I would like to start off by saying that I definitely do not know EVERYTHING about the system that I use. I am new to this. That being said I would like to share with you the basics about the system that has worked for me. If you are looking to save a little bit of money each month on your grocery bill (or a LOT), or would like to build up a storage of food / supplies (whether a lot or a little) for emergencies or times when you cant make it to the store for a week because you are snowed in. :) I want you to know that it really is possible. I was a total skeptic in the beginning. I have used coupons before. I have never been able to save like this! So here goes.

LESSON #1 HOW TO NEVER PAY FULL PRICE FOR FOOD/CLEANERS/TOILETRIES / PAPER PRODUCTS

In order for something to be a good deal it has to be something that you will use AND be at a super price. So what I did was start by making a list of 20 meals that I prepare on a regular basis ( I used excel for this because it makes it a bit easier to sort things). I also listed the ingredients that I would need to make these meals. Then I divided that list into things that I could store (in my freezer, fridge or pantry) and things that don't store well. As you make this list you will notice there are things that you will have listed more than once. I put a * for each time it was listed next to the ingredient so I will know the frequency of which I would use it.

Now that you have your list compiled your lists you want to be searching the sale papers for those things that are on your "storable" list. I printed a list from here that divides product prices into three categories. The basic Wal-Mart/ Costco / Sams Club prices, the deals that come around frequently, and the "stock up" price. I took her list and updated it to be more accurate for Colorado (specifically Castle Rock) and would be happy to share it. Just leave a comment if you would like me to email you a copy. If you would like a copy of it just let me know and I will email it to you. This list will help you to know when the prices are at or below the "stock up" price. When an item that is on your list hits that level you want to be able to purchase as much as you think you will use before it hits that price again. This is how my "never pay full price" rule comes into play. When you purchase enough at the stock up price, eventually you will have a stock of those items you use regularly and never have to purchase something at full price because you ran out. This does take time but as you will see below it doesn't take as much time as you would think. All that being said let me issue a word of caution. Pay attention to expiration dates and how much you actually will USE. If you over buy and end up throwing food away because you did not use it before it expires than it is no different than paying full price. You are throwing $$ away. Trust me...I am speaking from experience on this one. Apparently we do not use as much sour cream as I thought we did. :)

In general most items that you buy to use up (what I call "usables") go on sale every 4-12 weeks at their "stock up" price. This is not a hard and fast rule. There are a few exceptions here.

1. Produce-typically goes on the "lowest price" sale when it is in season. Now is the time that we will see a lot of apples and pears on sale around here but it all depends on where you live and what grows there.

2. Baking Supplies (flour, sugar, etc.)- Typically there do not hit their stock up price until November or December.

3. Think seasonal- BBQ sauce, ketchup and other condiments are usually at stock up prices in the summer. Snacks and Peanut butter typically drop to their "stock up" price in August when school is starting. I could go on but I am sure you get the point.

Like I said...there are exceptions but this is the general rule.

After a while (once you have a little stockpile built up) you will start to notice you grocery bill dropping each week. I am now at the point that I plan my menu each week based on those things that do NOT store well.

For example if asparagus is at a great price I will make my summer pasta salad that has asparagus in it. The other ingredients are mostly things that I have stored like sausage (in the freezer), penne pasta, chipolte chili powder, garlic salt, olive oil, onions, bell peppers (both bought fresh, chopped and stored in the freezer), frozen corn, and dry ranch dressing mix. The only other ingredients I would need are tomatoes and avocado. If either of those are on sale that week...BONUS. If not they can be left out.

So I challenge you to start paying attention to sales around you. Just because something says its on sale doesn't mean it is a good deal. Get your list of 20 meals and ingredients compiled. If you make a menu each week you can just pick from meals on this list. This is not to say you cannot branch out and try new things once in a while. I have a list of recipes that I would like to try. I am waiting for the key ingredients that I don't normally store to go on sale. If you HATE making a menu this plan can still work for you. Just start with your meal ideas. Then you will always have most of what you needs to make meals your family likes on hand.

I hope this helps inspire some of you to see what you can do with your grocery budget to cut it down a little bit. If you have any questions I would be happy to try to answer them.

NEXT LESSON- How coupons can help you to reduce your grocery budget and attain your "stock" sooner.