My table is so full, it is hard to see everything. I spent a total of about $90 for everything you see, and some things that are buried. Here are the highlights:

(6) Philadelphia Cream Cheese @ .50/ea

(4) Frozen Containers Strawberry Slices @ .75/ea

(4) Mexican Vanilla @ .50/ea

(6) Organic Vegetable/Marinara Pasta Dinners @ .49/ea (These are perfect for my 4yo’s lunches)

(2) Nutella @ $1.29/ea (Yesterday was the first time I’ve ever tried Nutella–I can’t believe I waited so long. So good!)

(4) Trail Mix @ .99/ea

(2) Aluminum Free Baking Powder @ .75/ea

Cornstarch .49

(5) Diced Ham @ .75/ea

Whole Fryer Chicken @ $2.50

Red Pears 4 for .19 cents!! (Using these for another Pear Oven Pancake. Yum!)

I went to the local grocer after this trip and got a few things I wasn’t able to get from the discount store. As you can see from the picture, I didn’t pick up much and I still spent $42!! Yikes!

Don’t forget about those discount grocery stores, they can bring big savings!

This post is linked to Works For Me Wendesday.

Shopping Discount Grocers is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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This post was originally posted on February 3rd, but it bears repeating as it is my Top Frugal Tip. The number one question I am asked is how I keep my grocery budget as low as I do. Implementing these following 8 tips helped me gain control of my grocery budget, which has given us more money for our debt snowball.

Be sure to check out Works For Me Wednesday: Frugal Tip Edition.

Original post follows:

On the last installment of Finding Freedom, I went over Managing Expenses and different ways that you can cut your costs.

One of the hardest, yet easiest areas, is grocery shopping. I do consider it a negotiable, because although you have to eat, you can almost always cut your spending in the “grocery department” and still not starve!

Here are my Top 8 Ways to Cut your Grocery Expenses

• Cash. I’ve already shouted all through out blog land how much I believe in cash for all grocery shopping endeavors, so I won’t get into that too much here. You can check out my story of using cash, here. It will save you tons of money, you will end up with things you actually need, and you will be in control! I beg you to try it if you haven’t already. (Those of you that have tried it, please feel free to weigh in in the comment section so everyone knows how it went!)

• Watch those sales and pair with coupons. It is unbelievable how much money you can save by pairing those 2 together! My rule of thumb as far as my coupons go, is if the item isn’t on sale..I will probably not use my coupon, unless I NEED that particular item.
  **If you aren’t interested in coupons, just check out the ads and shop the loss leaders. Loss leaders are the items that the grocery stores mark way down to get you into the store to buy other overpriced items.**
• Meal Planning! Knowing what you are making for dinner and writing down all of the ingredients you need from the store will not only keep you on track at the store, but it will save you unnecessary trips back to the store inevitably ending up with more than you needed, and spending more in the process. Also, avoiding the whole “It’s 4pm and I have no idea what is for dinner!” is such a stress reliever. You will end up with more time, less stress, and saving money in the process! Doesn’t get any better!

• Use that list!!! That is why you made it, so stick to it! My only exception to this, is if I know I need orange juice (or another actual needed item) and I forgot to put it on my list. But, I must need it (not want it) and there must be room in my budget. I try not to break budget for things I’ve forgotten to list, but didn’t. I’ve been known though, to knock something else off so that I can get that one item. It did take some getting used to, but it kind of goes hand in hand with the whole cash concept.
• Watch the prices. Buying in bigger packages isn’t always cheaper, so make sure that you are getting the best deal. I’m that crazy lady standing in the aisle checking out every brand of product and figuring out the best deal. And a “sale” isn’t always a sale.

• Shop multiple stores. This one obviously isn’t feasible for everybody, but it is something that you should check into and weigh. I live in a pretty small area, and in order for me to get decent grocery prices I have to drive to the “big town”. The “big town” has Super Wal-Mart and Walgreen’s on one end, and Aldi’s and a small grocery chain on the other. I go to one set, and then go to the other set since is on the way home. Shopping these multiple stores gives me a better idea of prices and in turn, I have a better idea of what a good sale price is. I don’t always shop at all of these stores, but I do usually hit 2-3. I can get all my shopping done, with my 3 year old, in no more than 2 hours.
• Price Book! This is something that I have just started, and I’m sure that I don’t do it like everyone else. When I come home, I input all of my grocery prices in Excel. I write the item, the price, and the price per unit. For instance, onions. Say they are $1.29, and I get 6 in the bag. That is .22 cents an onion. (Secret Revealed- This is how I know the cost breakdown of all my meals!) When I buy the item next time, if it is lower I write that in with stars letting me know that is a good deal. When I go to make my list, I write down beside the item how much it costs (based on the price book) and I tally it up at the end. This helps me stay within my budget.

• And remember, if you can buy it, you can more than likely make it! Making most of what we eat from scratch has really cut our costs. In return I have been able to make my family healthy foods for less than half of what I could buy them for, and I am at peace because I know exactly what is in it and where it has been. No need to worry about some 14 letter ingredient that I have never heard of and cannot pronounce!

I encourage you to try all of these. You do not necessarily have to do them all at once, you can ease in if you desire. But, I do think it is important to do all of them at some point to maximize your savings.

I would love to hear your experiences in cutting grocery costs. Your successes and failures. Hopefully your successes far out weigh the failures! Feel free to chat away in the comment section.

Cutting Grocery Costs is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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This topic is very near and dear to me for numerous different reasons. It all actually started when I started taking a closer look at our grocery budget and seeing where I could trim. From there I realized that basically everything that I relied on the grocery store for (which was everything), I could make at home. Yes, you can make almost anything at home. That does not necessarily mean that it is economical to do so, but with a little bit of time, research, and maybe some added umph–you can make anything.

This newfound discovery got my wheels really turning. Why was I buying all these things from the store and giving someone that I didn’t even know the authority to play in my food, or add whatever they wanted to into my cleaners. Granted, these companies are regulated by the government, but that just wasn’t and isn’t enough for me. Especially when you take into account how many food recalls we have had and also knowing that certain ingredients have a potential for causing cancer.

I would have to say that yes, making my own has definitely saved us money! For a lot of the recipes that I post and for all of my menu plans, I try to post the cost breakdown so you can see that making food from scratch is easy, frugal and delish. Doing the cost breakdown has really gotten me to see just how much money it has saved us.

Currently the only other thing that I make from scratch, other than food items, is my laundry soap and fabric softener. I cannot even begin to tell you how much this has saved us. There are no additives, and no perfumes in the laundry detergent. The fabric softener, because I use conditioner, does have perfumes and such–but I’ve been using diluted vinegar with added essential oil with success. This method does not have the perfumes/additives. I do not make any other cleaners right now, because I still have a big stock of the commercial things from couponing. But, isopropyl alcohol and vinegar (not together) should be your best friend.

Of course there are other things, like curtains, clothing, toys, gifts, etc that you can make at home. All of which, in my opinion, fall right along the same lines.

Doing these things has granted me great amounts of freedom. I hardly rely on the grocery store for anything. I have the base ingredients at any given time to make almost anything you can dream up. That in conjunction with couponing, I rarely need anything other than basics, which grants me the freedom and reliance from the grocery store. Not being there so much saves me money on impulse buys, which is helping me find financial freedom. We’re all human!

And on top of all of that, yes, I can notice a difference in our health. I feel better, and I have slimmed down a bit. Although, I’m on a mad mission to lose more!

Let me add here, that I was never one to be any form of domestic. No way, no how. Didn’t want any part of it whatsoever. Money was made to be spent, and the stores were created for you to spend it. Thankfully my views have changed! I still have very little patience and desire fast results. I say all this so that you know that “making your own” isn’t always time consuming (which is what I always thought). Sure, the first time you do it, it may take a while, but once you get it down, it will be second nature. Kind of like tying your shoes. When you first learn, it takes about 12 days to tie both shoes. Now, I’ll bet that you can tie them in your sleep with your hands tied behind your back.

I’m no domestic powerhouse, or professional homemaker, but I strongly encourage you to attempt to make your own “something”. If you are already making something, make more “somethings”, venture out and see how many things you really can make. It’s a great feeling knowing that my family depends on my hands, and not someone elses.

If you have any questions about where to start, how to begin, or anything at all–I’m more than happy to help!

Now is the time for you to share. Please remember to link to your post and not your homepage. And please keep it on topic–I don’t like deleting links!

What is your take on Making at Home vs. Store Bought?

1. Changing Reflection

Making Your Own vs. Store Bought is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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I’ve been rather absent from the grocery shopping world for a few weeks. We experienced a sleet/snow/ice storm a few weeks ago, that was the worst one to grace our area in quite sometime. It took quite awhile for everything to melt away, but even then we didn’t return to school. Our high school apparently sustained some damage, so we had to wait until they could repair it before we went back. We were out a total of 8 days!!

I would have went grocery shopping by the start of the second week, but my driveway was horrendous, and my oldest cannot handle all the “extras” in the grocery store. I was just not up for the fight.

By the time I made this trip, I hadn’t been in about 3 weeks! Thankfully I had a pretty good stockpile going on, and I still have a lot of meat, rice and veggies left. This trip had to replace some of the regulars as well as some kitchen staples. We made a quick trip to town to get one gallon of milk, so I’m going to add that in at the bottom in the final total.

ALDI:

(2) Dozen Eggs $2.78
Bag Apples .99
Quick Oats $1.79
Macaroni $1.69
(2) Cream Cheese $1.98
Shredded Cheddar $2.99
Velveeta Type Cheese $3.79
(2) Butter Quarters $3.98
Fruit Popsicles $1.99
Coffee $4.99
Creamer $1.95
American Cheese $1.99
Raisins $1.65
(2) Canned Mushrooms .98
Vegetable Oil $2.29
(4) Frozen OJ $5
Parmesan Cheese $2.39
Pepper $1.19
(2) Milk $4.98

TOTAL: $51.45

WalMart

Powdered Mil $14.28
Pull ups $10.24
TP $1.24
Dry Pinto beans .94
Dry Black Eyed Peas $1.26
WW Flour $2.86
Vital Wheat Gluten $1.84 (never tried this)
Oregano $2.58
5# Ham $6.98
Oscar Meyer Bacon $3

TOTAL: $47.44

I have temporarily misplaced my Walgreen’s receipt. I didn’t get anything all too impressive. I got 2 of the FAR items, some Sierra Mist, and a couple random deals. I didn’t use any coupons this time *gasp*…so my total was around $27.

I stopped by the bread store on my way home and got 3 loaves of Sara Lee Honey Wheat for $1/loaf and 3 Sara Lee Bagels for .60 cents each. Total Spent $4.99



FINAL TOTAL: $130.88, plus random milk purchase of $3.50=$134.38

Hmm…a little over my $125/2 week goal. I debated on getting the powdered milk since it was a big chunk of money, but I’ve noticed how handy it is to keep around, so I got it anyway. It is definitely a good food storage item. Also, since I just got all my goods, and my grocery budget gets replenished again this Friday, and I’m slated to go shopping again Monday, I think I’m good. This trip contained all of my ingredients for this weeks menu, as well as next, so I won’t have to pick those up. I’m actually secretly hoping that I can get away with $100 for my next trip, we’ll just have to see how that goes.

To see how others did on their grocery shopping, visit Grocery Cart Challenge.

Grocery Shopping Trip is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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I usually don’t buy large amounts of veggies at a time, unless I can get a good deal on them. My last grocery shopping trip found me with 2 bags of onions and 8 green peppers!! I already had a partial bag of onions at home, and 2 green peppers. I almost didn’t get them, but the deal was just too good, and I had a little extra room in my budget.

What in the world was I going to do with so many veggies?!

Insert handy dandy food processor.

I seeded the green peppers and threw them into my food processor. Chopped it up for a few seconds, and bagged them up in freezer bags in “cookable” portions.

I ended up with about 10 little baggies of green peppers all for $1.78…or .18 cents a bag!!<br>

I removed the outsides of the onions, cut it in half and threw them in the food processor. I already had one bag of onions on my list for the week, so I just chopped up one bag of onions. It yielded 10 little baggies of chopped onions, in 1 cup portions. For these onions it only cost me .59, or .06 a bag!

This is much cheaper than using those dehydrated onion pieces, and can be used almost interchangably. You end up with almost twice as much onions for a 1/5 of the price.

This definitely works for me! A little time here, will save tons of money later!

Loads of Veggies is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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I got too busy to post this last week, and this week I’ve been all in a frenzy because of our ice storm. While it is remarkably beautiful, it is terrifying! We’re prepared if we are to lose power, but still. Ya know?

(3) loaves Sara Lee Honey Wheat Bread $3

Sara Lee Bagels $1

Sara Lee Wheat Hamburger Buns .67

TOTAL: I’ve lost the receipt but I know it was right around $5

GRAND TOTAL: $117.44!

This brings my January total to $248.52. $1.48 UNDER budget!!!!!! I still have a $5 RR, and I get $15 worth of coupons for my Walgreen’s purchase.

This makes me happy, not only to come in under budget, but to know that I was still able to stock up on meat, and some veggies! This will make next week a little easier as well.

To see how others have done with their grocery shopping, go on over to Grocery Cart Challenge.

Grocery Shopping: Weeks 1/18-1/31 is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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I actually intended to have this post up this morning, but I didn’t make it! I’m a little behind on things today.

Anyway, I went grocery shopping on Monday with my new budget.

This go around I went to Aldi, WalMart and Walgreens.

For picture sake, I jumbled Aldi and Walmart together, and I forgot to put my milk in the picture..but I think it was already mighty full!

Aldi:
(2) Frozen Peas $1.90
Carrots .99
(4) Frz. OJ $5.00
(2) Saltine Crackers $1.78
Onions $1.49
*Pretzels $1.29
Chocolate Chips $1.49
4# Sugar $1.49
All Purpose Flour $1.45
*Almonds $1.99
(2) Elbow Macaroni $3.38
(2) Corn .90
Velveeta type cheese $3.79
(2) Pkgs. Fresh Brocolli $1.98
Corn Flakes $1.15
Raisins $1.65
Sour Cream .89
Celery $1.09
(2) Shredded Cheddar $5.98
(2) Eggs $2.78
Spaghetti Sauce .97
Butter $1.99
10# Potatoes $3.99
(4) Gal Milk $10.80
$64.02



WalMart
(2) Shells/Cheese $2.88
Friut Snacks $3.92
Dried Black Beans $1.92
Lentils .98
Green Onions $1
(4) Lunchmeat $11.76
(4) Tuna $2.76
(2) Salmon $4.16
Dried Beans .92
*(2) Fruit by the Foot (Franken Berry) $3
*Vanilla Chai Tea $2.18
(2) Applesauce $3.72
More dried beans $1.22
(4) Dole Fruit Naturals (Used BOGO and $1/2)$3.26
8Cream of Wheat $2.18
$55.77

Grand Total: $119.79
**See all the little starred items? These are all the things that I just decided spur of the moment to put into my buggy!! Gah. Totaled up that is $8.46 extra.

Walgreen’s:

This is actually 2 transactionss. I do transactions for my mom as well, since she doesn’t have the time to coupon and figure the deals.

(2) Softsoap(I normally wouldn’t buy these since I make my own foamy soap. But, it was a good deal!) $2.49 ea Used in ad q for .99, and a MQ for .50 from 1/4 FP: .50 ea
(2) Palmolive Dish Detergents $1.59 ea Used in Ad q and .50 MQ from 1/4 FP: FREE!
(4) Glade Scented Oil Candle Refill $2.50 ea Used $2/2 and $2.50/2 FP: $5.50/4 MIR: $4.40 on giftcard or .28/ea
(2) Electrasol $3.49 Used $2.50 MQ from 1/4. FP: .99 ea MIR: $1.65/ea on giftcard MM of .66!

OOP: 11.29
MIR TOTAL: $7.70 (including my mom’s)

GRAND TOTAL: $131.08. (Or $65.54/wk)

Just a little bit over my $125/2 week goal, but not over my budget of $250/mo. I’m kicking myself for putting those extra items in the buggy, but I can’t change it now. Plus, that Chai Tea, is some awesome stuff! I’ll make it up next time!

To see other’s shopping trips, go here.

Grocery Shopping is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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Wal-Mart

Please excuse the disaster mess going on behind this picture..oh and the sun that was blindingly shining through the window. I’m not complaining…

I bought some stuff-stuff this time at Wal-Mart. I generally try not to do this…but I made the mistake of going down the kitchen aisle. That is my weakess ya’ll…and it got me! But, those items come off my “blow” and not my grocery. Still yet, I had to show ‘em off…cause I’m in love! I really could have done some damage, instead I wrote everything I wanted down (ahem, like a new crockpot, food processor, and a roaster majiggy) and handed prices and all to the husband when I came home. Ya know what he said? “K, go get ‘em, wrap ‘em up, slap a bow, and write my name on ‘em.” Um, no.

Here it goes:

Pack of light bulbs $6.44 (I really do not like buying these things!)
Pack of water filters $4.77
Roll of Hamburger $9.64
Olive Oil $4.78 (just a side note here…this is almost a dollar cheaper at Aldi! Gah! I didn’t even know they had it until I went there…of course after I already bought this one!)
Pork Hocks $2.77
Dried Pinto Beans $.94
Brown Rice $1.58
Baking Hen $5.19
Fruit Snacks $3.92
Spaghetti $1.74
(4) Lunchmeat $10 (I was lucky enough to find them still w/the $1 peelies)
Creole Seasoning $1.46
Coffee Filters $1.12
1 Gallon Jar $7.63
Juice Chiller $3.97 (I absolutely love this thing..perfect for OJ)

The only coupons I used this time were the (4) $1 peelies for the lunchmeat. I bought a couple things for the husband and a candy bar for Noah.

My total was: $90.01, but of this only $60 was grocery items (took off for the chiller, jar, candy bar and 2 items for DH..not pictured)

ALDI

Bunch of bananas $1.67

(2) Dozen Eggs @ 1.29/ea $2.58

(2) Cream of Celery @ .49/ea $.98

Lettuce $1.19

4 Green Peppers $2.69 (ouch!)

Corn Chips $.99

(4) Frozen OJ @ $1.25/ea $5

(2) Cream of Chicken @.49/ea $.98

3lb Smoked Sausage $3.69

(2) Crunchy PB @ $1.39/ea $2.78

(2)Brown N Serve Sausage @ .89/ea $1.78

Creamer $1.95

24 pk Hot Dogs $2.99

Moo Tubes (knock off Gogurt) $2.19

Spaghetti Sauce .97

(2) Diced Toms @ .49/ea $.98

Shredded Cheddar $2.99

(2) Family Pack Tea @1.19/ea $2.38

Light Corn Syrup $1.29

Swiss Singles $1.99

Amercan Singles $1.99

(4) Kidney Beans @ .55/ea $2.20

(3) Butter Quarters @ $1.99 $5.97

Sour Cream $.89

Saltines $.89

(2) Cream Cheese @ .99/ea $1.98

5lb Yukon Gold $1.19

10lb Russett $3.99

(2) Mini Marshmellows @.75 $1.50

Margarine $1.89

(2) Ketchup @ $1.15 $2.30

Celery $.89

(4) gallon Milk $9.92

Aldi Eco-Bag $1.99

TOTAL: $83.90

GRAND TOTAL: $143.90

Basically $6 under budget, and I bought more stuff that wasn’t actually on my list this time. The ham hocks and pinto beans were a spur of the moment meal idea. Honestly, I’m not exactly sure why I picked them up this week, because I already have my menus planned out for this week and next. Apparently it just sounded good!

Grocery Shopping is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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Oh man, what a differnce it makes to go grocery shopping on a different day than Friday! I was very excited when Thursday of last week rolled around and I realized that the ONLY thing I actually needed from the grocery store, was milk, and I had enough to last through Friday. Since we were gone all weekend (again) I knew it it could wait until Monday.

I had originially planned to go full flegde grocery shopping Monday, but since we were gone all weekend (from Friday afternoon, to late Sunday evening) I had NO desire whatsoever to go shopping. Plus, I still hadn’t made up my list or menu plan. Good grief…seems as if life is really getting in the way of things around here lately! Anyway, I had to run to town yesterday to sign the big kids up for basketball (but they didn’t open until after 3!), so I suprised them and picked them up from school, ran and signed them up, and stopped by the local grocery store and bought a gallon of milk. I really wanted to faint when I seen the price…but I bought it anyway, along with some other random/needed groceries.

So…here is the rundown of this batch of grocery shopping.

Local Grocery Store: $12
Bread Store: 3 loaves Sara Lee Bread, 2 Sara Lee HD buns $4.50


Aldi:

(3) gallons milk (not pictured) $8.04
Dozen eggs $1.39
(2) Shredded Cheddar $5.98
(2) Ocean Spray Cranberries $1.78
3# Long Grain Rice $1.79
All Purpose Flour $1.76
Pepperoni $1.99
(4) Canned Corn $1.80
24 pk hotdogs $2.99
Fruit Snacks $1.79
whipping cream $1.59
32 oz yogurt $1.59
10lb potatoes $3.99
Cheese $1.99
(4) Cr. Mush soup $1.96
Sour Cream $.99
(3) Cr. Cheese $2.97
Onions $1.99
Quick Oats $1.79

TOTAL: $49.98

Wal-Mart:

(2) Boxes Stuffing $1.92

(2) canned Black Beans $1.12

bagged blk beans $1.18

(2) Diced Tomatos $1.34 (Man alive!! These things have drastically raised! I wish I would have known that, because now Aldi is WAY cheaper, where before they were just pennies off. Currently my Aldi stands at $.47/ea)

Egg Roll Wrappers $2.17

(2) Dortios $7.96 (And…I really do not like buying Doritos…but Willie asked for them this time! Why are they never on sale when he asks for them?!)

Jimmy Dean Sausage $2.00

(4) Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat $10.00 (these had $1 peelies on them, which made them $2.50 for 9 oz of lunchmeat)

Egg Noodles $1.54

Butter Quarters 2$.00

Swiss Miss Indulgence Cocoa $1.00

GV Hot Cocoa $.94

Green Giant Steamer Corn w/butter .08!!!! (I used a $1 MQ from a recent paper. There are 2 different types of steamers, ones with sauce-which are higher, and ones without. They had a whole load of the corn w/butter marked $1.08, but when I went to check out it rang up $1.98. Um, no! So, she took my word for it and adjusted the price down to $1.08…so after my coupon they were only .08!)

Not pictured:

Random plain shirt for me $8

44 lbs Dog food $21.92

12 roll Scott TP $6.36 (totally forgot my coupon!)

TOTAL: $73.38

Dollar Tree:

Sorry for the glare!

Book, pink hair bows (both are Christmas presents)

2009 Inspirational Calendar

(2) Flavored tootsie Rolls (the lemon ones are my husband absolute favorite, yet we hardly ever find them.)

(2) Visor CD holders, perfume (for me)

Cinnamon Sugar

Computer Paper

Not pictured: Contruction paper and Spiderman Sticker book that Noah played with in the other stores.

TOTAL: $12.87

But, the way my budget rolls, the Christmas presents, dog food, and stuff for me do not count against my grocery budget. So…

FINAL OOP: $105.81

Last weeks leftovers ended up being spent between trips. I did a quick run to get cheap yeast, and some other things. Plus both of my big kids had snack days last week…that adds up fast! But, so far I stand at $255.81! That is $44.19 under budget! Hopefully I can hold onto that before next refill, which is December 5th.

Grocery Shopping is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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I did all my grocery shopping for the next 2 weeks yesterday. I’ve been saying this for quite some time now, but yesterday finally convinved me….I’m DONE shopping on Fridays!!! I would rather go on Monday. Walgreen’s was all out of deals, again…..and every store (I only went to 3) was packed! I waited in the checkout line at WalMart for over 1o minutes…and I was next in line! I’m not a huge fan of random clothes shopping…but I love to grocery shop and bargain shop…it is very relaxing to me…but not when the store is crammed full, and the cashiers move slower than a 7 year itch!

Anyway…I was exhausted when I came home yesterday…so I didn’t snap a pic. Plus…there wasn’t any stellarly awesome deals.

I did manage to get all of the items needed for the next 2 weeks meals (minus eggs and sausage I’m picking up at a local grocery store. Total of about $6 for 2 dozen eggs and 4 saugages) and stock up on meat and flour AND come in under budget! Oh yeah!

I spent a total of $128 (I round up). Leaving me with $22.

I bought:
WalMart
10 lbs of hamburger meat ($1.30/lb!!) $13 (this is enough for 10 meals)
(2) 5 lbs Whole Wheat Flour (used (2) $1 off coupons) $3.72 (DH siad with all the baking I’ve been doing lately, all the flour will be gone by the next shopping trip in 2 weeks! Lets hope it lasts a bit longer than that!)
(2) Scott Extra Soft (Used $1 MQ and .75 MQ) $3.61
Chocolate Syrup $1.28
Vinegar (for fabric softener) $2.18
Sandwich bags, 100ct $2.48
Ronzoni Smart Taste Spaghetti (used $1 MQ) .50
(2) Carnation Evaporated Milk (Used $1/2 MQ) .88
(2) Roast Beef LM $5.76
(2) Starkist Creations Tuna (used (2) $1 MQ) $1.44
BBQ Sauce $1.16
Creamer $1.97
(2) Chunk Pineapple (finally remembered to buy it!) $1.88
Whole Chicken Roaster (for upcoming meal plan) $6.36
(2) Pledge Wipes (used (2) $1.50 Q) $1.76
Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner (Used $2 Q) .46
(2) SB Toilet Gel ( I LOVE THIS STUFF!!!) (Used (2) $2 Q) $3.88

After tax: $56.49

Aldi
(4) Gallon Milk 10.72
Saltine Crackers .79
Margarine 1.69
Peas .95
3# Smoked Sausage 3.69
Cubed Ham 2.59
5 lb All purpose flour $1.76
Cabbage $1.49
(2) Mixed vegtables .98
(4) Frozen OJ $4.76
Velveeta type cheese $3.79
(2) bags Boneless Skinless Chicken (This will get us about 4-6 meals) $13
Heavy Whipping Cream $1.59
Pancake Mix $1.29
Eggo Mini Muffin Tops (treat) $1.89
Powdered Milk $5.99 (I’m going to try and use this exclusively in baking. I was going to do the half milk, half powdered milk in the jug…but then I realized that this is no cheaper than if I were to buy a gallon of milk. It is actually higher! So…I’m curious as to what everyone else pays for powdered milk)
3 lbs Long Grain Rice $1.79
Brown Sugar .88
(2) Cream Cheese $1.98
Shredded Cheese $2.99
Bacon $3.99

After Tax: $71.31

***Oh…forgot to add that I went to the bread store and picked up 3 loaves of Sara Lee Honey Wheat Bread for $3.12 after tax. That brings my total to $131.00***

**I’ve had a lot of questions over the past month or so asking me what my $300/mo buys…so I thought that I would give everyone an insight into my trips. Hopefully I can get switched to shopping on Mondays, and I will be able to put up pics.

Grocery Shopping is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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Flirty Aprons Makes Daily Tasks Enjoyable!
FiveJ's Design