Cereal obsessed...

We eat a fair bit of cereal in our house, both my kids and husband are happy when there are sugar coated varieties in the mix.  I am happy to buy it when there are coupons on the box.  This is a very common site in our cupboards when it comes to cereal, boxes with 1/2 the back cut out.  There are currently 8 boxes at the present time in this condition.  The best part is I have coupons for FREE Eggo's ready to pick up when I have a little more room in my freezer.   Both make me smile.

Kellogs is running a great promotion right now on specially marked boxes of cereal.  Free, Eggo Waffles, Minute Maid Juice, Banana's, Yogurt, or Tasters Choice coffee when you buy specially marked boxes of cereal.  I found my boxes at the Real Canadian Super Store (Lougheed & Schoolhouse) on Sunday afternoon.  There were LOTS, but I suspect that they will be scooped up quickly. Sale price on cereal runs through to close on Thursday.

This is how I worked this deal.  

6 boxes @ 2.97 =17.82 Less $6.00 for coupons ( found in store, save 3$ when you buy 3)

Total paid 11.82 (1.97 per box) Regular price is around 5.00 per box

Total savings 61% 

Add to that the 6 FREE coupons for waffles a $17.94 value

Total out of pocket 11.82 for 47.94 regular priced items.

Grand total savings 75% 

Which is $36.12 still in my pocket! (which is 3 x the amount out of pocket - I like doing math like that!)

What does your grocery list say about you?

I have been Spring cleaning my computer, my "favorites"  files are getting the once over.  During this cleaning binge I came across this goodie... http://www.grocerylists.org/top10/.  A website dedicated to of all things grocery lists.... yes you truly can find anything you want online.  It is an entertaining visit to be sure.

What does your grocery list look like?  Do you even write one?  Here is a copy of the current one that is on my fridge I am pretty sure that the creator of Gorcerylist.org would laugh if he found this list in his travels. Notice; TP- Butt  & TP- teeth at the bottom of the list.. Yup that is pretty much how it get's listed.  It started when I was dictating a grocery list to one of my girls while driving on the way to the store a number of years ago.  The scribe asked .. hmm mom TP, what kind the kind for your butt or the kind for your teeth.  (because you know you would not want to confuse the 2). I am not sure what the WOW is for, will have to ask.  Everyone is welcome to add to this list at anytime however I have the final say when I make the master before I go to the store. 
I am learning that shopping and sticking to a grocery list is the # 1 way to save in the grocery department.  No excess buying,  no impulse buys, I can have my coupons ready and attached to the  list.  It truly helps. 
I also keep a list WHILE shopping.  If I see something that I think we need I list it on the second list, then come home and check to see if we really do NEED it at this time.  This cuts down on the impulse buys and unnecessary "extras" in my cupboards.  The only exception to this is milk.. because I do not drink it, and am not always aware of what is left in the fridge, if one of the girls says we need milk... I buy milk. This double list system is working well for us. 
What works for you when it comes to a grocery list?

B.C. Braces for hikes in food prices....

Yikes!  That was the headline on the front page of yesterday's Province  newspaper. Does that worry you?  It worries me just a little, however it is not as scary as it would have sounded this time last year.  What is the difference?  Coupons baby!  Yes I mean those save .50 off here and .25 off there, or the awesome BOGO (buy one get one) or even better the sought after FPC (free product coupon), that you see in stores, come in the local papers or even in the mail!  Coupons, it's all about the coupons!  These often neglected,  and frequently tossed in the trash little bits of cash in your pocket goodness.  Tossing them in the trash is insanity. Would you toss a quarter in the garbage?  I think not.

So how do you make those .50 & .25 cent savings add up?

It is actually quite simple -  USE them!  You will be surprised at how quickly they can add up. 

Use in combination with products already on sale. 

Stock up when items are on sale - having a stock pile to pull from can save big time. 

Be willing to wait so you can get the best deal.

Always shop with a list, mark items you have coupons for on your list so you do not forget to use them.

Be organized - keep all your coupons in one place, and attach them to your list as you shop.  (a good paper clip will be your best friend)

Keep your eyes opened when shopping, coupons are often available on store shelves. Take them when you see them on the shelves at the store.  You man not need the product now, but sometime before they expire you may, and likely the coupons will be gone next time you are at the store.

Know the coupon policy of the stores you shop at.  They do vary from store to store.
 
A little planning and smart shopping will easily save you that 5 - 7%, in many cases you will save even more.  My personal goal is 30%, coupon & sale savings.  I working towards shaving our grocery bill from 700+ dollars per month to around $500.  It will not happen over night, but it is slowly happening and that is a good thing. 
5 - 7 % increase though not the best thing it simply sounds to me like the perfect time to kick up the coupon use.   Happy savings.

Next up: See how far you can stretch $20.00.