WWS | 3rd Week of September (already!?)

 This post comes to you after a little hiatus, life has been crazy, and I wanted to find a way to space posts out on a better cadence that would allow me to keep up. While a lot of our grocery shopping and meal planning occurs Friday - Monday, those days don't always lending themselves to the opportunity to sit down and write. Instead of real-time posting, I may try a different cadence of when weeks begin & end, or post a week behind.

In the past two months, we haven't spent much on groceries, most trips have been for events or fresh items, no major stock ups or sales except for a mega score on chicken breast at $0.59 per pound.

But without further adieu, I bring you my most recent grocery haul from Shaw's, which should take us through the next week.

What We Spent | September 22nd

• 1/2 Gallon 1% Milk - $2.29
• 4 Light & Fit Yogurts - Free w/ Coupons (coupons.com)
• 16oz Frozen Green Peas - $0.88 (part of a buy 5 or more sale)
• 1 Quart Vanilla Creamer - $1.74 (50% off reduced)
• (2) 8oz Sargento Shredded Cheese - $2.98 ($1 off 2 coupon)
• (4) 16oz Frozen Whole Petite Green Beans - $3.52 ($0.88/each part of a buy 5 or more sale)
• 2.54lbs Beef Cube Steak - $11.54 (3 packs w/ 30% off stickers, about $5.37/lb)
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast - $8.29 ($1.57/lb; 5.28lbs)
• (2) 8oz Packs Sliced Button Mushrooms - $1.74
• 1 8oz Pack Whole Button Mushrooms - $0.87
• (2) 16oz. Bags Baby Carrots - $1.66
• 4.64lbs Fresh Broccoli Crowns - $3.85
• 1lb Red Seedless Grapes - $1.99 (1.99/lb)

Total: $41.35; I also earned 2 "rewards" for spending over $40 in a single trip.

Our grocery budget goal* is $50/week, so we came in nicely under budget this week! 

 *Our budget is flexible, to take advantage of sales as they come up, and why we aim for an average. Some weeks or months are very light on spending, others are much heavier, depending upon the items we are low on and how the sales fall.

Thoughts on Shopping Reduced and On-Sale Items...

This weeks grocery trip is comprised entirely of on-sale and reduced items, with the exception of milk. 

This is typical of about 75% of our grocery shopping, as you may have seen in previous WWS posts. 

It is possible to make smart, healthy decisions that do not break the bank by knowing what a good sale is, and having a plan for the items you buy (yes, freezing for later can be part of that plan!).

Buying reduced items is a great way to save on your grocery bill and help keep food out of the waste system. However, just because it's reduced does not mean it's a good value, and you have to remember to use or freeze it that day or the next if the item is perishable. Don't spend the money just to waste it when you get home because you forgot about it in your fridge!

Just because an item is "on-sale," does not mean that you have to buy it, or that it is even a good price. This goes for all consumer goods, not just food. A great example of this is meat markdowns. I like to shop a particular Shaw's around 8am, because that's when I've caught the meat manager marking down items. However, I know Shaw's meat prices tend to be $2-$4 per pound higher than other grocery stores, so I peruse these marked down items with a sharp eye. I typically only buy the item if it is close to my "good price" or "best price." Occasionally if it's something I am having a craving for, or I need something for dinner that night, I will get one item that I'd consider "reasonably priced."

This might sound repetitive, but being able to fully realize the savings benefits of sale or reduced sticker shopping goes back to knowing your prices. Keep a price book, and memorize the "good price" of items you buy most. This enables you to make quick decisions in the store. 

Do not be afraid to carry a small notebook with you, or use your phone, to write down prices in store. I recently visited a new Market Basket that opened in our area (second one in the state, so still a novel to many local consumers). I observed many people taking pictures of prices, writing in notebooks, and comparing brands, so I promise you won't look out of place!

Tips for Spotting Reduced Items...

1. Go Early in the Morning - most stores do their mark downs in the morning or late evening hours. Don't be afraid to ask the meat/produce/grocery manager when they do them.
2. Know Where the Reduced Items are Located* - some stores have designated spots of reduced items, others leave them on the shelves, or do a combination. Take the time to peruse the store and become familiar with these sections. Ask an employee if you cannot locate the area.
3. Know What the Sticker Looks Like - knowing what your looking for will help you spot deals from a distance!
4. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for a Markdown - spot a product that is a bit past its prime, near its date, or is damaged? It doesn't hurt to ask for a reduction in price.
5. Shop the Reduced Sections First - when I shop I go for the big sale items first that I know are likely to run out quickly, and then I circle the store the visit all the reduced sections. Sometimes my "finds" will inspire a change to my meal plan that I can accommodate while still at the store, and before I've gotten the rest of my list.
6. And Finally... don't buy it if it's not a good deal or something you won't use!

    *Not all stores will have reduced sections, many stores donate their damaged goods or slightly past         prime fresh items to charity. Learn which of your local stores have reduced sections.

I hope these tips help you, please feel free to ask questions in the comments!