As I have mentioned previously, I am not exactly mentally capable of shopping sales, clipping coupons, or comparing prices. It’s just not in my programming. But, as I dive deeper into this world of eating cheap it is becoming more clear to me. I’m actually starting to recognize good deals, and the newspaper ads aren’t just pretty pictures anymore.
The world must be nearing an end. The unthinkable is happening!
I have started down a new path, in learning to shop sales. I know. I start down a lot of paths. And it’s really confusing to keep up with me. But, humor me for a while, and this might actually end in a good place.
In yesterdays mail I received a bundle of newspaper ads. Normally, my first stop would be the garbage, to file them accordingly. This time, with sales on my brain, I actually set them aside for later. Last night, I pulled out all of my grocery receipts from the last few weeks. I started a new “food prices” file. In my file I have a few sheets of lined paper, and the most recent grocery ads. I sat down with all my receipts and made a list of everything I buy on a regular basis, the place I bought them from, and the price I paid. I made a few columns, so I can compare other stores for each item. I then opened up the ads, and looked at all the pretty pictures.
Weirdness sets in, and then I’m actually becoming giddy about sales! I found, in the ads, 3 really great deals, and made a sale list. I am now $73 closer to filling up my food storage…yippee!
I plan to keep my price list updated as I see new ads (or…I may step out on a limb here, and say coupons too? Eek), and even take my file with me when I go grocery shopping. No, I don’t think I’ll strap it in the seat belt of the cart like a toddler…that would just be silly. I’ll most likely just leave it in the car, and review it before and after I go in (maybe I can sneak it in my pocket? Just to avoid weird looks…).
Every penny counts?
Well, unless your name is actually Penny, and you haven’t learned numeric orders yet, then yes “every penny counts”. If you think about it, it really makes sense (or cents?). If you only stick to your “needs” list, except when your food storage items go on sale, then you will slowly and casually increase your food storage with items at the very best prices. Once you have a sufficient food storage your needs list will be much smaller; and nearly all of your food will have been purchased “on sale”…without the headache of being an obsessive coupon/sale shopper. But, part of the trick is making sure you know what is a good price (not all sales are the best prices) and only buy items you use; not just items that are a great price.
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