Southern Illinois Money Savers

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After I shop my own home and make my initial plan I usually still have at least a few days that are blank. At this point I check out my grocer’s weekly flier. (if you don’t have a flier at home most of them have their weekly ad online, just visit their website)

I then browse the flier to see what their deepest sales are going to be that week.

What meat is at a rock bottom price? If I see that chicken is an awesome price this week I will fit a chicken meal or two into those blank spots on the menu.  Not only that I will make it a point to pick up some extra of that rock bottom priced chicken for a later time.  Is cold cereal super cheap that week?  If so my kids will be eating cold cereal for breakfasts and I will buy as many boxes as I have coupons for.

As I finish browsing the ad for the best prices and finish up my menu I begin writing out a list for the items I will need. My list consists of:

• The items I NEED to finish up my weekly menu.
• The items I am wanting to get because they are great prices.
• Any items that I would love to stock up on if my budget allows

It was only a few short years ago that I thought menu planning and writing a list were silly.  Truly I did!  I snickered when my sister who is 2 years younger than me would talk about writing out her plan for the entire month.  Still to this day I don’t know how she can be that organized.  But I know from experience if you can even handle planning one week at a time you will see a significant difference in the money you are spending.