries (like Wal-mart, Target or K-Mart). If you think ahead, you can get part of your groceries at one store, run right across the street or maybe even right next door and get a lot of the rest of your groceries, as well as other necessities.
This combined with smart coupon shopping will add up!
Frugally,
Scott
Friday, August 21, 2009
The First Post!
THE FIRST POST!!!
It seems wierd to be blogging for myself, but I have always wanted to take the opportunity to utilize my writing skills and maybe help others find some cool information.
This blog will be about MANY things, but mostly whatever is on my mind at the moment.
Lately, I have been consumed with the notion that groceries and other things that you buy at the store can be bought at a substantial savings, if one is just willing to do a little leg work and plan ahead. I have looked in many directions, and you know - it's really true...
There are several areas in which a saavy consumer can save a few bucks here and there, and maybe even make a few back! Here's just a few ideas:
CLIP SOME COUPONS!!
You know, even dads can clip coupons. I don't think a man is any less of a man just because he clips 55-cent coupon for Yogurt. That 55 cents might help him get something else!!
There are a BUNCH of places to get coupons. The most common is probably by clipping from the Sunday paper. Every area has just about the same mix, but not always. You can check the Red Plum and Smart Shopper web sites for an ideas and printable coupons!
HIT THE CLEARANCE SALES!!!
It's inevitable, but the budget is one of those nerve-wracking, nail-biting areas in which a family operates, but it can be made easier, especially for the upcoming Holidays, to buy some things REALLY early. TARGET often marks excess or slow moving merchandise down, 10, 30, 50 even 70 or 90% all the time. You just need to look at the ends of the aisles, and you can find some gems! Also, keep your eyes open for their Toy Clearances. I've been told that they happen twice a year. Good hunting!!
Well, that's all for now. Next time I'll discuss some other ways to save $$. Until then - have a great one!
Blessings,
Scott
It seems wierd to be blogging for myself, but I have always wanted to take the opportunity to utilize my writing skills and maybe help others find some cool information.
This blog will be about MANY things, but mostly whatever is on my mind at the moment.
Lately, I have been consumed with the notion that groceries and other things that you buy at the store can be bought at a substantial savings, if one is just willing to do a little leg work and plan ahead. I have looked in many directions, and you know - it's really true...
There are several areas in which a saavy consumer can save a few bucks here and there, and maybe even make a few back! Here's just a few ideas:
CLIP SOME COUPONS!!
You know, even dads can clip coupons. I don't think a man is any less of a man just because he clips 55-cent coupon for Yogurt. That 55 cents might help him get something else!!
There are a BUNCH of places to get coupons. The most common is probably by clipping from the Sunday paper. Every area has just about the same mix, but not always. You can check the Red Plum and Smart Shopper web sites for an ideas and printable coupons!
HIT THE CLEARANCE SALES!!!
It's inevitable, but the budget is one of those nerve-wracking, nail-biting areas in which a family operates, but it can be made easier, especially for the upcoming Holidays, to buy some things REALLY early. TARGET often marks excess or slow moving merchandise down, 10, 30, 50 even 70 or 90% all the time. You just need to look at the ends of the aisles, and you can find some gems! Also, keep your eyes open for their Toy Clearances. I've been told that they happen twice a year. Good hunting!!
Well, that's all for now. Next time I'll discuss some other ways to save $$. Until then - have a great one!
Blessings,
Scott
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