2015 Grocery Challenge

[marvholly]

I have not seen any of the usual GREAT prices on peanut butter this back to school season. $2/more is NOT good IMHO.   NOT happy.

[Blonde Granny]

Most of the time here WMT regular price on items is the same or lower than the Harp's Food store weekly ad. I've about given up on even looking at the ad on Wednesday. The same goes for a Wags ad, and the new CVS store that is opening is in an area of the city I'm not comfortable being in, so I'll skip that too.

[marvholly]

BG

Shoot. Around here you cannot go monre than 1/2 mi before tripping over BOTH CVS & WAG. Granted I live in a middle -upper middle class suburb but it is not too much different in less desirable areas of metro Chicago.

[marvholly]

I can’t resist even though I already have 2 birds in my freezer. One of my independent local chains has whole chickens for 0.79/lb this week. Trying to decide between chicken soup and roasting the bird. Still have 2 fruit/veg markets ads to check (both post later today) for this week.

[marvholly]

Tough decision. Whole chicken for 0.79/lb or boneless, skinless chicken breast for 0.99/lb. Thinking further – might do both w/whole = pot of soup & breasts for assorted meals.  Have to see how the budget goes.

[FreeSalsa]

Why am I awake at 4:20 a.m.?  I have no idea.  But here I am.

Yesterday at Sprouts I got:
Sprouts organic salsa BOGO sale = $1.50 ea.
Spouts (bulk section) natural peanut butter 14 oz. BOGO sale = $2 ea.
Organic apple cider vinegar $3.99 (since I haven't been to my apple picking place in years and might not get there this year either) and it costs the same but no gas to get there!  Paid with a GC.
Bulk oats 69c/lb.
Kettle chips 5 oz. BOGO - $1/2 IP = $1 ea.
Green pepper 3/$1
5 lb. russet potatoes $1
Wild caught U.S.A. shrimp $6.99/lb.

Ok, gotta try to go back to sleep for a bit, now that the bills are paid (that's what I was doing at 4:00.)

Tonight is Super King.

ETA:  Wow, I was so tired at 4 a.m. that I didn't even click send!  I'll do it now.

[FreeSalsa]

Super King was fine.  I got a lot of meat for a good price.

Last night at Smart and Final I bought ground turkey for $1.99/lb. in the 3 lb. packs.  They also had tuna for 69c.  I got the last 5 on the shelf and asked for a rain check.  The so-called manager said she couldn't give me one because they had received the tuna, it was sitting in the back but it was still unloaded and it wouldn't be unloaded in the morning.  But since it was in the building I couldn't have a rain check.  Have you ever heard of such a stupid thing? ? ?  She also said something about because it wasn't Monday but that made even less sense so I don't know what she was talking about.  I didn't want the rain check too badly so I let it go but that was stupid.

[rubyslippers]

My savings this week happened at Rite Aid, Staples, Kroger and Aldi.

At Staples I got 3 Scott Towels 6 pks. for $.93 OOP after using coupons and a $12.00 reward.

At Rite Aid I used my points and coupons to buy 2 Scott 8 pks. and 1 Scott TP.   I spent nothing OOP.

I price matched celery @ $.59 a stalk from the Aldi ad.

I bought a $50.00 Yankee Candle gift card at Kroger and got a $10.00 store catalina.  I bought 4 Yankee Candles online for $27.99 each and used my gift card  and a B2G2F coupon.  I spent a total of $60.29 for 4 large jar candles.

Later in the week I used a rain check at Kroger for 4 Suave body wash @ $.99 each, 10 lbs. bacon @ $2.99, 4 Private Selection breads @ $.99 each and used catalinas, senior discount, IPQ's and digital Q's and spent $22.07 and saved $15.89.  I also got $4.00 in cats from the bodywash.

[dancinmama]

Hi All!!  Sorry that I've been MIA.  I really haven't had a lot to report.  I'm still shopping mostly at the GO and the 99 Cent Store.  The last "great" deal that I got was 15 oz. spreadable butter for $.77/tub.  I stockpiled (20) and put them in the freezer.  I can't remember whether I posted that or not.  We've been enjoying $1 watermelons all summer long and they have been awesome!!

I have a rain check from Safeway for 12-packs of Dr. Pepper (Buy 2/Get 3 Free).  I also can use a $5/$30 or a $3/$20 along with some $1/2 peelies that will bring the cost per 12-pack down quite a bit.  I will do that either today (if I want to use the $5/$30) or before the 29th if I want to use the $3/$20. 

I haven't had to buy much of anything in the way of non-perishables for almost 3 years now and most of my stockpiles are still pretty healthy.  I'm definitely not going to run out of paper products (foil, bath tissue, paper towels, Kleenex, Q-tips, Ziplocs, etc.) any time soon.  Same with any soap based product.  I am always soooo thankful for the "glory days of couponing" that allowed me to create those stockpiles for free or next to nothing in OOP.

[dancinmama]

Sept 19, 2015 9:41:07 GMT -5 FreeSalsa said:

Super King was fine.  I got a lot of meat for a good price.

Last night at Smart and Final I bought ground turkey for $1.99/lb. in the 3 lb. packs.  They also had tuna for 69c.  I got the last 5 on the shelf and asked for a rain check.  The so-called manager said she couldn't give me one because they had received the tuna, it was sitting in the back but it was still unloaded and it wouldn't be unloaded in the morning.  But since it was in the building I couldn't have a rain check.  Have you ever heard of such a stupid thing? ? ?  She also said something about because it wasn't Monday but that made even less sense so I don't know what she was talking about.  I didn't want the rain check too badly so I let it go but that was stupid.

My experience has been similar to yours.  Smart and Final just does not want to issue them.  I wanted a rain check for some tortillas that they were out of (and none in the back).  I waited while the clerk checked the back.  Then I had to wait again while a "higher up" checked in the back.  It was not the last day of the sale and they wanted me to come back before the sale ended.    I can't remember now the details, but I called customer service and they sent me something $3 or $5 off my next purchase (can't remember now). 

I'm not sure whether it's company policy or up to each individual manager (whether or not they'll issue one), but issuing a rain check seems to be a real inconvenience for them.

[dancinmama]

Sept 4, 2015 13:57:47 GMT -5 Robert not Bobby said:

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.

Sorry, I must have missed your post earlier in the month.

It is not a "competition" to see who can spend the least; it is just a thread about what "deals" are out there on food, household items, etc. 

We used to have upwards of 100 posts a day and many, many participants on this thread; but the deals have dried up (relative to what there used to be) so now the thread runs at a snail's pace.  And yes, in those days anyone (even non-regular posters) could come here and ask for coupons that they needed and if one of us had what they needed, we'd mail them out.

Since the coupon deals have pretty much dried up (again relative to what they used to be), I don't even get the Sunday paper or coupon inserts any more. 

[marvholly]

Dancin

I'm not sure whether it's company policy or up to each individual manager (whether or not they'll issue one), but issuing a rain check seems to be a real inconvenience for them.

I have hads stores/mgrs try to pull that one on me BUT I remind them of FTC policy re: sale items AND that they would NOT be the first I have gotten in trouble for violating it.  I AM known as the daughter of a female dog.

[marvholly]

Also our state AG is a BIG consumer rights advocate.  She loves .....junk like this.  AND I have a friend who currently works in state gov.

I swear a local market had Kraft salad dressing on sale for 0.99 BUT when I went the sale signs said 1.99. NOTE: they do NOT take coupons. Wasted trip. Since I will pace the place again on Sat. I rechecked the ad this am. I am RIGHT. However, it was the 8 oz, of which they had NONE on display.

[murphath]

I, too, have been MIA.  Just nothing fantastic to share coupon-wise.  I did use the CVS red machine q for $2.00 off Hershey's caramel along with a $1 man q.  Made them .79.  Also bought 2 new toothbrushes.  The Colgate 360 were $2.99 w/$2 EB limit 2.  I had a $5 EB so got all that and a pair of pantyhose for $1.42 (.81 was the tax!).  I'm thinking of using DD's CVS card to do another Hershey's dark chocolate caramel.  

MurphMart's shelves aren't as full these days.   I do still have a healthy supply of toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and hair spray.  Like Dancinmama, I'm very grateful for the hey day of couponing.  I'm still using the skill set to get the best possible price.

My 99 cent store carries produce, too.  Like many of the dollar stores, it's hit or miss on the quality.  But yesterday they had beautiful Calif. grown cantalope and strawberries for $1 ea.  I also got some bananas for .39 lb.  The store price around here for these items are $3, $3.99 and .79lb respectively.

Quick question for your guys:  Any coca cola drinkers out there?  If so, and you aren't doing the Coke Rewards program, could you send me your coke codes?  They are inside the caps of coca cola products (minute maid, sprite, coke, powerade, etc.)  If you buy a 12 pack, it's on inside of box.  If you buy the huge 30 pack size at Costco or Sam's, it's on the bottom inside of the plastic covering.

Coke keeps "revising" their coke rewards program--actually, just making it harder to earn any reward.  But I still am doing it despite the new restrictions.  You can PM me and I'll send you my email.

Thanks.

[murphath]

SS1954:
I'm with you.  I don't have Facebook--DH does so I go on his from time to time.  I certainly don't tweet.  Frankly, I look at a lot of that technology as a loss of privacy.  

As for Coke rewards:  I'm in the "gold" category.  Took a long time to get there since I don't facebook/tweet.  At any rate, I'm slowly buying the $10 Amazon gift cards.  My SIL and I are doing the Camino de Santiago next year (the French Way one) and I'm trying to get enough gift cards to buy my hiking socks, sock liners and possibly a Sol Cool hoodie.  Been able to get 4 gift cards thus far.  I'm pretty close to getting a $25 Amazon card through My Points, as well.  We aren't going until the end of May so I should be able to get at least 4 more through My Coke Rewards.  $105 won't be quite enough (the Sol Cool is $75) but it will help.

Since this is a pilgrimage hike, I'm trying to come up with ways to pay for it other than using our savings.  I've been subbing more at Weight Watchers, recycling the bottles/cans I pick up on my walks (why do people litter like that?), and am thinking about getting a seasonal job at one of our local stores.  We will probably have at least a week after the 480 mile trek for some additional site seeing (or collapsing) so I'll need addt'l money for that.  Would like to see San Sebastian, Bordeaux etc..  We'll see.  Got a great airfare: $1020 r/t.   We had to jump on that! 

[marvholly]

The ad is not yet out for my BIG fruit/veg market. However a local small independent chain has a GREAT ad this week. I will be spending MUCH more than usual there if all goes well – like they actually have everything in stock. Everything is fruit/veg/fish so only the 1 pantry item ‘might’ have a coupon but, after checking, does not. There is nothing I want/need on the Aldi ad but a couple things I need that I regularly buy there.

[marvholly]

guess the chicken shortage is OVER. Last week got leg quarters for 0.29/lb.  Local chain has whole chickens for 0.69/lb this week. Good thing I like chicken and know TONS of ways to prep it.

[marvholly]

I made a choice this week. I was out of calamari and currently have my annual fall taste for pumpkin pie going. I could only afford one on this week’s budget. I KNOW I could bake the pie myself but with it costing $3 to $4 at most of my stores and ingredients costing over $3 it makes sense to just buy it. I ended up buying calamari (lunch today) because it has been on my buy list for >a month. Pie goes to the TOP of the buy list next round of ads.

[marvholly]

Did buy the pie on Fri.  Filling is good but crust is BAD.

Grocery shopping Fri was disappointing. The $3/3lb bag of clementines had fruit SOOOO small golf balls are bigger. The 0.19/lb cabbage was ready for the compost pile. No coleslaw or stuffed cabbage next week. Ran out of time & energy before I got to the dollar store and WAG. Oh well, just means I have money left over for 1 other grocery stop near when I go for a haircut on Sun. they have ground turkey on sale & I am low.

[alabamagal]

Oct 14, 2015 5:58:33 GMT -5 marvholly said:

guess the chicken shortage is OVER. Last week got leg quarters for 0.29/lb.  Local chain has whole chickens for 0.69/lb this week. Good thing I like chicken and know TONS of ways to prep it.

Hasn't made it the egg market yet though. Egg prices are still high.

[marvholly]

Oct 24, 2015 8:10:57 GMT -5 alabamagal said:

Oct 14, 2015 5:58:33 GMT -5 marvholly said:

guess the chicken shortage is OVER. Last week got leg quarters for 0.29/lb.  Local chain has whole chickens for 0.69/lb this week. Good thing I like chicken and know TONS of ways to prep it.

Hasn't made it the egg market yet though. Egg prices are still high.

Seems to be hitting egg prices here too.  Two of my small, local chains have egg for $1.50/dz this week.  That is down from >$2.50 several weeks ago.

[hitenney]

Whew - it's been so long I wasn't sure of the password!  I've been MIA, too - lots of changes at work, mostly all good, but also seem to involve more work! However, finally got a raise - haven't had an increase since 2009, so have to show the boss I appreciate it (and I really do!).  Anyway, bargains just don't seem to be around.  Had one good day when I found those vacuum sealed pork tenderloin roasts, I think 20 oz each, on sale for 75% off - reg price 9.99, so I got several.  They were right at sell-by date, and results have been mixed.  Dragged my SIL back to store to buy more.  So far, she has raved about hers, but 1 of the 2 I've opened was stinky already  .  Oh, well.

I am signed up for a free seminar tomorrow night on couponing!  Chelsea Bradley is the presenter, and it's sponsored by the newspaper here.  I started getting the paper again when they offered Sundays only for $1 each.  Supposed to have door prizes and giveaways, and maybe they'll feed me something!  These days I take any opportunity for free food!  No shame!  Giveaways will probably be grocery bags, but that's cool, because they have stopped plastic bags here. 

Any hoo, murphath could you please email me?  t r i b e l l i a      at yahoo  I have codes sitting around the house, and I can't keep up with my regular paperwork, much less Coke codes, so I'd be happy to send them to you. 

Take care everybody!  I'll let you know if Ms. Bradley tells me something new!  Aloha

[marvholly]

Much as I HATE Sat shopping especially in the rain it looks like I will have to do so this week. Some sales are ONLY good w-f, SS or M-T. Stores appear to be trying to get people in several times/week. NOT for me. I will pick the deal I want most & still shop pretty much 1x/week unless I am going to different areas. I will NOT repeat stores, waste time, waste money (every trip = MORE spent) and waste gas.

Am I that different from the average grocery shopper?  How can anyone go to the Same store 2-3x/week and NOT overspend?

[marvholly]

This is an $$ grocery week for me. I bought some special stuff like a cooked rack of ribs and I have aBIG stock up list for Aldi.

[rubyslippers]

I price matched bacon and eggs and got 4 bacons for $2.00 lb. after using IPQ's and I got 4 dozen eggs for $1.99 each.  There are sales at two stores that have a buy 10 get 1 free this week.  The one store still doubles coupons and I hope to get 5 packs of Angel Soft TP for a penny per 4 pack among some produce, cheese and bread items.

Rite Aid doesn't have anything in their ad this week that makes me want to stop there.  I'm saving my points for black Friday where I will pick up some freebies to use as stocking stuffers for Christmas. 

I have a raincheck at Kroger for 3 Softsoap hand soaps that will be free after coupons. 

I will also pick up a free 8"x 10" photo that I ordered from WAGS.

I am looking for a good price on whole chicken and pecans.  The lowest price I've seen for pecans is $7.00 a lb.

[marvholly]

ruby

Watch for good prices on whole chickens. In the north burbs of metro Chicago 2 different independent local chains had them advertised of 0.69/lb last week & this week.

Hit the coupon bonanza today. Got 3 for items on my ‘to buy’ list & all the items are dollar store o dollar sale a various stores. Been a LOONG time since that happened.  Now all I need is one or the coffee on sale this week.

[FreeSalsa]

I have also been MIA and I guess I'm not alone!  Who IS alone is poor Marvholly who seems to be holding down the fort by herself!  Thanks, Holly, for keeping it going.  And hi to hitenney for stopping in.

I had to take a bit of a mental and digital break.  I was so overloaded with computer use.  My neck and brains were going crazy from all the screens and multitasking.  I took a nice relaxing vacation visiting the family.  And at work I finally got some cubicle walls so things are calming down there, so I'm feeling a bit better.

Last week I bought 20 lb. of chicken leg quarters for 25c/lb.  Also a local market had butter for $2/lb.  Today at Smart and Final I got ground beef $1.87/lb., 5 lb. package, 73% lean.  I prefer 85% but I can make it work for that price.

This week at CVS I hope to get Charmin 12 pk for $3.50 (?) after ECB and IP, as well as Kotex products for $1 after store IP and ECB.

[marvholly]

Grocery ads are TERRIBLE this week. I have a rule about NOT going to a store that has only 1 or 2 items I am interested in getting. I have already scratched 2 stores for this week. I will not get the ads for 5 more stores until later today (if the weekly mailing comes) or they post on Thur. That ‘might’ even get me back close to budget after my big stock up spend at Aldi & Jewel on Tue.  Was WAAAY ovr budget.

[Blonde Granny]

Before we left for Florida we stopped by a highly recommended old fashioned butcher shop in town.  Had a nice visit with the owner and he said he would make the sausage for us when we came up with a combo of spices etc. that DH liked.  It is a real challenge to do a 1500mg per day sodium dietary plan and sausage is one thing he just loves.

So, when we get home, we will be having him grind a couple of pounds of pork for us, then fool around with all non-sodium ingredients until we come up with what DH likes, then take the entire recipe to the butcher and he will do 5# at a time.

Sometimes I still dislike living where we are, but on the other hand, semi-small town living is good.

[marvholly]

I have now been able to check all my local ads. I have 5-6 grocery stops to hit by Tue plus CVS & Target. I might be spending quite a bit at a fruit/veg market as they have clementines, beef shanks (soup) and squid on sale.

Speaking of clementines: Has anyone had them this year? They seem particularly small (golf ball size) which IMHO indicates they are NOT very juicy. Do NOT want to waste $3/3 lb.