Back today to share with you a few tips when at the store. I’ve also included some transactions below with cost and coupon breakdowns.
When I do my shopping I always bring the sale paper with me, just in case something isn’t marked with a sale price on the shelf or doesn’t ring up properly. I bring all of my coupons too, not just the ones that I’ve set aside for that shopping trip.
I’m always on the lookout for unadvertised sales too. Stores have a lot more things on sale than just those advertised. Those 10/$10 deals are popping up at every store now (note: you don’t have to buy 10 to get them for a dollar). Having all of my coupons with me in case I find a sale on something saves me a trip back to the store to get a great deal on that item.
Coupon overage is a great way to save money on fresh produce, which rarely has coupons. Remember the second salad dressing example from this post where there was a $0.51 overage because of the doubled coupons? That overage can be applied to bananas that would cost you $1.50, but with the overage you’ll get them for $0.99.
Below are a few different transactions that I’ve made this month. We didn’t need too much, our fridge and pantry were still stocked. We work hard to eat what we have before buying more.
Stop and Shop:
It was a small one but I had two coupons for organic milk and it was on sale. Condiments were on super sale because of Memorial Day. They’ll be helpful this summer since we love hosting BBQ’s. While I was there I noticed organic chicken was on sale as well so I grabbed a small pack.
Cost Breakdown:
Regular cost of transaction: $15.94
Cost after in-store sales: $9.39
Final cost after coupons: $6.55 for a total savings of $9.39 or 59%
Coupons used: $1 off milk, $1 off (2) mustards, $1.10 off (2) relish doubled, $0.05 credit for reusable bag
Wholefoods:
Is expensive. But I love it.
Cost Breakdown:
Regular cost of transaction: $35.56
Cost after in-store sales: $30.57
Final cost after coupons: $20.72 for a total savings of $14.84 or 42%
Coupons used: $3 off (6) Larabars (WF Coupon), $1 off (2) Larabars (Manufacturer Coupon), $0.75 off (2) Santa Cruz juice’s, $4.25 combined off all Stonyfield yogurt (WF and Manufacturer coupon), $0.75 off Annie’s Pretzels, $0.10 credit for reusable bags
BJ’s Wholesale club:
I don’t think I spoke too much about wholesale club shopping. We do a large portion of our shopping there. They do take coupons, though you typically can’t save as much per item with a coupon, but you are getting more for your dollar, the unit price. We do still save a decent amount and the prices per unit are really great. Most inexpensive organic milk we’ve come across and freshest deli meat too!
Cost Breakdown:
Regular cost of transaction: $44.65
Cost after in-store sales: $44.65 (sales aren’t common at BJ’s)
Final cost after coupons: $35.05 for a total savings of $9.60 or 21.5%
Coupons used: $2 off deli meat, $2 off eggs, $1.10 off cereal, $2.50 off dark chocolate, $2 off Pom juice
I completely understand if this is overwhelming to you. It took me some time to get the hang of it but now it’s like second nature. We’ve been able to cut our monthly grocery bill in half, plus some. Tomorrow will be my last part in the series and I’m going to focus on saving at specialty stores, i.e. not grocery stores and Target.
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