Comments on: 31 Days to a Better Grocery Budget: The Buy Ahead Principle http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Fri, 25 May 2012 17:57:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Lea http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-1#comment-326159 Lea Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:02:24 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-326159 <a href="#comment-321459" rel="nofollow">@Haley</a>, Hello Haley, Here is a great site for storage of foods - you have to look up the foods individually to see if you can freeze, but it tells you how long the shelf life and freezer life is compared to the "Best By" date on packages: http://www.stilltasty.com/ @Haley, Hello Haley,
Here is a great site for storage of foods – you have to look up the foods individually to see if you can freeze, but it tells you how long the shelf life and freezer life is compared to the “Best By” date on packages: http://www.stilltasty.com/

]]> By: Working A Deal » Blog Archive » Buying Marked-Downs http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-324639 Working A Deal » Blog Archive » Buying Marked-Downs Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:45:54 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-324639 [...] If you’re wondering how these last minute finds fit into my budget you can read a good  article on stockpiling here. [...] [...] If you’re wondering how these last minute finds fit into my budget you can read a good  article on stockpiling here. [...]

]]> By: 31 Days to a Better Grocery Budget: Shop at More Than One Store (Part 1) :: Money Saving Mom http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-324516 31 Days to a Better Grocery Budget: Shop at More Than One Store (Part 1) :: Money Saving Mom Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:49:24 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-324516 [...] your area and picking a few stores to shop at each week that are running the best sales, you can get rock-bottom prices on your groceries and save significant amounts of money each week.Tomorrow, I’ll share some step-by-step ideas [...] [...] your area and picking a few stores to shop at each week that are running the best sales, you can get rock-bottom prices on your groceries and save significant amounts of money each week.Tomorrow, I’ll share some step-by-step ideas [...]

]]> By: Monroe on a Budget http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-324477 Monroe on a Budget Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:58:16 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-324477 As far as how long you can freeze foods, check with the home economics or consumer science agent at the cooperative extension service in your county. They'll have a chart, or can point you to the web site, with all those details. As far as how long you can freeze foods, check with the home economics or consumer science agent at the cooperative extension service in your county. They’ll have a chart, or can point you to the web site, with all those details.

]]> By: Paula http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-324147 Paula Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:01:16 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-324147 <a href="#comment-324086" rel="nofollow">@Julie</a>, Yes, we do organic only and grass-fed beef. We stock up at the farmer's markets or pick-your-own farms in the summer and put it away in our freezer (we got a free one on freecycle). Organic produce still goes on sale in the super markets, you can stock up then too and put away in the freezer, or make meals with them and put those in the freezer. As for the organic prepackaged foods, you can write the company for coupons (there are also organic coupon companies out there which give away coupons for organic prepackaged foods). Then I store them, waiting for them to go on sale in the store. I know the expiration dates (well at least close to them) to make sure they get used before then. Hope that helps! @Julie, Yes, we do organic only and grass-fed beef. We stock up at the farmer’s markets or pick-your-own farms in the summer and put it away in our freezer (we got a free one on freecycle). Organic produce still goes on sale in the super markets, you can stock up then too and put away in the freezer, or make meals with them and put those in the freezer.

As for the organic prepackaged foods, you can write the company for coupons (there are also organic coupon companies out there which give away coupons for organic prepackaged foods). Then I store them, waiting for them to go on sale in the store. I know the expiration dates (well at least close to them) to make sure they get used before then.

Hope that helps!

]]> By: Paula http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-324146 Paula Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:55:10 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-324146 I just wanted to say we use this for produce too. We got a freezer for free from Freecycle. Whenever produce is a REALLY good price, we stock up, chop up and put it away in the freezer! :D We also do this especially with pick your own farms. We get the best prices and the best tasting produce! We buy a LOT for much much cheaper than if we bought it from the store. We take a whole day the next day to prepare it for putting away. Sometimes it is chopping and freezing, sometimes it is making meals and putting away in the freezer for future meals. And sometimes it means my husband making jellies and preserves (YUM!). :D I just wanted to say we use this for produce too. We got a freezer for free from Freecycle. Whenever produce is a REALLY good price, we stock up, chop up and put it away in the freezer! :D We also do this especially with pick your own farms. We get the best prices and the best tasting produce! We buy a LOT for much much cheaper than if we bought it from the store. We take a whole day the next day to prepare it for putting away. Sometimes it is chopping and freezing, sometimes it is making meals and putting away in the freezer for future meals. And sometimes it means my husband making jellies and preserves (YUM!). :D

]]> By: Cathy http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-1#comment-324113 Cathy Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:03:26 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-324113 <a href="#comment-321413" rel="nofollow">@Adriane</a>, Thank you for your help girls!! Can't wait to begin! @Adriane, Thank you for your help girls!! Can’t wait to begin!

]]> By: Jenn http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-324109 Jenn Sun, 14 Mar 2010 03:17:59 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-324109 I always hear about how great CVS is, but they are not in the Pacific Northwest. I'm so jealous! I always hear about how great CVS is, but they are not in the Pacific Northwest. I’m so jealous!

]]> By: Susannah http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-324096 Susannah Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:07:31 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-324096 What I want to know is where you come up with 18 identical coupons. Buying the extra newspapers is not cost-effective. I only have one other source of extras... I only barely understand the concept of *buying* coupons...isn't everybody buying the "good" coupons for that week? What I want to know is where you come up with 18 identical coupons. Buying the extra newspapers is not cost-effective. I only have one other source of extras… I only barely understand the concept of *buying* coupons…isn’t everybody buying the “good” coupons for that week?

]]> By: Julie http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-324086 Julie Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:57:53 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-324086 Well I need to start doing this but I've never done it before. My only question is, we are trying to Organic. Can this work that way too? I haven't seen many coupons for for Organic stuff. Any ideas? Well I need to start doing this but I’ve never done it before. My only question is, we are trying to Organic. Can this work that way too? I haven’t seen many coupons for for Organic stuff. Any ideas?

]]> By: Weekend Reading, 3/13/10 | Organizing Your Way http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-324009 Weekend Reading, 3/13/10 | Organizing Your Way Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:30:25 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-324009 [...] Mom for to follow her 31 Days to a Better Grocery Budget series. So far, my favorite post has been The Buy Ahead Principle. This is something I’ve gotten out of the habit of doing, and I’d like to do [...] [...] Mom for to follow her 31 Days to a Better Grocery Budget series. So far, my favorite post has been The Buy Ahead Principle. This is something I’ve gotten out of the habit of doing, and I’d like to do [...]

]]> By: Sarah :) http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-323495 Sarah :) Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:07:25 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-323495 Recently I have always gone to the store with the mindset of "spend as LITTLE AS POSSIBLE", but I think budgeting will help me spend even less. And I would like to start couponing.... but does anyone know which stores are generally the cheapest and/or have the best deals? Is there a post in the archives someone can direct me to? I live in Northwest GA/South TN, and the stores in my area are Ingles, Aldies, Bi-Lo, Food Lion, Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and K-Mart. I usually do all my shopping at Wal-mart, but would be willing to go elsewhere if the savings were there. Recently I have always gone to the store with the mindset of “spend as LITTLE AS POSSIBLE”, but I think budgeting will help me spend even less. And I would like to start couponing…. but does anyone know which stores are generally the cheapest and/or have the best deals? Is there a post in the archives someone can direct me to? I live in Northwest GA/South TN, and the stores in my area are Ingles, Aldies, Bi-Lo, Food Lion, Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and K-Mart. I usually do all my shopping at Wal-mart, but would be willing to go elsewhere if the savings were there.

]]> By: Brenda http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-1#comment-321522 Brenda Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:30:54 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-321522 <a href="#comment-321310" rel="nofollow">@Summer</a>, When I go to Wags and the shelf is empty, I always ask a clerk to check the stock. Often times they have more in the back room and just have not had time to bring it out and restock the shelves. I also wait until later in the week as I have experienced the Sunday Sellout too. @Summer, When I go to Wags and the shelf is empty, I always ask a clerk to check the stock. Often times they have more in the back room and just have not had time to bring it out and restock the shelves. I also wait until later in the week as I have experienced the Sunday Sellout too.

]]> By: Rachel M. http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-1#comment-321519 Rachel M. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:20:53 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-321519 Wow Carrie! That's awesome info about CVS. The store manager didn't mention rain checks and I honestly never thought to ask! Thank you SO much. By the way, to all the responders, I'm sorry if using the word "greedy" seemed harsh. I was feeling frustrated about how things have gone with my efforts to save on our necessities. I do think that some couponers, even in the interest of frugality, cross the line into that territory. But certainly not everyone! Wow Carrie! That’s awesome info about CVS. The store manager didn’t mention rain checks and I honestly never thought to ask! Thank you SO much. By the way, to all the responders, I’m sorry if using the word “greedy” seemed harsh. I was feeling frustrated about how things have gone with my efforts to save on our necessities. I do think that some couponers, even in the interest of frugality, cross the line into that territory. But certainly not everyone!

]]> By: The Prudent Homemaker http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-321517 The Prudent Homemaker Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:59:55 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-321517 <a href="#comment-321490" rel="nofollow">@Allie Z</a>, My husband always says that the money I save us by being home and wisely managing our home is worth more than having me at work, away from our family and 6 small children. You sure show the numbers in your comment! @Allie Z,
My husband always says that the money I save us by being home and wisely managing our home is worth more than having me at work, away from our family and 6 small children. You sure show the numbers in your comment!

]]> By: Lynette S http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-1#comment-321494 Lynette S Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:35:18 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-321494 <a href="#comment-321347" rel="nofollow">@Kim</a>, I am always greatful for free toothbrushes. It seems that every time my kids have a friend spend the night, they don't remember a toothbrush - or deodernat, etc. Good thoing I have all that free stuff! @Kim, I am always greatful for free toothbrushes. It seems that every time my kids have a friend spend the night, they don’t remember a toothbrush – or deodernat, etc. Good thoing I have all that free stuff!

]]> By: Allie Z http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-321490 Allie Z Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:57:36 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-321490 Just a quick note... My husband got sick of me spending time couponing, that during TV time I'd sit and clip and match coupons while we chatted and watched TV. He wanted my attention but felt he was sharing it with the coupons. As my stockpile grew, so did his jealousy towards the "stuff". In October he said "enough! no more couponing!" Quitting cold turkey was tough. I had no idea how long it the stockpile would last. Well, 4 weeks ago we ran out of our last pasta, sauce, diapers, and toiletries. Our grocery bill was only $10/week light over the past 5 months (since stockpiling is so cheap!). The amount we've spent out of pocket to "survive" this month has been AWFUL! I think, for our family of 6 (2 of which are in diapers) we've spent $800 in 4 weeks!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! This week he bought me two newspapers and asked me to start coupon shopping again. He gets it now. :) He'd rather share me over TV & scissors than not at all by taking a second job... Funny how the stockpiling really, truely makes a difference and keeps us from spending soooo much extra!! Allie Just a quick note… My husband got sick of me spending time couponing, that during TV time I’d sit and clip and match coupons while we chatted and watched TV. He wanted my attention but felt he was sharing it with the coupons. As my stockpile grew, so did his jealousy towards the “stuff”. In October he said “enough! no more couponing!” Quitting cold turkey was tough. I had no idea how long it the stockpile would last. Well, 4 weeks ago we ran out of our last pasta, sauce, diapers, and toiletries. Our grocery bill was only $10/week light over the past 5 months (since stockpiling is so cheap!). The amount we’ve spent out of pocket to “survive” this month has been AWFUL! I think, for our family of 6 (2 of which are in diapers) we’ve spent $800 in 4 weeks!! OH MY GOODNESS!!!

This week he bought me two newspapers and asked me to start coupon shopping again. He gets it now. :) He’d rather share me over TV & scissors than not at all by taking a second job…

Funny how the stockpiling really, truely makes a difference and keeps us from spending soooo much extra!!

Allie

]]> By: Nony (A Slob Comes Clean) http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-2#comment-321489 Nony (A Slob Comes Clean) Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:53:45 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-321489 I agree that this concept is absolutely key to grocery savings. It's also one of the things that can make new savers go a little crazy, and feel like they have toothpaste coming out of their ears! But over time, you will gain an understanding of how much to buy and at what price. As for the storage, free shampoo was a great motivation to clear out the clutter under the bathroom cabinets! I agree that this concept is absolutely key to grocery savings. It’s also one of the things that can make new savers go a little crazy, and feel like they have toothpaste coming out of their ears! But over time, you will gain an understanding of how much to buy and at what price.

As for the storage, free shampoo was a great motivation to clear out the clutter under the bathroom cabinets!

]]> By: Rosie T http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-1#comment-321488 Rosie T Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:36:16 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-321488 <a href="#comment-321387" rel="nofollow">@Emily</a>, even better than cutting them yourself... take the loin you want to buy up to the butcher block and ask them to do it for you! You can also have the butcher shop cut loafs of cheese into sandwich slices. @Emily, even better than cutting them yourself… take the loin you want to buy up to the butcher block and ask them to do it for you! You can also have the butcher shop cut loafs of cheese into sandwich slices.

]]> By: Lea http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/how-to-build-a-stockpile.html/comment-page-1#comment-321484 Lea Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:14:55 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.com/?p=11269#comment-321484 <a href="#comment-321389" rel="nofollow">@fairydust</a>, a couple of weeks ago they had a buy the deodorant get $2 off of the body wash and a buy the body wash get $2 off the deodorant and I found both on clearance at Rite Aid for $2.24 each, and they accepted both coupons - I was just concerned about this one because of the buy either or get one, thought that might catch them up. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Rite Aid!!! I have 3 coupon friendly stores within 5 miles (but 2 not so friendly stores in the same difference). :) @fairydust, a couple of weeks ago they had a buy the deodorant get $2 off of the body wash and a buy the body wash get $2 off the deodorant and I found both on clearance at Rite Aid for $2.24 each, and they accepted both coupons – I was just concerned about this one because of the buy either or get one, thought that might catch them up. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Rite Aid!!! I have 3 coupon friendly stores within 5 miles (but 2 not so friendly stores in the same difference). :)

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