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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Grocery Theory

A few months ago, I heard about a website you can subscribe to that tracks grocery prices, sales and coupons, in order to help you maximize your grocery dollar. It piqued my interest, but I really didn't look into it until a few days ago.

I'm definitely a bargain hunter, but I've been reluctant to cut coupons. When I tried it, it took a long time, I'd end up cutting a bunch I never used, and they were difficult to organize. I also worried I would end up buying stuff I ordinarily wouldn't, just because I had a coupon.

After checking out the subscription site, I found this free website that offers a similar service. It's http://www.southernsavers.com/. I've only used it once and it seems very helpful. You can decide how far to take your savings based on how much time you want to spend. For my purposes, I think I will take this approach:

1) Make my weekly Publix grocery list based on their sales circular. (I sometimes do the same for Kroger but not too regularly.)

2) Check the items on my list against the website for printable coupons (offered via link from the site).

3) Supplement with any readily-available coupons available in the store or flyers I have on hand (also listed on the Southern Savers website).

This way, hopefully, it will not take more than a few minutes and I won't end up with additional items.

If anyone uses the site, or checks it out as a result of this post, let me know your thoughts. I'd also love to hear your experiences with coupons and saving money on groceries in general.

(P.S. Andy is sure to make relentless fun of the dorkiness of this post, so feel free to join in!)

4 comments:

Mindy said...

I feel like we're pretty alike when it comes to this subject. I'm totally in love with the idea of saving money, but I've never gotten into coupons before. Too lazy mostly. When I do take the time, I never even use them. Let me check out the website. Maybe it'll make my life a little easier, and cheaper. Thanks for the tip!

Anonymous said...

Feel free to remind Andy about the garage full of "deals" he has accumulated!
EMS

Amy said...

I'm right there with you on coupons. I was doing really well basing our weekly menu on the Publix BOGOs, but got off track. A friend of mine is big into southern saver and the whole CVS club thing that kind of gives me a headache to think about, but she saves TONS of money. She blogs about it rather frequently. It's the "Kim" link on my blog if you're interested.

Doug, Shelly, Ava and Liam said...

I'm still trying to find the secret to making it all work... Truthfully, I clip coupons for more event-associated things ( tickets to events, ice cream store, eating out, etc), but not many for groceries.

The coupons I see are mostly for brand name items. I just normally buy the store brand (unless we're really stuck on a particular brand name product), and find that makes up the majority of our non-coupon savings.

I have looked into southern savers in the past, but might give it a whirl again...I love how it matches up the circular with manufacturer coupons.

Thanks! Please let me know your secret, as well!