Photograph Credit: Flickr (Leonard McAlpine)
As I went grocery shopping with my daughters yesterday, I followed these steps. Though I had to backtrack once, due to the seasonal items being rearranged, I shopped both stores in under an hour. Finding a system that works for me has increased my efficiency while shopping to help me in using time wisely.
In Part 2a, I shared about knowing your store and including your children. This week I will continue with the next two steps in my grocery shopping adventures:
STEP THREE: Considering the Price per Unit
When I need to purchase an item that is not Buy One Get One Free (BOGOF) or on sale, I will seek to purchase items with a coupon. By considering the price per unit on these items, purchasing the largest bottle is not always the better deal. For example, 48 tea bags are $5.98. However, the 24 tea bag box of the same brand is $2.55. Purchasing 2 boxes of 24 tea bags for $5.10 is less expensive than the one box of 48 bags.
Finding the price per unit for each size will determine the best deal. By using time wisely to consider the options, I have snagged some very inexpensive items by using coupons without a sale price.
STEP FOUR: Reinforcing Math Skills
On the shopping trips where my son is with me, I ask him to help me determine the prices of items when we use a coupon. Through these lessons, he is learning to divide the price in half for BOGOF deals and subtract the coupon amount. If the coupon is doubled, then he subtracts the coupon amount again. Depending on his mood, he may perform 2-3 math problems throughout our shopping trip.
I love interacting with my children, teaching them life skills, and running an errand all at the same time. Besides using time wisely, I am spending time with my children and giving them the attention they need.
Entering the store with a plan to execute keeps me using time wisely. Though I might take a little time to consider the price per unit and reinforce math skills, I am spending time with my children and gathering savings for our family. As you shop and gather your savings, I hope you are discovering a plan that works for you. Happy savings!
Question: Do you use a calculator as you grocery shop? I am curious to know how this helps you. Please let me know.