Do the grocery bags on the right look extra slim?

There is an art to grocery shopping. It’s hard to get an estimate on what groceries cost per person per year and you probably won’t find anything accurate on the Internet. Our government figures are old and with the cost of everything soaring, no one wants to lodge a guess. Taking the temperature of the other store shoppers however, would explain the sticker shock looks at the cost of a loaf of bread (nearing $3.00).

Last year an article in Boston.com was lamenting the increase in the cost of food staples: http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2008/03/09/surging_costs_of_groceries_hit_home/

We are spending three times as much for food as for gasoline (even though it keeps bobbing up and down, mostly up). Rough estimates say for a family of three, over $200.00 per week is sailing out the door. The moms at Mamapedia.com have been comparing numbers and groceries and family needs: http://www.mamasource.com/article/cost-of-groceries

Here are some ideas that will help you grocery shop:

Eat Before You Leave
It’s a well-known fact but we reiterate it again: Don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry. They are baking, frying and cooking in the store to entice you and your impulse buying will increase if you need lunch. Also, take your time to shop wisely. Don’t get distracted, be in a rush or grab things to get out.

Store Layout
If you can create your master shopping list with the store layout in mind, it will save you time hunting and pecking, going down an aisle multiple times, and buying what you don’t need. (*Note: I have a copy of a grocery list that helps me and you can receive a copy by sending me an email: andreacampbell@hughes.net with “grocery list” in the subject line.) Just make copies and you’ll stay on course.

Menu Plan
Try to create at least a weekly menu plan. That way you can use items fully: for example, if you have a large can of tomato paste you can make spaghetti one night and use 1/2 a can, and then use the other 1/2 for sloppy joes on another night. It helps you to utilize leftovers too. What do you do at Thanksgiving? You make a turkey and eat it again, then turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, turkey hash…

Also, create menus with what you already have on hand. It’s okay to empty the shelves and begin again. Oftentimes we buy too much stuff. The cans in your pantry should not be collecting dust. Use it up. Shop no more than once a week. You’ll save money.

The Sunday Paper
I found out that the cost of the Sunday paper is more than offset by the coupons in the supplements. Also look for weekly-advertised specials and use the sales.

Whole Hog
You are probably not going to buy a whole hog but a whole chicken? that will save you money. You are paying for the convenience of special cuts so if you learn how to do a little butchering yourself, money saved. If you buy something in bulk, split it up before you freeze it or cook the whole shebang and freeze ready-cooked portions.

Less tender grades of meat can be made mouthwateringly yummy, savory and soft with a pressure cooker or a slow cooker. You can use it in a jiffy with a marinade to make stubborn meat sublime and render it fork tender.

Generic is Nice
Realize that buying generic or off-brand will save you money. The stuff in the cans is essentially the same, no matter what is on the label. Aim your eyes to the lower shelves because brand names pay for the privilege (and pass the cost on) to be at eye level. Compare the price per ounce tag and you will see the true cost. Yes, take a calculator; it will be an eye-opening experience.

Shop in Season
It sounds redundant but buy what is in season. If you need strawberries in February, buy frozen or you are going to pay a premium (they have to be shipped in from another climate). And more and more of our groceries are coming from foreign countries. By the way, frozen vegetables have just as much nutrition value as fresh and they last longer for sure.

Angel Food Ministries
Look for shop clubs, co-opt groups or other associations where you can get a whole box of food for prices you can’t get on your own. See: http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ for grocery help, FAQ, and locations.

Welcome, Patty Sachs

I have a friend, Patty Sachs, whom I’ve known for a long time because we both have an affinity for entertaining, games, and having fun. Patty has, in fact, made a business and a living out of it. I’ve invited her here today so she can tell us about a new product she’s developed to help you grocery shop.

Q.: Patty, what is it that you have for today’s grocery shoppers?

A.: My product is a coupon organizer and carrier carton called Coupons Ala Cart.

Q.: Who came up with the design and what are the features of Coupons Ala Cart?

A.: I invented the carton to meet my need for an easier way to shop and select coupons without the awkward juggle-struggle of my small accordion-style system.
 

It is made of sturdy cardboard and designed to hang on the shopping cart handle--with the rollback cover. The carton holds oodles of coupons, not just those that match the items on your current shopping list. This takes "the-coupon-is-at-home" frustration out of coupon use--you'll never miss out on an unadvertised special again. The securely closed carton can be tossed in the car, coupons undisturbed, at the ready for impromptu shopping stops.

Q.: You also have a referral program, how does that work?

A.: Each Coupons Ala Cart order includes referral coupons upon which the user can write his/her name and e-mail address and pass along. As I receive orders bearing the name or e-mail address I track them and when I have received a minimum of 4 @ .50 each I send the referrer $2.00. There is no limit on the number of referrals one can make, in fact, the coupons could be duplicated and an organization could use Coupons Ala Cart as a fundraiser.

Q.: So anyone that comes to you with my name in tow means that I get money? Yippee!

A.: That is absolutely right. Be sure to carry the referral coupons in your carton. When clippers see your colorful carton hanging on your shopping cart they will ask about it.

Q.: What else would you like to tell Home and Living Readers?

A.: I invented Coupons Ala Cart in 1980. As a real couponing/refunding enthusiast and the organizer of an exchange club, I was the Twin Cities Coupon Queen. Unfortunately, the day's advertising options were few and very expensive so my ad budget ran out quickly. I sold a few hundred cartons to my trading pals and then discontinued sales of them. Shortly after that I started my 25-year career as an event/party planner and author.

Now, 29 years later, to help meet our current economy's challenges, I decided to revive and relaunch this still-viable concept—Coupons Ala Cart, an easy no-hands organizational system. Coupon use has never been easier. The beginning clippers will not give up so easily and pros will save even more.

This is sure an example of "everything old is new again" and "a good idea will out—it's all in the timing".
http://www.couponsalacart.net