Grocery bill

We have always tried to have a stocked pantry.  In case of emergency.  And to help take advantage of when things are on sale or at a discounted price.

Now that it is just Dear Darling and I, our pantry is not nearly as big as when our Darling Boy was here with us, but I still try to keep about three months worth of staples in the pantry.

I went grocery shopping this week at our local store.  We have two in our town, which I use most often, then there are two others that are about 7 miles away that I keep an eye on their sales and we also have a SAMS club and Aldi's in that town as well.  I try to plan my trip based on what that weeks needs are.  That helps me not only save money, but time and gas as well.

Anyway, I went to the grocery store without a list.  I try not to do that, as it can make you spend a bit more, but sometimes I do like to wonder around the store to see what they got that is new and if there are any deals.  If I go with a list, I tend to just shop the list and at times, I miss the good deals.

I bought 27 items this week for a total of $60.62.  Which really is not bad, it includes no cleansers or paper products.  It also does not include milk or meat.

The two items that were treats were the ice cream I purchased that was on sale for $1.60 off per container.  They aren't half gallon anymore, like everything else, they've reduced the size.

Coffee was on sale, also not a pound can anymore, but I always purchase the one with the most ounces in it, which I believe is 11 oz to try to get the most off for the money.  I do the same thing when I do happen to buy cereal.  It must be on sale and I buy the best size box for the money.  Coffee was $1.00 off per can, $2.99.  The best price for the past few months.

I can only east Low Sodium Tuna, which doesn't go on sale often.  I have quite a few on the shelf, so I only added two can's this week at $2.00 a can.  This is an item that can vary greatly in price, so I always buy some when it goes to $2.00.

One item, I did not buy, was canned Red Salmon.  Dear Darling likes that, but it can be VERY pricey.  Right now it is $9.99 a can.  It is Wild Caught Alaskan Red Salmon.  I always try to keep an eye on the price of that.

I did pick up a few packages of frozen vegetables that were on sale, also some fresh potatoes and carrots that were on sale, some canned beans and some cheese.

When it comes to grocery shopping it's important to know your prices.  If you have never kept a price book of your own, I suggest that.  It truly does help to know when to buy something you use.  It also helps you learn what stores will do the price loss leaders to get you into their store.

For example, in January, Price Chopper ran Purex Liquid Landry detergent for $1.99 a 33 load container.  I bought two and got a rain check for 4 more. (Which I went back for the following week.)  Because we have a front load washing machine, I use less detergent. I still have 3 of those bottles left in my pantry closet.  It was a good deal.  I do have the ingredients to make my own, but I haven't done so yet.

Also, keep an eye on the stores sales, coupons and any specials that may be happening, such as double coupons.  Everyone shops based according to their needs.  These are just some ideas of how to save money and where.

I saved $14.15 on my order by purchasing things on sale, plus since I spent over $50.00 I got .10 in gas points.

Would love to hear any other tricks for shopping that you might have.