1) Kids:
Seriously, if you have them, go with out them. I include spouse in this category too. It may just be the control freak in me, but I spend half the amount of time in store if I leave Brian at home with Brayden. Now, don't take this the wrong way like I don't like taking my babes out in public, because I do, but when I go to get groceries, especially if Brayden comes, I am guaranteed to spend at least an extra $20.
2) Canvas Bags:
ARE AWESOME!!! I don't have much else to say about them. Some places will even give you money off your purchase if you bring in your own bag. I know for sure that HyVee and Target both give FIVE CENTS off per bag. Seriously, go to Walmart, spend $5 and get 10 bags, you will be so happy you did.
3) Coupons:
If you are a stay at home mom, and have time to plan "hauls," space for your stock piles, and energy to try to be an extreme couponer- MORE POWER TO YOU! Good for you! Really, though, coupons are awesome. For those who don't have the time to be extreme about it, be realistic. When I first started couponing, I found coupons for things that I wanted but didn't necessarily need. At the end of my trip, I saved pretty much nothing because I bought crap I didn't need. NOW, I sit down and plan my meals for the next 2 weeks (at least) and see if there are any coupons in the ads. (We live in an apartment and do not get the newspaper, so with permission we steal my parents and Brian's mom's coupons from their Sunday paper, and I also steal the coupon savings insert from my girl, Sam's apartment complex.) Also, HyVee is awesome about their coupons. At check out, after I pay, I always get at least 3 of the coupons I used back with updated expiration dates. I keep my coupons organized in an accordion folder I bought in the dollar section at Target. I keep them all organized with their categories ranging from groceries to tools, for Brian, and hair cuts and more. I then sit down and compose my list.
4) The List:
For me, I have found its easiest to start my list with the things that I ran out of that we need replaced, that way I know I won't forget them. From there I write down the items I don't have for the meals to be cooked for this pay period. I make sure to write a giant "C" next to the items that I have coupons for. I make sure I separate the coupons I am using on this trip from the ones I am not, to make it easier at check out. Also, I make sure I bring a different colored pen with me to mark off what I got and what wasn't available. Since I go at night, some of the things are not restocked, so you can either ask someone to grab it from the back or, find a way to do without it.
5) Shopping:
I am a little bit OCD when it comes to my cart, I have no idea how I got this way but I love to play Tetris with my cart and at check out. I try to only go down the aisle that I need to go down to help avoid grabbing something I don't really need. I also NEVER go on an empty stomach, I usually come home with a big piece of "Chocolate Lover's Cake" or something else stupid and unhealthy.
6) Buddy System
If you prefer to shop with someone else, take a girlfriend. Plan to go grocery shopping at the same time, car pool if you live close by. Sam and I did this tonight and it was awesome, we went in, got our stuff and got out. It took us a little under 30 mins to complete both of our lists. With her it was easier than with Brian for many reasons, like we get each other. We are one in the same... for the most part. We both LOATHE grocery shopping. So we make each other go and make it fast, while also making sure we don't forget important things, like Parmesan cheese :)
As I get better at planning my meals and get a house, my ultimate goal is to grocery shop once a month. People have done it and swear by it and once I have a second freezer, I plan on trying it and giving testimony. As for now, this system is working for my little family.
Hang in there!
~ Cat
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