2015 Grocery Challenge

[marvholly]

YIPPEEE! One of my local chains has onions CHEAP this week. Now all I want is half reasonable eggs.

Went over a shelf in my freezer on Tue. Found 2.5 lb of ground beef and a bunch of different sausages I need to use.

The new (to my area) produce store is having their ‘official’ grand opening this weekend. They finally have some decent grand opening type prices.  will probably go next Tue as it is likely to be CRAZY over the weekend.

[973beachbum]

I went to PA this weekend and man were there egg prices high.  I needed an 18 pack and the cheapest I could get was $5.76.   I wanted to find all the people who constantly whine about how high our grocery prices are here are and punch them.

I will add that Acme, Albertsons cheaper cousin, had it's buck a bag sale this week.  I love that sale!  It is veggies like a 3lb bag of onions, lb bag of baby carrots, bags of brocolli, and things like portabella mushroom caps and eggplants all for a dollar each.  Don't know if anyone has an Acme but thought I'd share.

[rubyslippers]

This week I shopped at Meijer and they had a $5.00/50.00 digital coupon on a total order. I got my total down below $35.00 after specials, coupons and catalinas. They had a Schick razor special buy $25.00 get an instant $10.00 off. I bought 2 razors for $13.69 and had a IPQ that was BOGOF, so total for razors was $3.69 plus tax. I also got cream cheese for $.79 each, bread for $.49 after IPQ, baby bella mushrooms for $1.00, 4 pks. Jello refrigerated puddings for $.38 each. I earned a $6.00 reward on my order and I found a catalina for a free head of lettuce.

Rite Aid: free Colgate and Oral B toothbrushes.

Aldi: 3 pks. of peppers for $.99. I bought a lot of them and put them up in the freezer. They also have sweet onions for $.49 lb. and will price match that this weekend.

My sister gifted me with a dozen eggs that she got from a friend who raises chickens. 

I went to a little farmers market store that had bulk spices.  I got a little bag of celery seed for $.50 that will fill up my spice jar a few times.  The same jar at Walmart is well over $2.00.

My biggest expense this week was buying a bushel of peaches for canning, $47.00, but I'm planning on getting several quarts. 

[FreeSalsa]

Thanks, ruby, for the info on the gas cards.  It never quite made sense to me before.  I may check that out.  Geat job at Meijer too!

Happy birthday month, murpath!

Yesterday at Vons/Safeway I got Nature Valley granola bars $1.50 ea wyb5.  The store limit is 3 of the same IP but she let me use 4 for 75c/1, then I got a $3 Catalina for buying 5 so 30c per box!

Then on Friday I was able to print some IPs off the Winco site for Farmland bacon (they expired the next day--odd.)  They were $1/1, $2/2 and $3/3.  But because I handed her 6 Qs for bacon she brought up the Q limit, even though she had just let me use more than the limit on the granola bars.  So she checked with someone and came back and used them--odd.  The bacon was 2/5$ minus $1 so $1.50 each, 12 oz.  I wondered how many I should get since I had enough qs for 12 and I thought again, what would Dancin do?  So I got all 12.  Regular price was $86 and I got them for $18.

Next I will hit Ralphs/Kroger for 88c Colgate.  It's the regular kind and I have 7 $1 qs for Optic White etc. but those qs have worked in the past, giving me just enough overage to cover the tax and 5c MM.  At Fry's in AZ there is supposed to be a BOGO rebate for Kirin Ichiban beer so I will see if they have it at my store too.

This week at Super King I got Nutella for 50c w/sale and IP, Charmin 12 pk for $3.75 w/sale and IP, organic tofu 99c, doz.  eggs $2.50, 24 oz. Organic olive oil $3 (regular price on shelf was $18!!), gallon of vinegar $1.50, bistro bowl salads $1.50 w/sale and IP, deli sliced ham $1.99/lb., chicken drumsticks 59c/lb.  Saveinla, SK is out of my way but I keep finding myself going there, this was the third time.  Their deals are too good.  I also found a route home that is a little farther but quicker that will take me right past Sunland Foods, so I may start going there too if there is a good deal.

And by Tuesday I will hit Sprouts for Food Should Taste Good chips $1.50-75c IP = 75c. and bulk walnuts $3.99/lb.  

Monday is free fruit day so that will keep me busy.  The mint extract I made six weeks ago from the box should be ready now so I can make my own mint chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.  Yum!

[dogmom]

What are most of you doing with drugstore rebates? I haven't been in a CVS in probably a year. No real reason to go. (besides it is out of my usual driving route). I do stop at Wags (one across the street and on the corner. No kidding. ) Hubby does Walk with Walgreens so he accumulates points. I buy some items with points, and yes, still a coupon or two. What I have been doing is using points for Propane. It's still summer right? Today, we were low on propane, and I noticed a sign on the enclosure. So, Propane exchange, $21.99, used $20. rewards, paid $3.97 and yes, I have the $3.00 rebate ready to go in the mail. .   Not free, but pretty reasonable.

Ruby, no matter how I try, I get good buys at Meijer...You totally Rock!  .  Excellent job!

Edited for punctuation.

[rubyslippers]

Dogmom, are you getting your propane at Walgreens? I've never noticed that they sell it.

Freesalsa, awesome deal on bacon!

Marvholly, check Aldis ad this week.  They have 2 lb. bags of sweet onions for $.69 a bag at our store and CVS has eggs $1.69 dozen.

I got a dehydrator last month and I just started using it.  So far I've done spinach, peppers and onions and want to dehydrate mushrooms, celery and carrots when I find them on sale.  My hubby wants to make beef jerky.

[marvholly]

Ruby

My Aldi does NOT have onions on special this week BUT a local independent chain had them for 0.19/lb.

Just checked the CVS ad.  Eggs are 1.99 here.  I will get one today and maybe 1 more the end of the week.

Thanks

[dogmom]

Aug 23, 2015 16:01:24 GMT -5 rubyslippers said:

Dogmom, are you getting your propane at Walgreens? I've never noticed that they sell it.

Freesalsa, awesome deal on bacon!

Marvholly, check Aldis ad this week.  They have 2 lb. bags of sweet onions for $.69 a bag at our store and CVS has eggs $1.69 dozen.

I got a dehydrator last month and I just started using it.  So far I've done spinach, peppers and onions and want to dehydrate mushrooms, celery and carrots when I find them on sale.  My hubby wants to make beef jerky.

Yes.  The propane cabinet (at least at the Walgreens where I shop) is outside, in front of the store, not too far from the Redbox movie rental kiosk. 

[murphath]

Free Salsa:
Thanks for the birthday greetings.  You have a good memory and/or calendar.   It was a bittersweet one as we travelled to Carmel for a funeral.  Since traffic in/out of the San Jose (Silicon Valley) area is a nightmare, we decided to spend the night before.  Other members of the family did the same so we went to Monterey for dinner.  DH and I had taken a nice long walk along the beach where I stopped a couple of ladies and asked for restaurant recommendations.  Figured the locals are always the best to ask.  They suggested The Sand Bar on the wharf just across from the Fisherman's Wharf (separated by the marina).  Wow, were they ever right.  The place was packed so we had to wait @ 1.5 hours (on a Tues. night!).  Gave us time to catch up at the bar.  The food was delicious.  The ladies said to get the fish and chips, which I did; DH had the sand dabs.  So, the dinner was so much fun but the next day was so sad.  DH's 25 y.o. second cousin was killed on Hwy. 5 while moving back to NorCal for a new position.  Just a heartbreaker.

Dancinmama:
I said hello to you out loud as we drove by Gilroy.  Next time we go down to that area I'll give you a shoutout so we can perhaps meet up.  

As for grocery deals:  what grocery deals  I did get 4 boxes of Cheerios at Safeway for .49 ea using my J4U and my daughter's J4U.  Otherwise I've been shopping at Target using their q's, man.q's, Cartwheel and mobile q's to get the total down before paying with my RedCard to get the addt'l. 5% off and using my own bags for the .05 be bag discount.

[marvholly]

I have been an Aldi shopper for more than 40 years; since before DD1 was even born. I have NEVER seen this. Today’s ad flyer has a COUPON for $3 of any fresh meat purchase. I know where I will be at 8:55 am today. Glad I did not defrost the chicken to cook today.

FYI: I heard from a CVS mgr that CVS has bought ALL the Target pharmacies. In addition to Rx this may also affect cosmetics, OTC items, diapers……………

I bought 2 prepared food items at my new fruit/veg market on Tue. Both are totally tastless. $4 wasted. Learned my lesson. Will NOT buy that any of that type stuff again.

[murphath]

If anyone needs razors, they are on sale this week at Rite Aid--Schick disposables $7.  There's a $4 q in the 7/26 SS and a $3 Rite Aid q in their weekly circular.  You do have to have the new Plenti card to get the deal and it's a limit of 1.

[rubyslippers]

There is another good deal at Rite Aid that is a monthly deal. This week Jergens Glow 2 oz. (travel section) is $2.69 regular or $2.15 gold. There is a $2.00 in-ad coupon, which makes each one $.69 or $.15.  Buy 4 and earn $8.00 back in Plenti Points.  If you need chapstick, it's on sale for $1.99, BOGOF.  Buy 2 and pay less that $3.00 and get $3.00 back.  Crest Vivid White Strips are a little over $26.00 w/gold discount and get $25.00 PP back.

I used my $6.00 mperk reward at Meijer this week and bought 2 ICBINB, 2 Ritz crackers, Sargento cheese slices, eggs, lettuce, Miracle whip, and Bic 10 pk. pens and paid $3.08 after coupons and mperks. The eggs were free with the margarine, the lettuce free with a catalina I found a week ago, Miracle Whip and pens free with mperks.  Meijer is celebrating their 5th anniversary of mperks and is offering 1 freebie a day this week.

At Staples I bought 4 Crayola washable markers for $.75 each minus two $1/2 coupons.  I got all 4 for $1.00 plus tax.  These will be part of gifts for nieces and nephews for Christmas.

[FreeSalsa]

You said it was your birthday week, Murpath, even though I'd love to have the good memory you gave me credit for.  

Dogmom, I was rolling my Black Friday ECBS until about March.  I still had one expired ECB from March and was able to use part of it last week.  They wouldn't give me the full $4 value, but only $1.50.  I took it because it was the third store I'd tried and the others wouldn't take it at all so I thought I'd take what they would give me.  I have one more for 50c that expired in May.  I just cashed out all my Swagbucks and bought Kroger cards with them but next time I'll get a $25 one for CVS to be ready for the next Black Friday.  I still have about $5 left on another CG there.  I'm looking into how to buy one online at RA but I didn't see that option on their web site.

Yay!  Dehydrator!  What kind did you get, ruby?  Have you tried eating or cooking with your dried veggies?  I have dried a few veg but haven't tried using them yet.  Let me know how it goes.  We have a lot of jujubes from the neighbor's trees hanging over the fence so we may try to dry them next.  I guess they last indefinitely in the fridge so we might just eat most of them.

Jujube:  when less ripe, tastes like an apple, when more ripe, tastes like a date.  Also called Chinese dates.  Originally from Asia, deciduous trees that are drought-tolerant, grow quickly, and are easy to care for.  (I know, I'd never heard of them either but they are very good!)  The candy you've heard of is made from the paste of these.  Pics:

www.google.com/search?q=jujube&client=safari&rls=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CDUQsARqFQoTCJ21mY6-0ccCFUGLDQodBfgLTg&biw=1247&bih=699

[marvholly]

I suspect egg prices 'may' be coming down. Why/how else could CVS run a sale at $1.99 and NOT run out of stock?

[murphath]

FreeSalsa:
If you need a RA gift card, go to giftcardgranny.com.  They sell all kinds of gift cards at a discount.  The RA ones are anywhere from 15-25% off the face value.

I use this site all the time.  It's amazing how many different gift cards are out there.  Since I do a bit of counted crosstitch, I use the Michael's ones all the time to buy the supplies (minimal cost) and have the finished product framed (major cost).  The last one I got was $125 value and I paid $83.  I coupled that with the 70% off framing Michael's insert q.  If my calculations are correct, I paid @ $75 oop to have it framed.  2015 was a big wedding year for us so I made an item for DD1, DS, and DD1's BFF (practically our daughter).  I'm trying to get ahead of the game and have begun one for DD2.

I just bought a few for Valero gas stations because that's where DH likes to go.  I use Safeway because of the .10 discount wyspend $100 for groceries.  

I bought one for Columbia Sportswear for a 7% discount and used it at their outlet where they are having an awesome sale.  

Since I pay for these giftcards with my Citi card, I get another 2% back (1% when you charge; 1% when you pay).  Never carry a balance so pay no interest.

[973beachbum]

Aug 31, 2015 5:46:28 GMT -5 marvholly said:

I suspect egg prices 'may' be coming down. Why/how else could CVS run a sale at $1.99 and NOT run out of stock?

Not in NJ.   I just bought a dozen for $3.99 and that was by far the best price I could get.

I love eggs and there is just no real substitute.  The prices have just kept going up and up.  And we have those stupid dairy/egg laws to protect the small farmer.  Has anyone ever driven around the state of NJ?  Where the heck are they hiding cause I haven't seen them and I have lived here a really long time

[Opti]

There are small egg farmers in various spots in NJ. Dairy?

[973beachbum]

Sept 1, 2015 9:09:19 GMT -5 Opti said:

There are small egg farmers in various spots in NJ. Dairy?

I'm sure there are a few.  I actually know of one dairy farm in Salem county but are there really enough to make the whole state have laws to protect them from grocery store sales?

Actually the little egg farmers in this area have always been more expensive than even the latest prices even.  So I'm not sure how the laws even helped anyway.

[marvholly]

I just looked up the coupon policy for my new fruit/veg market. IPs have to be individually approved by the store manager. I can just imagine how long this can take OR what if an assistant not the manager is on duty. Poor mgr cannot be there 24/7/365. I plan to give it 2 minutes and if no mgr response I will leave my entire order. Let them waste time putting it away. My time was wasted getting it and waiting for the mgr. There is NOTHING I need SOOOO much, & in my area, that I cannot buy for the same price or <5% more. MY life matters! 

[FreeSalsa]

Aug 31, 2015 10:51:08 GMT -5 murphath said:

FreeSalsa:
If you need a RA gift card, go to giftcardgranny.com.  They sell all kinds of gift cards at a discount.  The RA ones are anywhere from 15-25% off the face value.

I use this site all the time.  It's amazing how many different gift cards are out there.  Since I do a bit of counted crosstitch, I use the Michael's ones all the time to buy the supplies (minimal cost) and have the finished product framed (major cost).  The last one I got was $125 value and I paid $83.  I coupled that with the 70% off framing Michael's insert q.  If my calculations are correct, I paid @ $75 oop to have it framed.  2015 was a big wedding year for us so I made an item for DD1, DS, and DD1's BFF (practically our daughter).  I'm trying to get ahead of the game and have begun one for DD2.

I just bought a few for Valero gas stations because that's where DH likes to go.  I use Safeway because of the .10 discount wyspend $100 for groceries.  

I bought one for Columbia Sportswear for a 7% discount and used it at their outlet where they are having an awesome sale.  

Since I pay for these giftcards with my Citi card, I get another 2% back (1% when you charge; 1% when you pay).  Never carry a balance so pay no interest.

Oh my gosh, this is amazing!  I can't wait to try it!!!  Thanks.

[FreeSalsa]

Sept 3, 2015 5:47:48 GMT -5 marvholly said:

I just looked up the coupon policy for my new fruit/veg market. IPs have to be individually approved by the store manager. I can just imagine how long this can take OR what if an assistant not the manager is on duty. Poor mgr cannot be there 24/7/365. I plan to give it 2 minutes and if no mgr response I will leave my entire order. Let them waste time putting it away. My time was wasted getting it and waiting for the mgr. There is NOTHING I need SOOOO much, & in my area, that I cannot buy for the same price or <5% more. MY life matters! 

Maybe you can ask for approval before you start shopping and save yourself the time.  If it takes more than two minutes for a manager to come you save yourself the trouble of having to look for everything, or of having to shop there ever again.  

[Robert not Bobby]

Jan 1, 2015 10:14:24 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Welcome to the 2015 Grocery Challenge.  We're a small group now, but the goal is the same - to save money on groceries.  Everyone is welcome, so please join in!!

okay

But what is this all about (sorry, didn't read the thread). Whoever spends the least on groceries? But there are so many variable: family size, do you eat healthy or buy garbage, can you grow some of your own food, etc.

Do I get coupons here...just kidding.

I think this is a good idea. Cheers to all you thrifty shoppers.

[Blonde Granny]

We spent $62 today at the Fresh Market. I seldom pay attention to the little extra slips that aren't part of my total bill, but I did today. $10 off a purchase of $50 or more from 9-9 to 9-18. I guess I'll be going back...) 

[FreeSalsa]

Welcome, Robert!  We all share money-saving tips so we can each save as much as we can in our own homes.  True, we all have different variables, as you mentioned.  In addition, we have different stores to shop at, different access to coupons and their acceptance at those stores, different restrictions (allergies, vegetarian, gluten, or organic, etc.) and different levels of effort we put toward this.  We don't compete with each other for the most savings, rather we help each other so we can each save as much as we can with the situations we have.

A few years ago there were tons of deals available at the drug stores when combined with sales, store rewards, and coupons.  Then a lot of us had doubled coupons at the grocery stores then too and some places would accept expired or stacked coupons.  Now there are not very many of those but we share the deals we get in hopes that someone else will be able to do the same or at least get an idea on how to do something similar.  A lot of deals are at our local stores now, instead of the chains, but we try.

Our savings now tend to be with at least one, usually two or more of the following:
Waiting for the lowest (rock bottom) sales price and stocking up then
Newspaper coupons (MC)
Internet printable coupons (IP)
Store rewards at Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens (Wags)
Price matching at Walmart (or any other store that will do it)
Gas reward discounts from accumulating store points via shopping and buying gift cards when they offer 4x the rewards
Growing your own or sharing with neighbors and co-workers
Using credit cards that offer 2x or 4x rewards on categories and that offer cash back
Using sites like Swagbucks or MyPoints that offer free gift cards when you use their sites
I think some use Ibotta and other such sites that offer online rebates for stuff you buy

A common trick is to wait for a 50% off sale (say, at Macy's) then use a 20% off coupon from the mail, then use a Macy's gift card you got for free using MyPoints, then using a Macy's credit card for an additional 10% off or a credit card that offers 5x rewards at Macy's that quarter.  The same type of thing can be done at the grocery or drug stores if you are lucky. 

Hope that helps.  Let us know if you have questions!

[marvholly]

Sept 4, 2015 13:48:48 GMT -5 FreeSalsa said:

Sept 3, 2015 5:47:48 GMT -5 marvholly said:

I just looked up the coupon policy for my new fruit/veg market. IPs have to be individually approved by the store manager. I can just imagine how long this can take OR what if an assistant not the manager is on duty. Poor mgr cannot be there 24/7/365. I plan to give it 2 minutes and if no mgr response I will leave my entire order. Let them waste time putting it away. My time was wasted getting it and waiting for the mgr. There is NOTHING I need SOOOO much, & in my area, that I cannot buy for the same price or <5% more. MY life matters! 

Maybe you can ask for approval before you start shopping and save yourself the time.  If it takes more than two minutes for a manager to come you save yourself the trouble of having to look for everything, or of having to shop there ever again.  

Actually I will NOT be shopping there again:

I am giving up on the new produce market. Tasteless prepared food last week. Out of date by nearly a week dairy product (MULTIPLES in the case) and a 50% overcharge on a ‘sale’ produce item this week. I DID complain to the store manager (George) and he just blew me off saying he would get the dairy manager & check into it. It is not worth my time or gas to go back for my $0.40 overcharge. They just permanently LOST a customer. I did file an online complaint BUT I expect nothing to come of it. The mgr’s attitude denotes this. Turns out the email was sent to the mgr & corp has an incorrect email addy for him as it was returned NUMEROUS times as undeliverable.

It took the mgr OVER 5 minutes to respond to being paged 3x.

[rubyslippers]

This weekend Kroger has a digital coupon where gift cards are quadruple points. I got $1000.00 in Lowe's gift cards (needed for a bathroom project) and got 4000 fuel points. I also got Kraft BBQ sauce for $.29 each and Cheerios for $.99 after IPQ's and mega sale. A lb. bag of Kroger brown rice was $.37 and a bottle of lemonade was free after digital Q's.  Charcoal was $4.99 a bag.

At Meijer I used my $7.00 mperks reward to get 2 bottles of Crisco oil and a box of canning lids. I spent $.37 OOP.

At Rite Aid I used $17.00 in rewards and $3.25 in coupons to buy 2 Mardi Gras 500 pks. of napkins, 2 alcohols, 2 Wet Wipes cannisters, 3 Dawn dish soap and some hangers on clearance. 

Aldi had milk for $1.69 a gallon and bananas $.29 lb.

Next week Meijer has tuna $.39 a can and I plan to stock up. 

[saveinla]

Sept 5, 2015 15:06:39 GMT -5 rubyslippers said:

This weekend Kroger has a digital coupon where gift cards are quadruple points. I got $1000.00 in Lowe's gift cards (needed for a bathroom project) and got 4000 fuel points. I also got Kraft BBQ sauce for $.29 each and Cheerios for $.99 after IPQ's and mega sale. A lb. bag of Kroger brown rice was $.37 and a bottle of lemonade was free after digital Q's.  Charcoal was $4.99 a bag.

At Meijer I used my $7.00 mperks reward to get 2 bottles of Crisco oil and a box of canning lids. I spent $.37 OOP.

At Rite Aid I used $17.00 in rewards and $3.25 in coupons to buy 2 Mardi Gras 500 pks. of napkins, 2 alcohols, 2 Wet Wipes cannisters, 3 Dawn dish soap and some hangers on clearance. 

Aldi had milk for $1.69 a gallon and bananas $.29 lb.

Next week Meijer has tuna $.39 a can and I plan to stock up. 

Ruby,

How long can you use the fuel points? Are they valid forever or do they expire after some time? Thanks

[rubyslippers]

Saveinla, since I bought them in September, I can use them this month and/or next.  I'm planning on using 1000 pts. at the end of this month since I still have 2000 pts. from last month and the other 3000 pts. in October. The offer is still good today if you have the digital coupon loaded to your account.

Today I ordered online at the Rite Aid site 2 boxes of Crest Vivid whitestrips @$32.99 each which came to $52.78 (gold discount). I had a $10/50 code and a $10.00/40.00 code. I paid $45.77 with points and will be getting $60.00 in points back. This was a good way to recoup some of the points I used yesterday.

[FreeSalsa]

Got a great deal on the big bottles of vodka and rum yesterday.  I used a $10/2 Q from one store ad and used it at Smart and Final, where the prices are reasonable.  Then I used my gift card that I bought for half price so it was like getting half price on the bottles.  I ended up getting the 1.75 l (the big one, not the small one) for $7 each.  That would be a great price for the small bottles.  Can you say 'ritas?!?! 

Monday was free fruit day and I had the day off so I spent pretty much the whole day in the kitchen cleaning, cutting, peeling, cooking, juicing, drying fruit and veggies.  We got 4 good cantaloupes and i juiced a lot of it.  I used lime simple syrup from a previous box and added bubbly water from the soda stream machine.  I made cantaloupe-lime soda and it must have been the best soda I've ever had.  And did you know you can dry cantaloupe??  

[rubyslippers]

Freesalsa, I've been dehydrating vegetables and herbs with my new dehydrator and plan to do a few fruits once I get done with all the veggies. Yesterday I dehydrated mushrooms.

I went to Aldi and got a 10 lb. bag of potatoes for $1.99, bag of onions for $1.17, 2 lbs. carrots for $.69, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli for $.99 and several mushrooms for $.89.   I also bought a cast iron fajita skillet for $7.99.  I want to start using my cast iron more often.

Meijer has Kraft salad dressing for $.95 each.  I will price match today and get them for $.58 after MQ.

I canned several jars of spaghetti sauce yesterday with the free hamper of tomatoes I got from my son.