Last Taste of Summer?

Ribs are on sale at Smiths this week. It's not a fantastic price, but enough that I will still have a pretty decent savings. I'm planning some ribs for our family dinner tomorrow night. It's always been a family favorite -- especially for my boys. I thought I would make some cole slaw and maybe some baked potatoes, some corn. A splurge like this can be justified when I'm consistently saving so much on my groceries. And besides, it feels like the last days of summer. When the weather starts to change, my cooking habits seem to follow pretty closely behind. This will probably be my last 'summer dinner' this year. You might want to check out this easy bbq ribs recipe at kraftfoods.com

A Sale Is a Sale Is a Sale

A sale is a sale is a sale, right? Maybe not. The level of excitement I feel when using my Grocery Smarts coupons is dependent on what I need at the time. I'm happiest when I've purchased exactly what I needed and saved mega bucks at the same time. It may sound crazy, but I enjoy the shopping experience so much more since learning about and applying the Grocery Smarts concepts.

Here are a few tips that have helped me in the short time I've been Grocery Smarts shopping:

1. Know your needs in advance of the sales.
Keep a list on your refrigerator or somewhere convenient. When your stock is getting low, put that item on the list. Of course it's better if you can replenish before your completely out of something, it gives you more leeway when watching for a sale. If you must buy a necessity when you don't have a coupon or it is not on sale, buy only as much as you need to get you by until you can buy the item the right way -- on sale and with a coupon. Refer to your list as you're planning your shopping trip.

2. Be patient.
While I was building my coupon collection as a 'newbie', I was sometimes frustrated at the limited number of coupons I had on stock. Don't sweat it. In time, those coupons will accumlate. Slowly but surely, your shelves will fill with the items you need and you'll feel the satisfaction of saving money while meeting the needs of your family.

3. Stick to your list.

Once in the store, don't be swayed to make frivolous purchases. Know what you want, get what you need and only what you need, and the savings will happen.

4. Take the store ad with you.
I try to circle things on the ad that match up to the items on my list. If I ever have a question about the specifics, I don't have to waste time trying to find it on the circular. You know what it's like . . . sometimes there are so many items listed you're eyes get sore searching! But never fear! If you forget to take yours from home, you can usually pick one up at the front of the store.

5. If you can't find something . . . ASK a store employee!
There have been times when I have searched and searched and not found the sale item. Occasionally the store has not had the sale item in stock. Ask for help. Store personnel have even offered to make substitutions for me! You will never know what the possibilities are if you don't ask. Most importantly -- ask POLITELY. The grocery clerks at the stores in my neighborhood know I am a couponer. Because I make it a point to always treat them with respect, they have done the same for me.

And last of all, enjoy the experience! I hope you'll feel the sense of accomplishment as you recognize what little time you are spending in planning your shopping trips is paying off in huge savings.

Just a Quick Trip to Smiths!

Spent $46.16
Saved $72.10 (61%)

Okay, so you know I already made a grocery run to Albertsons this week and saved some big bucks, but I couldn't resist a trip to Smiths to pick up a few items I needed there, too. By far, my greatest savings came with the pork loin roasts. I bought three of them for about $5 each. Can't beat that price! I'm looking forward to putting them in the crock pot for some yummy pulled pork. I love crock pot cooking because I can get dinner done early in the day and not worry about it when my day is particularly busy. So I saved money buying the roasts and I'll save time cooking them. A good deal all around.

Albertsons Deals 10/14 thru 10/20

*****
STAR STRUCK
*****

Albertson's has come back this week with some more fantastic buys! There are some great five star deals you'll have to check out; but be sure you don't miss the General Mills promo. You'll save $10 on your next shopping trip when you buy $25 in participating products. So many five stars . . . too many to mention. You'll have to check it out for yourselves at the Grocery Smarts website. Okay, so I'll mention a few: Betty Crocker - snack items and potatoes; Chex mixes; General Mills cereals; Green Giant vegetables; Pillsbury biscuits, cookies and rolls; Progresso soups; and Yoplait yogurt and Go-gurts.

Of course the secret to maximizing your savings is in using the multiple coupons you're getting in your Sunday newspaper inserts. Not getting multiple Sunday newspapers? Call me for a great deal. You can also find extra printables thanks to our Grocery Smarts listmaker who searches out all the great coupons available for our convenience.
I'm headed to the store today. I'll update later and let you know how it goes!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Total value: $255.42, Total Out of Pocket: $79.28
Total Savings: $176.14

69% Savings Overall

Here's how it went:
1st order: 10 Go-gurts
Total: $37.90
Preferred savings: 6.00
Big Relief price cut savings: $6.90
Coupon savings: 6.20
Albertsons 10% keytag savings: 2.03
Total OOP: 16.77
+ Plus received $10.00 to be used on future order
~~~~~~~~~~
2nd order: 2 boxes Fiber One cereal
6 boxes Golden Grahams
5 boxes Betty Crocker specialty potatoes
1 can Green Giant corn
Total: $46.76
Preferred Savings: 13.67
Big Relief price cut savings: $8.00
Coupon savings: 16.00
Albertsons 10% keytag savings: 2.51
Total OOP: $6.58
+Plus received $10.00 to be used on future order
~~~~~~~~~~
3rd order: 4 Progressive Broth
4 cans Green Giant corn
4 cans Green Giant green beans
2 Pillsbury Orange Danish refrig. rolls
4 Green Giant frozen steamer vegetables
Total: $42.64
Preferred Savings: 16.03
Big Relief price cut savings: 1.65
Coupon savings: 14.00
Albertsons 10% keytag savings: 2.50
Total OOP: $8.46
+ Plus received $10.00 to be used on future order
~~~~~~~~
4th order: 3 Betty Crocker Warmers
6 Progressive Broth
2 Pillsbury Grand refrig. biscuits
2 Pillsbury crescent rolls
3 Go-gurt
Total: $41.37
Preferred Savings: 13.12
Big Relief price cut savings: 1.80
Coupon savings: $15.55
Albertsons 10% keytag savings: 2.65
Total OOP: $8.25
+Plus received $10.00 to be used on future order
and $2.50 from the GoGurt purchases
~~~~~~~~~~
5th order: 2 loaves Orowheat Bread
Albertsons string cheese (24)
6 Marie Callendars frozen entrees
2 Crest toothpaste
2 Ground Turkey
1 Beef Roast
1 Iceberg lettuce
3.48 lbs Honeycrisp apples
Total: $86.75
Preferred Savings: 19.51
Big Relief Price cut savings: $5.30
Coupon Savings: 17.00
Albertsons 10% keytag savings: 5.72
Total OOP: 39.22
~~~~~~~~~~

I divided my cart into multiple orders to trip the General Mills $10 rebate when you purchase $25 in listed items. I shopped mid-morning when traffic at the store was light so I'm less of an intrusion for other shoppers -- although my savings almost always draws the attention of other shoppers in line behind me. I used each of my $10 credits on the order that followed (it shows up in the coupon total).
***********************************
To explain, in early September I received an Albertsons keytag in the mail. It was a random mailing, not associated with my Albertsons preferred card. The mailer was addressed to "Resident." Anytime I shop Albertsons I use the keytag for additional savings through October 31st!
***********************************
Sorry for the long post . . . but I just wanted to mention that my renewal for my multiple newspaper subscriptions is due this month. Can I just tell you that the savings realized on this shopping trip alone would have paid my renewal fee over . . and over . . .and over again!

Smokin' Albertson's Deals!

I Spent $110.82, Saved $152.00

I just got back from a VERY successful Albertson's trip. Sorry there's no picture. But you'll find some great Quaker deals and some other Mix and Match promos where you'll receive savings instantly on your order (no receipt vouchers to use on your next shopping trip) so you won't have to roll you orders. When you add your multiple coupons to the instant savings promos -- that equals amazing savings! Sale is on through next Tuesday night.

Walgreens Trip 9/29

Chapstick Fresh Effects $2.99

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion $6.99

2 Nyquil 2/$10.00

Gillette Fusion Razor Cartridges $12.99

Emergen-c Immune $3.49

Venus Razor $7.99

3 Pantene Mousse 3/$10.00

Sub-Total: $54.45

Coupons used:

vaseline lotion - 1.50

(2) nyquil 1.00ea - 2.00

venus razor - 2.00

Walgreens $5 off $25 order - 5.00

Total coupons: $10.50

~~~~~~

Sub-Total: $43.94

~~~~~

rr used: 2.50 Thermacare

6.00 SoftSheen Carson
(2) 1.00 Glade
(2) 2.00 P&G
Total rr: $14.50

Sub-Total: $29.44

Tax: 4.41

Total OOP: $33.85

~~~~~~

rr received:

3.00 Chapstick

7.00 Vaseline lotion

5.00 Nyquil

4.00 Venus razor

3.50 Emergen-c

Total rr received: $22.50

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then I bought:

64 oz. Softsoap $5.00

Bounce Dryer Bar $3.99

Oral B Advantage 1-2-3 toothbrush $3.00

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion $6.99

Chapstick Fresh Effects $2.99

Nestle Crunch Bar .89

Total: $22.86

Tax: 1.78

Sub- Total $24.64

~~~~~~

Coupons used:

-1.50, Vaseline lotion

-1.00, Bounce dryer bar

Total coupons used: 2.50

~~~~~~

rr used:

-3.50 emergen-c

-3.00 chapstick

-4.00 venus

-5.00 nyquil

Total rr used: 15.50

Total OOP: 6.64

~~~~~~
rr received:
$7.00 Vaseline lotion
$3.00 Oral B Toothbrush
$3.00 Chapstick
Total rr received: $13.00

~~~~~~

Two order total: $83.50
OOP: $40.49
Remaining rr: $20.00
Savings: $43.01 + rr ($20.00) 75% SAVINGS!

SAVE NOW!!

$5 Off your $25 Walgreens Purchase
Valid Sept. 29 and Sept. 30 ONLY!
This in-store coupon is available at the following link:
http://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/5off25.jsp
To qualify for the savings, your order must total $25.00

before taxes &
after all manufacturer and Walgreens coupons.
Get going ladies!

Weekly Shopping - 50% Savings Goal

This week, aside from my Smith's snack and cereal visit, I was able to save $65.57 on my weekly shopping at Albertsons. The total of my transactions was $119.94. I paid $54.37. While this isn't my best Albertsons shopping trip, I still saved 55% on my total order. If you spend $50, you should be able to realize at least $50 in savings. If you spend $40, you should be saving at least $40. If you aren't, please call me! Attend a Grocery Smarts class. Get your friends together (you know they want to save money, too!) and hold a class in your home. You can earn free groceries. Ask me how! If you've already been to a class, let me help refresh the shopping tips you learned there. With the economic times we're all facing, now is the time to work towards getting the greatest return on the money you spend.

Because I'm Grandma

Because I'm Grandma, I'm expected by certain younger, shorter people in my family to have my pantry fully stocked with the favorite snack items. Fruit by the Foot is the current favorite. My children (who pay the dental bills) have disallowed these items in their own homes (but I did mention I was the Grandma, right?). So as you can see, I am now prepared. Interestingly enough I'm finding the '3 month coupon rule' is very accurate. Coupons on most items will 'recycle' at least once approximately every three months. The last time I stocked this item was in June when I found a 'killer' sale on them at Vons. I was down to one box in the pantry when I caught this sale at Smith's this week. :) I was able to buy 12 boxes of cereal and 16 boxes of Fruit by the Foot for a total of $22.82.
Total value of sale: $83.72
Coupon & store savings: $60.90
Total OOP: $22.82

Albertsons Gas Rewards

"Albertsons Gas Rewards Program is being discontinued. 9/21/09 is the last day you may earn Gas Rewards. Gas Rewards issued on or before 9/21/09 will be honored until they expire." This is the notice printed on my Albertsons receipt today. Just be aware; don't let your gas savings expire before you can use them!

Walgreens continues to be one of my favorite places to shop! You'll see what I purchased today below and the savings are incredible. But while you're in the store, please look for he Walgreens "Children's Activity Book" at the camera or pharmacy department. Your kids will enjoy the activities, and you will love the coupons:

Neosporin, $2 off
Band-Aid Bandages, $2 off
Children's Benadryl, $1 off
Flavored Tylenol, $1 off
Braun ThermoScan ear thermometer, $5 off
Huggies diapers or training pants, $1 off
Gerber tooth & gum cleaner, $1 off
Zooth or Oral-B Stages toothbrushes, $1 off
Listerine, $1 off
L'il Critters Gummy Vites, $2 off
Walgreens Children's Allergy Relief, $.50 off
Walgreens Childrens's Ibuprofen 100, $.50 off
Crayola Color Explosion or Color Wonder, $1 off

Today's Shopping Trip:
2 Neosporin ointment, $3.99 each, $3 rr wyb 2
($2.00 coupon, childrens activity book, $.50 mfr coupon, SS 6/28)
3 Degree deodorant, $1.99 each on sale
2 Kleenex, $.89 each on sale
1 Glade soy candle, free with mfr coupon
2 Walgreens activity books, $.99 each
1 True North nut clusters, $3.00, $3 rr
2 Triaminic children's thin strips, 2/$10.00, $5 rr

Total value: $47.59
Coupons used: $29.50
Wag advertised savings: $9.26
OOP: $8.83

Register rewards received to be used on my next trip: $11.00
All together, a very rewarding trip!

General Mills Savings

Don't miss the General Mills coupons in today's paper. When you are receiving multiple Sunday newspapers, make sure you check closely through all the sales ads in that first newspaper. This booklet was an unexpected bonus for me. I didn't want you to miss these great coupons!

I'm So Excited!

I've been using Grocery Smarts since May, but I began tracking my savings in the middle of August. From August 15 through August 31, I bought $679.50 worth of groceries and household items. (Btw, this is unusually high for me, but I stocked up on some over-the-counter medications that I just couldn't pass up.) I saved $379.71 and spent $299.79 out of pocket. That's an average savings of 57%! By "household items" I mean things like toiletries, paper products, and cleaning supplies. Of course my individual sales receipts vary in their percentages saved, but having almost 60% savings overall on things I use everyday is exciting to me. I should probably mention that my husband is VERY happy with the savings. He always asks, "How much did you save today?" By taking the extra few minutes to search the Grocery Smarts website and organize my coupons before leaving my house, I am saving so much money! Let me show you how. Call me or email me and schedule a class. I would love to show you how you can do the very same thing . . . save money . . . every week!!

Brand Loyalty vs. Savings

I love Jif peanut butter. I guess you could say I'm a peanut butter snob. Who knows why I love the products I do, but I've always used Sure Deodorant, Pantene hair products, Heinz ketchup, and Tide detergent just to name a few. There's no accounting for some peoples tastes. When our kids were younger, I would experiment with generic brands to try to save money but was not often satisfied. I like name brands. And I like my favorite name brands best. Since becoming a Grocery Smart shopper, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and experimenting with other brands -- other name brands, not generics -- and finding I can sometimes be just as happy with the outcome. I recently discovered Hunts ketchup is pretty good (my family didn't even notice the difference)! Don't get me wrong. I'm still on the lookout for great buys on my favorites so I can stock up, but I'm also more open to the possibility of being surprised by products I would not have even considered in the past. Using Grocery Smarts and my newspaper coupons, I don't have to spend a lot of money to try something new. Who would have thought?

Pinching Your Pennies

Want to share deals or post big savings tips? Pinching Your Pennies is an AWESOME forum for doing just that! There isn't a ton of participation yet in the Nevada Forum so I thought I'd do a post to get awareness out there so we can all start using it! Basically, you just register then can share info on extra deals you find as you are out shopping. The Grocery Smarts lists are great, but if you find something extra - this is where you can post it for everyone to see!I get emails all the time from gals with more deals to share and if we can pass the word around and all start using this forum, it will become a great resource for all of us!

Walgreen's Trip 8/31/2009

3 cans Geisha Peaches

1 can Geisha Pears

1 Rembrandt toothpaste

1 Mens Zone

1 6 Razor pack

1 Theraflu Cough/Cold Syrup

3 Jello

2 Kraft Velveeta Cheese Dinners

2 Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese Dinners

1 Colgate Reach Toothbrush

1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush

4 cans Sardines
Total: $56.10

Walgreens 15% Discount: $ 6.40(15% discount for one day onlyfrom Walgreens.com)

Coupons: $10.84

Walgreens advertised savings: $12.09

Register Rewards Used: $21.00

OOP: $ 5.77

Plus I received $14.00 rr

FAQ

What is Grocery Smarts?
Many shoppers who want to save money at the grocery store spend hours scouring over the ads and digging through piles of coupons to find what matches up. Grocery Smarts puts an end to all of that craziness and simply matches local store ads to current coupons (found in the Sunday paper) in an easy to use list. The list is updated each week as new ads are released and even links you instantly to any online printable coupons that are out there. Using an easy "5 Star" rating system, the list even tells you which deals are the BEST deals! And, the greatest part about these lists is they are free! Free for anyone to use, anytime... and you don't even have to register or fork over your email address to use the service. Nice, huh?

How can I learn how to use the lists?
The best way to learn how to use the store lists is to attend a class. If you haven't ever been invited to one, consider hosting your own! In-home classes work the best, so grab your friends and family to attend and contact me to book one anytime!

What's a class like?
Classes generally last about an hour (depending on how chatty the ladies get). In that time, I teach you the benefits of shopping the sales, show you how to do it, and give you recommendations on how to stay organized. It's not complicated or difficult to learn because the list does all the hard work for you.

How much time will I have to spend clipping coupons?
Virtually none! Seriously, the Grocery Smarts big wigs came up with literally a "5 minute" method that'll keep you organized, yet not feeling overwhelmed. You only cut what you need, when you need it!

Is it really worth it?
It is for me (and lots of my friends and family)! I've been couponing for along time and my budget is in good check and my pantry is full. My favorite part about shopping this way is I actually get to buy nicer brands. No more generics for me... nothing beats a name brand item when it's on sale and has a coupon to boot! Plus, my hubby praises me for my trophy receipts (the ones where I save more than I spent)! Seriously, I hang these on the fridge and he loves it!

So... What's the catch?
Several other similar online shopping services charge users a monthly membership fee to access their coupon matching service. However, in an effort to be a head above the rest, the founders of Grocery Smarts didn’t think charging a monthly fee to families who are trying to save money made any sense at all. They started thinking outside the box and realized that regardless of what service you use, in order to shop smart and to do it right, you need multiple sets of coupons from the Sunday paper. They thought, "Why charge a fee to the user… when the newspaper sits right in the middle directly benefiting from the concept we teach?" So, the Grocery Smarts big wigs presented their concept to the Review Journal. They quickly realized that when we teach our classes, we naturally refer new subscribers to the paper. So, you can imagine how quickly they jumped on the opportunity to open their market up to moms like us who typically wouldn't be getting the paper at all.

So here's the long and short of it... At the class, as I teach you the concept of shopping smart and show you how you can use the website to save money at the store. And, because having the right amount of coupons (1 set for each person in your household) is such a key part of saving big, it makes sense for me to hook you up with the papers you need at the class. I offer the Review Journal at amazing prices to anyone not currently taking the paper, plus can get you up to 4 more additional Sunday papers delivered to your door for less than a buck a week! And that's why the class is free... I make money based on how many new subscriptions I turn into the Review Journal. So, I guess we can all thank them for stepping up, getting involved and helping Grocery Smarts keep the classes and website FREE for everyone!

Start Here!!

After following the Grocery Smarts concept for the past four months, my pantry is very well stocked! Our youngest daughter, who is a junior in college, shops from the pantry when she makes her occasional weekend visits. Filling this pantry and saving money in the process is the most fulfilling part of the story.

How do you start?
I was first introduced to Grocery Smarts at a class I attended. I learned about the free website that would help me plan the best way to shop using coupons from the Sunday newspaper (I now get five Sunday newspapers). Each store has an individual listing of their weekly sale items. If coupons are available, they are also listed. It sounded easy, and it is! I have consistently saved an average of 60% on my groceries since using the website.

Have you attended a class?
If you haven't attended a class, contact me and we can discuss how you can hold one in your home and earn free groceries. When you do attend, I can show you how to save at least 50% on your groceries and hook you up with a sweet deal on your Sunday Review Journal. I'm hoping this blog will help keep you informed and excited about Grocery Smarts. I try to share ideas and tips that you can use to save money.

What's next?
Go to the Grocery Smart website HERE and print your shopping list. If you just ordered your newspapers, it will take some time to accumulate multiple coupons. Each week you will accumulate inserts and before you know it, your savings will increase. But you can start saving the very first time you go to the store by using the website to shop the sales more efficiently.

Do you have your newspapers already?You know you need multiple coupons to maximize your savings, which means you need multiple newspapers. The Grocery Smart concept is to have one set of coupons for each member of your family. For less than $1 a week, you can get an extra Sunday newspaper.

Current incentives for ordering your newspapers through me . . . .

$5 Gift Card for ordering 2
$10 Gift Card for ordering 3
$20 Gift Card for ordering 4 or more!

The savings go on and on! As you continue to use the website and experience the coupon savings, your pantry and shelves will be stocked. You will be amazed at the amount of money you are saving on groceries and other household items your family uses regularly. Before making a purchase, don't be surprised if your hubby or children ask, "Do you have a coupon for that?" You'll probably find that couponing is contagious. The more money you save, the more you want to save.

So bookmark my blog and check back each week to see how I have been using my coupons. Hopefully I can give you some ideas on how you can save even more money!