Grocery Budget Make-Over: Step 3 Use and Purchase Less of the Item

Remember, we are looking at our TOP FIVE expenses in our grocery budget first. We are now at step 3 in our budget remodel...using and purchasing less of the item. In this day and age of "stockpiling," this item doesn't seem to fit, does it? However, even if you stockpile an item, if you use less of it, you won't have to stockpile as much of it. Or, your stockpile will simply last you longer. I'll go back to my coffee example. Before my effort at reducing our coffee usage, Randy and I made a number of pots of coffee through the day...sometimes 4 altogether. We didn't always drink all the coffee, either. Since the cost of coffee has gone up so much, I decided to try to make less. Now, notice I didn't say I would drink less! I began turning off the coffee pot right after making it so that I could reheat a cup that didn't taste "burned" or "old" later in the day to prevent me from making another pot. We have reduced our usage quite a bit by that simple trick. I still stockpile coffee, one of mainstays, when I get a really good deal on. My stockpile will last us longer. I'd like to add at this point that you must resist the urge to use more of an item simply because you have a stockpile of it...unless that's your goal. If you stockpile broccoli because you want your whole family to eat it more...great! (I guess it would have to be frozen...)

Now, let's get back to reducing the use of an item. This is really when you can get creative. If meat is your largest expense, make sure you don't ever through any out...cook just the right amount for your family...use your leftovers if you don't. You can also substitute the use of  a lower priced item for some of the use of the higher priced item. In our meat example, choose more poulty and less beef, or have a "meatless Monday." Also consider serving a plate with more veggies and less protein. (We really could use more of that!)

Another way of using less of an item, if it isn't essential, is to actually buy it less often. Perhaps ice cream might fall into this category. Decide you will only buy ice cream when it is under $5.00 a gallon and only buy 1 gallon when you do. That works only for treats, not staples. However, treats are often the more expensive items

If one of your "Top Five" items is a packaged/boxed item, you might find that you can save money by making the item from scratch. Put aside a Saturday to make biscuits from scratch and freeze them to pull out for those portable breakfasts.

If one of your "Top Five" items is some type of drink...substitute one glass of water for one of the drink item every day.

You get the idea...

To be continued...

Coupon File Box

Well, I decided to craft a homespun "whole coupon" coupon file box to use in conjuction with my "cut coupon" coupon box. The fabric matches the valances I'm making for the kitchen. There are three dividers. Each divider is intended to hold a month's worth of uncut coupon inserts in individual file folders. Each should be labeled with pencil so they can be reused. Each individual file holds 10 inserts. With the size of the three dividers, 10 is probably the maximum number of inserts if it is to hold 3 months of inserts (which is my goal.)

Shopping for the week of the December 4th

I shopped two places this week. I went to Sam's for meat since our freezer was really low and I couldn't find any good deals on meat anywhere else this week. I spent about $63 on 30ish pounds of meat. I also went to Publix and spent $86.46 on the "other" stuff. I saved $102.25 at Publix. :-). I usually don't spend quite so much at Publix, but there was a good deal and good coupon on glass food storage containers, so I stocked up. 

December 11, 2011 Coupon Inserts

Hopefully, we will have all the following coupons in our local inserts!

RedPlum 12/11

$1 off Advil Children’s product (exp 2/11/12)
$2 off Advil Congestion Relief, Cold, or Sinus (exp 3/4/12)
$1 off Advil PM product, 16 ct. + (exp 2/11/12)
$1 off Advil product, 40 ct. + (exp 2/11/12)
$2 off Ahh Bra product (exp 3/30/12)
$1 off Axe bodyspray 4 oz or deodorant 2.7-3 oz, excl trial size (exp 1/7/12)
$3 off Axe holiday pk. (exp 1/7/12)
$2 off Axe shower gel or detailer, excl trial size (exp 1/7/12)
Free Canine Carry-Outs dog snacks wyb Meaty Bone dog snack (exp 2/5/12)
$7 off Crest select whitestrips (exp 1/31/12)
$1/2 Dial Nutriskin lotion, 12 oz + (exp 12/25)
$1 off Dimetapp Children’s product (exp 1/22/12)
$1 off Duracell select batteries (exp 1/31/12)
$2 off Duracell rechargeable or hearing aid batteries or charger (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off Ferrero Rocher product, excl single serve (exp 2/15/12)
$1 off Garnier Nutrisse color creme (exp 12/25)
$1/2 Goya coconut product (exp 3/15/12)
$1/2 Hanover baked soft pretzels (exp 1/31/12)
$1/2 Hanover canned green beans, 38 oz + (exp 1/31/12)
$1/2 Hanover Gold Line frozen vegetables (exp 1/31/12)
$1/2 Hanover Silver Line frozen vegetables (exp 1/31/12)
$1/2 Head & Shoulders shampoo or conditioner, excl trial size (exp 1/31/12)
$1/2 Keebler crackers, 8 oz + (exp 2/5/12)
$1 off Kings Hawaiian product (exp 3/31/12)
$1 off L’Oreal Paris eye product (exp 2/5/12)
$1 off L’Oreal Paris eyeliner (exp 2/5/12)
$1 off L’Oreal Studio Line stylant (exp 2/5/12)
$1.50/2 Milk-Bone dog snacks (exp 2/5/12)
$2 off Millstone coffee, 10 oz + (exp 2/29/12)
$1 off Nature’s Bounty product (exp 1/25/12)
$4 off Olay Luscious Embrace or Silk Whimsy bar wyb Olay product (exp 1/31/12)
$3 off Olay select facial moisturizer or facial hair removal duo (exp 1/31/12)
.75/1 Oral-B select power or (2) select manual toothbrushes (exp 1/31/12)
$10 off Oral-B Pulsonic or Professional Care rechargeable toothbrush (exp 1/31)
$5 off Oral-B replacement brush heads, 3 ct. + (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off Paseo bath tissue 12 roll or paper towels 8 roll (exp 2/29/12)
$1.50/2 Pup-Peroni dog snacks, 4.8 oz + (exp 2/5/12)
$1 off Robitussin product (exp 2/4/12)
.50/1 Ruffies trash bags (exp 1/10/12)
$1 off Scotties facial tissues (5) boxes or (2) multipk (exp 1/10/12)
$1 off Sundown Naturals product (exp 1/25/12)

SmartSource 12/11

$1 off Arm & Hammer Spinbrush product (exp 3/31/12)
.40/1 Betty Crocker cookie mix pouch, 17.5 oz + (exp 2/4/12)
.75/2 Betty Crocker SuperMoist cake mix AND Ready to Spread frosting (exp 2/4)
$1 off Bissell pet product (exp 2/29/12)
$1 off Blink Tears or GelTears lubricating eye drops (exp 1/9/12)
.75/1 California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin olive oil (exp 3/31/12)
$1 off Centrum Reg or Specialist multivitamin (exp 2/29/12)
$1 off Cepacol product (exp 1/22/12)
$1 off CoverGirl product (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off Crunchmaster bag or box crackers (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off Delizza European-Style pastry product (exp 2/29/12)
$3 off Dental Guard product (exp 2/12/12)
.75/1 Dentek flosser or interdental cleaner, $2 + (exp 2/12/12)
$1 off Energizer batteries, flashlight or USB charger or charger (exp 1/15/12)
$1 off Everybody’s Nuts bag, 7 oz + (exp 2/29/12)
$1/2 General Mills cereals (exp 1/21/12)
.50/1 General Mills Chex chocolate mix, 4.5 oz + (exp 2/4/12)
.50/2 General Mills Chex Mix or 100 Cal snack, 4.5 oz + (exp 2/4/12)
.60/3 Green Giant frozen boxed vegetables (exp 2/4/12)
.50/2 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers frozen vegetables, 11-12 oz (exp 2/4)
.50/1 Heluva Good sour cream dip (exp 1/31/12)
B2G1 Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s, York, Kit Kat, Bliss or Rolo (exp 12/25)
$1 off Hershey’s Pot of Gold, Kisses or Reese’s miniatures gift boxes (exp 12/25)
$1 off L’Oreal Paris skincare product, excl trial size (exp 2/5/12)
$5 off L’Oreal Paris Youth Code kit (exp 2/5/12)
$1.50 off Lamisil product (exp 1/31/12)
.50/1 Mazola oil or spray (exp 2/5/12)
$1 off Mucinex children’s or adult product (exp 1/8/12)
$1 off Nature Made letter vitamins, excl vitamin C (exp 1/11/12)
$2 off Nature Made Triple Probiotic (exp 1/11/12)
$1 off Opti-Free PureMoist multi-purpose solution (exp 1/28/12)
$1 off Opti-Free PureMoist multi-purpose solution, twin pk. (exp 1/28/12)
.40/2 Pillsbury Crescent dinner rolls (exp 3/3/12)
.55/3 Pillsbury Crescent dinner rolls (exp 3/3/12)
.40/2 Pillsbury Italian meal breads (exp 3/3/12)
$1/2 Pillsbury refrigerated cookie dough (exp 3/3/12)
.40/2 Pillsbury Reg or Grands sweet rolls (exp 3/3/12)
.30/2 Pillsbury Reg or Jr Grands biscuits (exp 3/3/12)
.50/2 Pillsbury rolled refrigerated pie crust (exp 3/3/12)
$2.50 off Poise hourglass shape pads (exp 1/21/12)
$1 off Poise product (exp 1/21/12)
$1 off Precious Homestyle shredded mozzarella cheese (exp 3/11/12)
$7/2 Prevacid 24 hr product, 28 or 42 ct. (exp 1/7/12)
$1/4 Progresso soups (exp 2/4/12)
$5/2 Purina select dry dog or cat food or cat litter (Target coupon) (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off Reddi-wip product (exp 1/29/12)
.50/1 Rips bite-size licorice, 4 oz + (exp 3/31/12)
$5 off Rug Doctor machine rental (Kroger coupon) (exp 2/15/12)
.75/2 Scotch-Brite scrub sponge, 3 pk. + (exp 1/31/12)
$1/2 Spice Islands product (exp 2/11/12)
$1/2 Stella cheese cup or wedge (exp 3/31/12)
.50/2 Swiss Miss hot cocoa (exp 1/29/12)
Free Target gift card $5 wyb (5) SC Johnson items (Target coupon) (exp 12/24)
$1 off Terra chips, 5 oz + (exp 2/11/12)
.35/1 Totino’s Pizza Rolls (exp 3/3/12)
.50/1 Treasure Cave cheese, 4 oz + (exp 3/31/12)
$2.50 off Up & Up vitamin wyb Benefiber supplement (Target coupon) (exp 1/11)
$1 off Woolite Carpet & Upholstery machine formula (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off Woolite formula (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off Woolite or Bissell Stomp ‘n Go (exp 1/31/12)

Coupon Grammar

Now that you have chosen your favored method of storing your coupons, it's time to learn some basics. Since my son and I use a classical method of homeschooling (Classical Conversations), I know that, in order to learn anything, you must FIRST learn it's grammar...its specific vocabulary...its language! I'm sure you have noticed that, indeed, couponing and couponers have their own language. It is, however, much easier to learn than Latin or Spanish, I promise!

Coupon Grammar:

 BOGO or B1G1:  Buy one, get one free. Buy one item at full price and get the same item free. Don't forget, you can use a coupon on each item when purchasing a BOGO deal, further improving your savings. Also, don't forget that if you have a B2G1 coupon, that can be combined with a BOGO deal to save even more. For maximum savings in that instance, purchase 6 total items and use 2 B2G1 coupons to make the cost of 6 items the regular price of 1. I still have quite a stockpile of Duncan Hines cake mix from that lovely "trick".  (Please do not think I mean "trick" as in "unethical". ALWAYS follow the rules! This is completely LEGIT!)

Manufacturers' Coupons (MFr or MQ): A manufacturer's coupon is published by manufacturers for money off their own product and may be used at any retail location that accepts coupons. Some manufacturers' coupons might have a store name printed on them (such as Publix or Kroger) but, as long as it states that is a manufacturer's coupon, it can be used at any coupon accepting store.

Store Coupons: This is a coupon published by specific retail stores to be used at their own establishment. Some stores, such as Publix, accept competitors' coupons. Check your stores' coupon policy.

Coupon Stacking:  Coupon stacking is the simple procedure of using both a store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon on the same purchase. Many retail establishments allow this. Again, check your store's policy.

Store Coupon Policy:  This is the written policy used by particular retail establishments to govern their coupon policies on such details as the use of competitor's coupons, the legitimacy of coupon stacking, etc. It is a really good idea to have your store's coupon policy in your coupon binder or box with you when shopping. This prevents needless difficulties with knowledgeable cashiers. I have found, however, that cashiers are really being well-trained these days in their coupon policies since couponing has become so prevalent. However, I have recently had a new cashier say I couldn't use a manufacturer's coupon and store coupon on an item at Target. I politely indicated that wasn't the case and she checked with a more experienced cashier who confirmed that they both could be used. 

Catalina: Catalinas are coupons that print out at the register.

Tearpad Coupon: A coupon on a pad hanging close to the product in the store.

Peelie Coupon: A coupon that you peel off a package.

Blinkie Coupon:  A coupon dispensed near the product in the store usually from a "blinking" red box.

eCoupon Coupons: Coupons found on the  internet and uploadable  to a  store card.

Internet Printable Coupon (IP): Printable coupons found on the internet.

Red Plum Sunday Insert (RP): Insert from Red Plum found in the Sunday paper.

Smart Source (SS): Insert from Smart Source found in the Sunday paper.

Proctor & Gamble (P&G or PG): Insert from Proctor & Gamble found in the Sunday paper.

     

First things first...

Well, before you start furiously printing out coupons off the internet (and believe me, I have really downed a few trees doing this) and buying 20 copies of the local paper, you must decide how you plan to organize and store your coupons! There are a number of effective methods of coupon organization, all with pros and cons. You must decide which method or combination of methods will work best for you and your family.

First, there are two basic ways to maintain your coupons...clipped or unclipped. I know that seems like an obvious statement, but many people don't consider that fact. They assume that all coupons must be clipped. I use a hybrid method of clipped and unclipped. Obviously, you must clip coupons before using them, but they don't all have to be stored that way. I'd like to first discuss the clipped methods since they are so familiar and, I believe, more common.

The classic method of coupon organization is a coupon accordion file. While I believe that the dollar store versions of the accordion file lack the categories and space I need, the method is a sound one. Utilizing a file box with your clipped coupons sorted according to category is portable and efficient. And a small dollar store accordion file used with a whole insert filing box method is certainly a viable option.

The pros to the clipped coupon file box method:
     1.  Your coupons are  clipped and categorized.
     2.  Your coupons are portable, so you can take advantage of an unexpected clearance item deal for which  you have a coupon because you have all your coupons with you every time you shop.

The cons to the file box method:
     1. It is a bit harder when shopping to view your coupons (as opposed to the binder method).
     2. Using any method that required clipping all your coupons is more time intensive.
 
Another increasingly  popular method for coupon organization today is the coupon binder. The coupon binder can be used to store either whole inserts or cut coupons To use the cut coupon method, you need a 3 to 4 inch binder, category dividers (either of your own creation or downloaded off the internet), page protectors and baseball card protectors. The binder does take a bit of time to set up. However, it is a very efficient way of keeping your coupons. And for those of you who really want to see a glance every coupon you have while cruising the aisles of Target or Walmart,  this method is for you.

The pros to the clipped coupon binder:
     1.  Your coupons are clipped and categorized.
     2.   Your coupons are portable, so you can take advantage of the above mentioned unexpected deals while shopping since you have all your coupons with you.
     3. Your coupons are more easily viewed while shopping than the accordion file method. If you are visual, this will appeal to you. If you have a good feel for your coupons in your collection, this might not be as big an advantage. Also, if you enjoy flipping through your coupons in a file box to see if you have a coupon for that deal, this might not be as big a pro for you.
     4.  It is easy to combine price book pages with a coupon binder. Simply insert a blank price book page in your categories so you can keep track of the best deals you see on your basic items. This is good way to keep track of your "stock up" price.

The cons to the clipped coupon binder:
     1. This method is perhaps the most labor intensive. A coupon binder will not do you a bit of good if you don't have the time or the will (or the child labor) to keep it updated! I use a clipped coupon binder method in combination with a whole coupon insert filing method. However, there have been times when I knew that I had coupons at home that I had not added to my binder yet when I was out shopping...very frustrating! I guess you can't get every deal! In order to get the most out of this method (or any method, for that matter) you must commit to keep up with it. Schedule some time on Sunday evening, perhaps, to clip, sort, store your new coupons as well as clean out the ones that have expired.(I confess that I don't always do this...I guess that is the classic example of do as I say, not as I do!)
     2. The initial expense of the binder, page protectors and baseball cards can be a bit higher.

Now, on to the unclipped coupon organization methods. The first method is to maintain a file box with your whole inserts kept in chronological order. When you plan your shopping trip (using a website with a coupon match up shopping list, simply chose your items from the store you choose, pull your appropriate inserts and clip the appropriate coupons, print out any to which  the website directs you and clip, put them in an envelope with your  shopping list and head off to the grocery store.

The pros to the unclipped coupon/whole insert file box method:
     1.  This is certainly the most time efficient method! No clipping unless you plan to purchase the   item! No stress at the end of the month when all those coupons that you clipped and didn't use expire! 
     2.  While a file box and file folders  can cost $20 or so at your local office supply store (usually much less if you look for a deal), it is less expensive than the binder method. The folders can be reused...label in pencil...and the file box will last indefinitely. If you use a smaller, portable file box, it might cost more, but can somewhat overcome the one of the cons of this method.
    
The cons of the unclipped coupon/whole insert file box method:
     1.  You don't have any of your coupons with you that don't pertain to your list, so you can't take advantage of those unexpected deals. However, using a portable file box to tote with you can help alleviate this drawback if you are fairly familiar with your inserts and bring a pair of scissors with you...something I always have with me, I might add! Your file box will only be portable if you keep your inserts limited to 4 or less a week. That might even get to be a bit cumbersome. You would be surprised how much less space and weight clipping your coupons eliminates.

Another method of organizing your whole inserts is to keep them in a coupon binder in page protectors. You do have to separate the pages of the inserts so that each page can be viewed, but this is certainly less time consuming than clipping.

The pros to this method:
     1. As with the file box method, it is less labor intensive.
     2. Your coupons are portable so it is easier to take advantage of the unforeseen deal as you shop.

The cons to this method:
     1. As with the file box method, your coupons are not sorted by category so it might be more difficult to locate the appropriate coupon. However, I believe it would be easier than with the portable file box method.

Have I confused you yet? As I mentioned when discussing each method, hybrid methods of clipped/whole inserts are also options. For instance, if you get more than 10 inserts a week (which I do) You might want to store half your inserts in file folders in a file box and clip the other half...because you can staple and clip up to 10 inserts at a time, this might not save you as much time as you think, but it will save some time. It also will reduce the weight of your binder. Why do this at all? You will have a a portion of all your coupons with you at all times and can clip ALL the coupons form your inserts when you plan your shopping trip,. The weight of your binder is toned down a bit, as well. You can also simply clip the coupons that you know that you will use...and store the others until they show up in your Southern Savers grocery list! This "half & half" method can be used with your accordion file or file box method as well.

It's all up to you! Consider your time, your preferences and your space and make your choice!

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