Long-time readers of Moms Need To Know will remember that I used to post a LOT more about grocery and drug store deals. As a matter of fact, that used to be the main focus of this site and was for almost 6 years. These days, I only post about anything coupon-related 2 days a week….on Tuesday when the Sunday Coupon Preview page has been updated and then on Saturday and Sunday morning when the drug and grocery store deals are entered.
But I will let you know something – I mostly stopped using coupons about a year ago. I stopped buying multiple copies of the newspaper – some weeks I don't even buy a Sunday newspaper. I do still work the deals at the drug stores, but nearly as much and only for toiletries and cleaning products (which I still get very cheap).
What changed? We did! Our eating habits have changed drastically over the past several years and we are buying fewer processed foods and cooking from scratch. So – how are we still saving money without clipping coupons?
Shopping at Aldi – I talked about this before but I save a ton of money by shopping at Aldi. I am able to stock up on some of the few processed foods that we do still eat (cereal, crackers, etc) at ridiculously low prices.
Money Saving Apps On My Phone – I have a bunch of apps on my phone that give me rebates on my purchases with very little effort. SavingStar is my favorite for cleaning products as well as their weekly freebie and Ibotta always has great savings on organic products!
I buy store-brand and family packs at Wegmans – if you are lucky enough to live near a Wegmans, you really should read my post debunking the myth that Wegmans is a more expensive store. I haven't paid more than $1.99 per lb for boneless skinless chicken breasts in years and their store-brands are really superior!
I use the Favado app – Favado allows me to compare prices at all of my local stores. If, for example, I know I am going to be needing toothpaste soon, I can just use the search function on Favado to see who has the lowest prices this week.
I got serious about meal planning – I had always done some meal planning, but was willing to throw the plan out the window if my kids wanted pizza one night and I was tired. Now I create a meal plan each week and stick to it to ensure that we have less food going to waste (and yes – we still schedule pizza night!)
How are you saving money on groceries these days?
Mindi has been blogging since 2008 sharing her best frugal living tips, recipes and more. When she isn't writing, she spends time as an unpaid cook, maid and chauffeur to her 3 children!
I love iBotta, and Snap by Groupon, and Checkout 51. They are all similar, but the second two can be used at any store, versus iBotta being specific. Walmart Savings Catcher program will also compare prices with other stores and give you the difference if they find a lower price. It doesn’t save me money upfront, but every few months or so I can make a purchase and pay only with the money that I’ve gotten back.
I neighbor is a big couponer and since they changed their eating habits she said she doesn’t get near as many deals as she use to. Its sad that we have so many coupons for things that are not so good for us but none for things that are good for us.
It’s funny you say that because I’ve tried to clip coupons but give up because I can’t find enough of the foods that we actually eat. However, I’m planning to try again if just for spaghetti sauce, paper products and hair products. Great post!
Thank you for confirming that I am NOT crazy. Wegmans is NOT overly expensive. They have done great at keeping steady pricing for a long time. Plus, their bonus packs are a real buy. I have told my hubby that I really am a smart shopper to buy at Wegmans (and very pampered since the stores are BEAUTIFUL!)
For those who do not know Wegmans, years ago Cher came to do a concert in Wegman’s hometown, Rochester NY. After checking in at her hotel, the first stop she made in her LIMO was to go to Wegmans! 🙂
So glad I saw your link at Home Matters link-up. We just got our first smart phone (Yes, we have arrived!! lol) and forgot about those apps I can get like checking for the lowest price for tooth paste. Very excited, thank for sharing!!
So glad to hear this! Here’s to saving a bunch of money while still eating healthy!
Thanks for all the tips!
Thanks for reminding me that I need to unsubscribe from the weekly paper delivery. I was getting it mainly for the coupons but I am not an avid coupon clipper anymore. For me, it just do not get much from the coupons. Most of the stuff are the high-priced stuff and with the coupon it is still more expensive for what I would pay at Aldi’s, Walmart, and a few other stores. In addition, I really do not have the time to commit to it plus I usually forget my coupons at home anyway. Thanks for sharing with us at the Home Matters #homematters linky party. We love having you and hope you join us again.