Beating the High Cost Of Eating

A few months ago, I got on this coupon kick. I went to this free Savvy Shopper class (a class that teaches you how to use coupons and get really good deals) and got really motivated! I subscribed to the local newspaper for 2 papers each Sunday and one each Thursday. It was 14.00 a month. Basically they teach you to cut out the coupons and shop at the stores that have the couponed items on sale that week so you get an even bigger deal. Yea, sounded like a good idea at the beginning... but DANG! It took forever! Who wants to go to every single store each week just to get the item that was 20 cents cheaper? Not me. I tried doing it for a while but it took up sooo much time and planning. I just don't have that kind of time. Do any of you do it?

Anyway, I canceled my newspaper subscription and decided to just make a weekly meal plan and just buy the cheapest best deal on each thing I get and then not buy things I don't need. I also stock up on things that go on sale- like olives and refried beans and chicken. It has seemed to be working really well for me.

I also read this book called "Beating the High Cost Of Eating" by Barbara Salsbury. It came out in 2005 by Cedar Fort. I learned a TON from this book. Here are a few of my favorite tips from the book:

-Plan to eat the bargains you find rather than trying to find bargains on what you plan to eat

-Don't get locked into buying one brand. A lot of them taste the same. Try different ones.

-Price recognition is a key to buying power.

-Give yourself a specific amount to spend BEFORE you get to the grocery store.

What are your tips?

If you want BEATING THE HIGH COST OF EATING, you can purchase it on Cedar Fort's website.