Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Hopefully, you are gaining momentum in the kitchen. In start saving from scratch, I feel like I can make an informed decision because I know what I have in my house and what I need to feed my family.

In the process of saving money while feeding my family, I have organized my food supply and created a menu. Rather than guessing, I know what is in my food supply and on the menu. Now, I continue saving by compiling a grocery list.

Part 3: Compiling a Grocery List

Preparing the Grocery List

My grocery list comes together from two sources: products needed and products on sale.

Identify Products Needed

To identify the products needed, I consult the pad of paper on the side of my refrigerator. Throughout the week as we open the last jar of ketchup or notice we are running low on flour, we add that item to the list. Also, any items needed to complete a meal are added to this list.

With a quick look over the pantry, freezer, and refrigerator, I can add any items that are low in supply. Usually milk and bread make it on the list from browsing my supply.

Identify Products on Sale

To see the deep savings, I shop the buy one, get one free and sale items at the grocery store. To save time, I consult blogs that specialize in food savings. My favorite grocery store match-ups are found at Southern Savers where I just click the box next to my selected item. At the end of that store’s sales, I can create my grocery list with those items selected.

Composing the Grocery List

With the products identified, I can then print the coupons from the links provided and collect the remaining coupons from my binders. Knowing how many items I can purchase and need, I add those numbers to my grocery list.

With the grocery list complete, I place it with the coupons into that store’s envelope. I then repeat this process with each store.

Any item remaining on the pad that was not on sale for the week at either Publix or Bi-lo, I will purchase at Aldi. In my area, Aldi is the least expensive solution for feeding my family.

At the conclusion of this process, I end up with a maximum of 3 grocery lists: Publix, Bi-Lo, and Aldi. Some weeks, I bypass a store if there are no deals I need. By shopping the sales, I am restocking my supply at home with products at a low cost. As I make my menu in the weeks to come, I will use the products on sale this week to feed my family for less.

In using time wisely, I have adjusted this process to work for me. As you work through the steps, make adjustments as needed to find a system that works for you. Happy savings!

Question: Where do you find the best coupon match-ups for your area?