Grocery Savings

Before you begin reading today's post...I have a confession to make.  The following money-saving tip is one that I put off practicing for over a year, simply because I thought it was too much hassle.  Needless to say, when My Beloved wanted to set a grocery price list notebok up, inside I was in dread.  Once we began making the list though, I began to get excited.  Not only was it not a hassle at all, it was kind of fun!  Who'd a thunk it?   Having visual proof of savings and sale cycles is similar to planning out the best route for garage sales in the spring!   It didn't hurt that My Beloved and I were working on it together, and everyone knows that together is almost always better than alone.  So, read on and trust me, a grocery price list truly isn't that much work to create, is inexpensive, and provides many money-saving opportunities.  Blessed Mama 
Looking for ways to save money on groceries? One of the most popular, and practical, methods is to create a price list. Supplies for setting up a price list notebook are very inexpensive. They are probably sitting around your home just waiting to be used for something.  Paper, writing utensil, and a bit of time.

Time will be the largest investment required for this tried and true money-saving tip.  OK, let's begin.  Make a list of the products your family uses.  Lists can be organized in whatever way works for each household.  Some will be uber organized with separate sections for produce, frozen goods, etc.; others will be set up according to the floor plan of each store. Oh yes, that's a good point. Each store shopped at will have their own list or column within the main list.  There will probably be some lists that are listed with no specific order whatsoever. That is perfectly fine. Whatever works is today's theme. For a span of at least six weeks, keep track of the prices for each item listed at each store.  I know, this seems like way too much work, but it really does pay in the long run.  It does.

After the first couple of months have passed, an obvious cycle of sales and savings at each store will be evident.  This cycle of sales will allow a shopper to see which week various items are at their rock bottom prices in each store.  As a result, plans can be made in advance for the use of specific coupons.  Meals can also be planned to take advantage of the sale cycles. 

Even more savings can be had by continuing to keep records for an entire year.  A year's price list will reveal the sale cycle of seasonal groceries. For instance, in January many focus on resolutions of healthy eating and losing weight.  It is then that oatmeal, protein bars, and other health-conscious items will be on sale.  Other seasonal sales will feauture BBQ sauce and other picnic type products.  Certain items can be added to the pantry and kept several months without spoilage. 

While we at Abundance do not encourage hoarding, we definitely feel there is great wisdom in laying in a sufficient supply for our families and others in need.  Being prepared is an excellent and practical way to experience abundance in our lives.  It also assists in making the best possible use of the financial resources entrusted to each of us.  That being said, why not begin setting up a grocery price list today?   You will be glad you did.

Here are some links to help with getting started:
http://www.fractured.net/article/the-price-book.html
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/971013b.cfm
price list for groceries

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