Reader Interactions
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Jessica says
Crystal,
I think it was on this video but when you were talking about “loss leaders” I think you said they were on the “home” page. Can you clarify where in a flyer you would find the loss leaders? Thank you!
Crystal says
Typically, they will be on the front page of the sales flier.
Heather T. says
I really hope that this series kicks my butt back into making a menu plan, I used to be soo good at it then when I had my 3rd son I just fell out of it, now its trying to figure what we want in the morning, mind you I don’t go to the store, I have a nice size stock pile, 3 freezers, tons of canned goods and so on, its just easier to know ahead of time what to make, what to take out and go from there. I would love if the 4 men in my life would give feed back and ideas but they always have the same I don’t know answer its like the I didn’t do it monster that lives at our house its standard reply for everything. So far I am loving the series keep up the good work. I didn’t notice your husband sighing so I may have to rewatch it just to hear it. Funny Men!
Julie says
Crystal, we get paid every two weeks and I have been making my list out for two weeks and shopping for those supplies. Then on the off week I just pick up cold cuts, fruit, etc things we need. Do you think I would be better off just buying for one week at a time and do you think I am missing a lot of “menu working around the sales” if I go every two weeks?
Thanks!
Crystal says
Have you tried doing every week versus every other week to see what the difference might be? I’d suggest trying it on a trial period basis to see if it makes a big difference in the time spent/money spent.
Your other option would be to stick with every other, but to give yourself some flexibility if you find that a local store is having an incredible sale during your “off” week.
Sarah says
We get paid every two weeks and have a two-week budget. If there are really good sales the first week, then I stock up more and spend less on the second week. Sometimes I spend the same each week. Other times, when it’s going to be a busy time for us, then I’ll shop for the two weeks the first week.
Dan says
What a great video series! I love the original blog series, and I really like the video lessons. Liked the explanation of “loss leaders” — I don’t know if I’ve ever heard such a clear explanation of that before.
Shirley says
I have to share my shopping experience as well. We live in a small town with 1 small grocery store that does not take coupons. However, I watch their sale flyers and since it is literally a block from my home and we do not have sale tax on food in MN, the savings can add up as the large grocery store/box stores are 30 miles away in a state with sales tax on food.
So I got my flier yesterday, marked the items that I felt were good prices and keeping with my budget of $20/person I was able to get I think quite a bit of groceries for $36 with no coupons leaving me $24 to spend for the week at my bigger grocery that allows coupon when they have their “hot deal” sale this weekend. I am hoping because I was able to stock up on chix breasts today at a great price that along with my other groceries in “my household store” that I will be able to do meals for the next 2 weeks giving myself an extra $60 for the month. YAY!!
Thank you Crystal for the series. I am learning so much and admire your skills!!
Christy says
I know you do some coupon match-ups. I live in SC and shop Publix. It sounds a lot like others are saying abou Giant Eagle. Everyone thinks Walmart is cheaper than Publix and it would be if you just walked in and bought randome groceries, but if you stock up on the BOGOs at Publix and can pair some with a coupon it is much cheaper. Plus our’s let’s us use the $5 off Rite Aid coupons. I don’t even look at the flier. I go to a website that does coupon match ups for the Southeast. It saves me a lot of time not having to do the match ups plus if there is a printable coupon out it is linked right on her list. She also lists the BOGO that don’t have coupons. The only time I dig my flier out of the recycling bin is if she mentions an in-ad coupon. It is actually rare that I use the in-ad coupons.
As far as the store hopping: Store hopping can be intimidating. I for one know I do not have time. I work full time and have 2 kids. I don’t have time to pull the coupons for multiple stores or visit them. I usually only shop Publix and CVS. If I am going to Target for something and I have time, I might check their match ups. I sometimes (like once every 2 or 3 months) stop at Bilo if I see a great deal. I went to Harris Teeter for the first time when they did super doubles last time and scored big! Problem is it is 40 mins. away. But a good friend of mine lives down the street so I used it as an excuse to see her new baby. Once summer hits, I will pass it on the way home from the beach, so if they do super doubles or triples again…. My point is I have still saved a ton of money by couponing just at Publix and CVS and possibly throwing in somewhere else when I have time. I took a couponing workshop and the teacher said Publix was the most coupon friendly in the area and the place where you can save the most. It sounds like Crystal has that in Dillons and Aldi–if you don’t have time to store hop, research where you can get the best deals in the area and pick 1 or maybe 2 stores.
Stephanie says
No menu plan this week?
Crystal says
Because of the snow last week, I bumped it to this week because I wasn’t able to get out to the store until late in week. So we just made-do with what we had and are having better meals again this week. 🙂
Anna says
Since I am at home with the kids for a little while longer, I re-reviewed the videos, we got another 12 inches of snow last night so no school or work! There has been no school for more than a week now!
Back to the 31 weeks to a better grocery budget, topics:
Week 1 Attitude towards grocery budgeting
Week 2 Menu planning
Week 3 Grocery budget ($20/person/week)
Week 4 Using cash for grocery shopping (envelop method)
Week 5 Planning a menu according to the sales: Part 1
There is so much information in the videos I need to look at them time and time again. So far, each of the individual technique introduced in the videos could have a significant impact on a family’s budget in lowering the investment. For me I am just trying to pick up a few tips here and there to work on my grocery budget but I think some of these principles/tips could carry over to other areas of a family’s budget–clothes, shoes, school items, medical care. It makes me wonder about looking at other parts of my budget and applying these techniques/tips/advice to lower other parts in my budget as well. There are 5 people in my family and right now I do $25/person/week so I spend about $125/week on groceries and household/personal needs. I would really like to get that lower even to $100/week. So far with the list of topics presented it seems like a reasonable goal–one I met till the snow storms hit. But as you said baby steps in making changes. And keeping it simple.
For me simple is a priority since I am head of the family with 4 kids including one with special needs. I am always trying to simplify our lives but also improving our lives. I’ve looked at menu plans at other blog sites as well and am surprised by how simple some of their menu plans are (in addition to getting some good ideas for meals).
Anyway, I am reviewing my “homework” and thinking more intently about the videos and the information since I have a day at home.
Again keep up the wonderful work! Can’t believe others have not had been hampered by snow storms.
Crystal says
Sounds like you are well on your way to significant savings, Anna! Great job!
We just got eight inches of snow yesterday, so we’re staying home today, too!
Rae says
Well I for one think you look beautiful with either look! And your husband had me cracking up. I could read “this is getting long” in his sighs lol. Love your vlogs, keep up the great work 🙂
Martha Artyomenko says
I am cracking up at all your comments! I briefly thought about your makeup…..but since I have not watched the video, but what I noticed was your living room!!! Oh my goodness!!! You have a wall in your house that is not white and there are beautiful pictures decorating the walls!!! = ) It looks wonderful!
Crystal says
Someone noticed! 🙂 I’m really trying to break out of the white wall mold — with much help from my sister. 🙂
Martha Artyomenko says
It looks great! I have experimented with breaking out of the white wall syndrome myself and I know from your past pictures that you like a very minimalist house…..but sometimes (at least my house) can feel a little cold. The color makes your house look very warm!
Amanda Ranta says
I read these comments and laughed out loud at everyone commenting on your makeup instead of what you talked about! 😉 We are such… girls! LOL I noticed the makeup too, and isn’t it fun that we can change our looks like that?! 🙂
I can’t wait until your Target Prices post comes!! That will be SO helpful for me!! 🙂 I try to keep a running tally in my head (such as ‘never pay more than $2 for milk’) but I think my head can only hold so much, and having it written down sounds better! 😉
Grandma Lois says
I have so thoroughly enjoyed relaxing after the end of a pretty ragged day by reading these comments. I’m grinning from ear to ear because I actually came on the blog to check out anything I’ve missed over the last few hours, then saw the Vlog again, then saw 31 comments or so, and then impulsively thought, I wonder if anyone has mentioned the makeup, etc. LOL Crystal, you really are so real and sweet to not only do all this, but take all of our comments with laughter also (I hope!). And I might as well put in a penny’s worth (or less)– I liked the more natural look because you are so very beautiful– but hey, you do what you (and Jesse?) like best. Maybe you should do the same makeup in the kitchen again and we can see how it looks. 😉
Back to what it’s all about. …guess what, after talking about you for a couple years now with no results with my daughter– all of a sudden she’s taken off like a whirlwind and following you more closely than I do even and asking me if I saw such and such on your post and she’s jumped on more ideas and stuff than I knew you had to do. (that make sense?)
Another humorous note– she and I discovered over the weekend that both of us last week without the other knowing got ourselves a totally ..uh…different ID to do facebook with for the purpose of offers via fb only. Yup, chalk that one up to MSM too.
Thanks, Crystal. Keep on keeping on! (but get some rest too!!) We’re grateful.
Crystal says
I’m happy to provide the forum for your evening entertainment. 😉
I’ll do a similar make-up look next week with better lighting (and hopefully less exhaustion!) and maybe it won’t look so awful. 🙂 You all can let me know what you think, okay? 🙂
How fun that you’re enjoying getting deals and bargains with your daughter; it’s always much more enjoyable when you have a friend who understands what you’re talking about and gets excited about stuff with you!
Nancy says
You’ve hit the big time! I’ve heard that TV anchors get critiqued on hair and make up all the time! 🙂
Crystal says
Too funny! 🙂
Laura says
When you’re recording prices in your price book, do you write down the regular price for each item at each location? Do you also record the ‘best price’ you’ve seen, and where the sale was being held? I’m slowly putting my price book together but I think if I had a better grasp of what works well for people, it might be a great impetus for me to jump in and complete it right away. Any suggestions?
Crystal says
I actually have never made a price book before (I know, isn’t that like committing the ultimate frugal sin?!) I tend to have a photographic memory about almost all prices and the lowest I’ve paid for them, so that’s always been my excuse for not setting up a price book. But I probably should set one up because I’d likely find I don’t remember as well as I think I do, ya know?
I do offer free downloadable price book forms here:
https://moneysavingmom.com/downloads/price-book-forms
Crystal says
I love that trio, too. I actually earned it through my Willow Creek All You magazine special that some of you participated in last year!
But usually, we set aside a cash amount in our “household” budget each month. I usually have a running list of things I want to purchase and then look for discounted items at Hobby Lobby, Target or other stores which run great sales. Occasionally, I’ll also buy something online.
I’m a minimalist, also, so I keep decorations really simple and that helps cut down on costs, too.
Ruth says
The sighs going on behind the camera are truly cracking me up – So funny!
Great vlog:)
Crystal says
My husband is going to crack up when he watches it and hears that. 🙂
Lesley says
Crystal,
I have been a follower of your blog for awhile and I have to say that I am enjoying these videos immensely. :o) I guess I’m a visual/auditory learner, because things that I have read on here have not really ‘clicked’, but watching it has really helped. I actually watched all 5 of them today and I will probably go back again, it is that helpful. Thanks so much for doing this. :o)
Crystal says
You are so kind. Thank you and I’m so glad to hear that this is helping. I’m more of a visual/auditory learner, too, so I completely “get you” on that!
Stacy says
Great info, Crystal! Thank you!!!
Are we into unrelated details or what today :)?!?! I appreciate how you put yourself out there and handle comments so gracefully.
Crystal says
😉
Melanie says
My family & friends used to think that I was crazy but now that they see what I can buy for my family for so little, they want me to do their shopping for them! I spend $50-$60 per week for our family of 5. That used to include diapers & wipes but now that I am done with those, I have more money for food that my growing children keep eating more & more of. When I have a coupon that makes a deal a money maker at Rite Aid or CVS, I always buy my milk then – that’s about the only time you will find a “sale” price for milk.
Holly says
Another great vid. 🙂
Grandma Kathy says
Thank you for your informative videos and keeping us up to date on the latest sales and coupons. Your blog is clearly my favorite. I am a grandmother … married 39 years … and it is true you can teach old dogs new tricks. We have been careful with our spending through the years but now that our insurance expenses are increasing, I have had to learn about couponing and shopping the sales in a way that I haven’t before. It is wonderful that you are so wise at your young age … your husband must be proud.
Crystal says
You’re very kind; thank you!
Kelly says
Frugal shoppers must also be observant people in general. I, too, can’t believe everyone’s comments on Crystal’s make-up! I don’t think I will ever do a Vlog now… too intimidating!
Crystal, thanks for all the great info. I have been couponing for a while, but this series has some good reminders and new info (like loss leaders) that I didn’t know about! I’m sharing this on my blog.
Renee says
LOL That’s exactly what I was thinking! I’ll think twice before doing a vlog! 🙂 But I guess the more people who read your blog, the more you get comments like that! 🙂
Crystal says
Don’t be intimidated! You’d be fabulous doing a vlog, I’m sure!
Lynette @ Cleverly Simple says
Kelly, don’t be intimidated. I just started my first vlog these past few weeks using my little digital camera. All you need is a partner to hold the camera (and in our case a chair to keep it steady). It’s fun to be able to chat and share ideas without using spell check! 🙂
Kelly says
Thanks, friends! Maybe I’ll try a vlog afterall. 😉 Renee and Lynette, I like your blogs. Lynette… I love Rite Aid, too! Put your vlog on my blog.
Stephanie says
These comments are cracking me up. I feel like I walked into a room with a bunch of people talking over coffee. =)
Jessica @ This Blessed Life says
I know, me too! This is the “problem” with such a great blog – everyone feels like they know Crystal and can freely comment on her make-up choices! haha
Great videos, Crystal!
Renee says
LOL I thought the same thing! I hope Crystal doesn’t mind discussing everything from her makeup to her living room lighting to where she got her hoodie! :S Maybe we should stick to the topic at hand… like the information presented in the video! Thanks for taking the time to do these videos, Crystal! They are so encouraging. 🙂
A says
We are women! 🙂 It is what we do! 🙂
Crystal says
People are just genuinely curious — and that’s okay! But I also think I have some of the most observant readers ever. I’m doing good to notice if someone gets their hair drastically cut; I doubt I’d ever notice a new makeup color!
Crystal says
I appreciate people’s honesty and their feeling free to be honest and upfront here. I’d rather someone say they don’t like something, than just think it and be upset over it.
It’s giving me a good chuckle today, too. I guess I learned that one should never change make-up color when doing vlogs. 🙂
Jill says
I thought that too! My guess is that it’s her husbands…? I always “borrow” my DH’s hoodies.
C.B. says
Hi Crystal,
Loved your make-up. I’ve been trying new makeup looks myself. 🙂
Kathleen says
I am really enjoying these videos. Thanks so much for teaching us how to save money.
Jenn says
I think it’s too funny that there are more comments here about makeup than there are about groceries. Girls will be girls, I guess. I’m assuming you got that make-up for a rock bottom price! haha. Thanks for the good advice, as usual!
Holly says
ha! I agree Jenn!!
Jess says
Just had to chime in that I appreciate everything you do – including these wonderful videos! I have to add that although you always look beautiful, it doesn’t matter to me what your makeup looks like or if you are highlighting your hair now. It’s perplexing to me that you posted such a great video with wonderful information and people are focusing on your hair and makeup! 🙂 I know it’s only human nature, but wanted to let you know we appreciate your hard work, too!!
Crystal says
Thank you for your kind words!
Kelley says
Thanks for the post…this is a great series! In addition to the makeup(very nice) are you not highlighting your hair? It looks darker than when we started on lesson one…maybe just the lighting?
Crystal says
Just the lighting. Our living room is poorly lit (replacing the lighting fixture is on our list of things we’re saving up for right now!) and after shooting this video, we realized we better stick with taking them in our kitchen as the lighting is so much better in there. We’re total video novices, so we’re learning as we go! 🙂
Anna says
I was not able to implement any of Crystal’s advice this week. We have had so much snow and ice that it has been difficult to get to any stores except the closest ones and then the “pickings” are slim. I kind of had to buy what was available this week since not a lot of choices. Bread for example was wiped out but luckily I had enough at home. Also, stores are not getting their shipments in due to the winter weather so sales items are sparse
I bought extra ground turkey and beef to stock up. Luckily I have quite a bit in my stock pile to keep us going until the weather is better but not everything. Due to these circumstances I went over my budget and anticipate I might have to again this week. The shelves at the grocery stores are just empty right now.
Crystal you look very nice! Keep up the good work! When the weather is better and stores are stocked up, I might be able to do more strategy shopping.
Crystal says
That would so hard! I hope the snow and ice in your area clears soon and your stores are able to get their stock back in again.
anonymous says
I learned long ago to always keep stocked up over winter. I did this even before I started couponing. We get snow/ice here too—probably not as much as you—but I also have six kids and it never fails, it seems someone is sick all winter long and it’s so hard to get to the store!!
Jennifer says
Awesome info, as usual! I am going to do a post on my blog too about doing your own grocery co-op. We do nothing fancy, but have our calling circle when we hit a great deal. My MIL recently got fresh broccoli florets 3lbs for 2$, and a friend got a bushel of bananas for 4$. She bought bananas for a crowd! This is a simple way if you don’t have access to stores that double coupons or have great sales to get more bargains! Just like you say in your post, then we have to figure out what to do with all these bananas, broccoli, and shredded carrots (5lbs for 1$). Good problems to have!:)
Stacy says
Crystal, you are a lovely person, inside and out, to share of yourself and your time this way. Just another opinion on your makeup…you have such a natural beauty and pretty features that I thought you looked prettier in previous videos. I really thought it was a guest post/video when I saw the still shot. Then, when I saw the sweet way you talk, I knew it was you. 🙂
Thanks for all your help over the years, even to some of us “older” ladies. (I’m 40 and have learned so much from you.)
Annie says
I agree. Girl you are gorgeous. You don’t need make-up!
Crystal says
Hmm, you might change your thoughts on that if you saw me without makeup. 😉
Julie C says
I like the more natural you, too. Don’t try too hard; you have a natural beauty that exceeds heavy eye makeup! Hugs for doing an end of the long day video.
Jen says
You are like my 14 year old daughter and are a natural beauty. We were asking her not wear such heavy make-up because it was taking away from her natural beauty (even her 12 year old brother). I was at the check out with her in Ulta after christmas and that day she decided to just pull her hair back into a ponytail and wore very little makeup. The cashier (bless her heart) said to my daughter “you are so pretty, I can’t help staring at you”. My daughter was so pleased with this womans honest unsolisited compliment she took it to heart and has laid off the make-up since.
So my compliment to you is, you are so pretty, I sometimes sit here watching your vlogs and think wow she is so very pretty. You honestly don’t need any heavy make-up, you are that pretty.
Crystal says
You all are cracking me up. I was so tired last night and actually thought I looked pretty awful, so it may have had nothing to do with the makeup, but the fact that I was exhausted (don’t ask why I waited until the end of the day to try and take a video!). 🙂
Charity says
I’m glad you’re at least cracked up. I thought the video was about menu panning and saving money, and to be honest I don’t watch them, I listen to them. It doesn’t matter to me what you look like or if you wear makeup or not. From what I’ve read of your writing here and where you talk/write from your heart, that is where your true beauty shines. It doesn’t matter what you look like, you are still beautiful.
CountryMama says
I, too, don’t necessarily “watch” them… I listen to them while on the treadmill. I listen to the new one, then as motivation for shopping for the week, I go back and replay the previous weeks from week one each Monday night (although last night it was uploaded *really* late! On east coast time…) That’s okay though… I know you’re busy!! I think she looked great! It doesn’t matter what she looks like, she could vlog in her pj’s for all I care, it’s the great ideas and tips she has to offer!
Who wants all of us to see what they look like after they get all the kids to bed?? You wouldn’t want to see a vlog from me at that time of day…I’m exhausted, and I look it!!
Crystal says
I think I’m gonna vlog in my pj’s with no make-up next week. Just kidding; that might be frightful! 🙂
And I’m so sorry I got the video up so late last night. I will do my best to be more punctual in future weeks!
CountryMama says
I was totally kidding about the time! 🙂 Whenever you get it posted is when I’ll watch it! Really enjoying it… great job!!
Crystal says
Oh, you are too sweet! Thanks, Charity!
Andrea Q says
I agree!
Tammy L says
I agree with Stacy! 🙂 I thought “Who did Crystal get to do this week’s video for her?” until I started watching and knew it was still you. 😉 I think you are beautiful as always — but I think the darker hair (like in this video) and less eye makeup is perfect! 🙂
I do understand the “end of a long day” part though! 🙂 Haha, in one of my recent blog videos, everyone thought I looked pregnant, which is worse than noticing makeup changes 😉
A says
Tammy-
Oh mercy, laughing! Once wore a breastfeeding garment (ahem) two weeks postpartum, and a sweet old lady allowed me to use the restroom first because she “well remembered being pregnant with a full bladder.” And no, I did not correct her. 😉 Pretty humbling for a young mom *thinking* she looked pretty stellar! Ha!
Because these comments are veering widely off topic, and because I’m a WOMAN (and we women, we notice!) I instantly concluded that no hair dye= baby on the way? I like to pretend I’m an early pregnancy detection expert, among other fields of expertise!
Thanks for the informative series!
Tammy L says
Unfortunately I am long past the postpartum phase… my baby turned 1 last month! 😀
In the end, I do realize that most people have kind intentions and all comments about one’s appearance (pregnancy, make-up, wardrobe, or anything else!) should be taken with lightheartedness if possible. 🙂
Crystal says
Hmm, I think 13 months still totally counts as part of the postpartum phase. 🙂
Crystal says
I guess you need to pass off the early pregnancy detection expert hat to someone else. 🙂
And for the record, I actually don’t stop getting my hair done when I’m pregnant. (Ooops. Cue the rotten tomatoes. I know that’s a rather heated topic and I probably just opened up another pandora’s box!)
Sandra Lee says
Crystal, I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years now and I have to say, with all you bring to the table, I’m finding I really am enjoying this series. I was hesitant at first but, I am finding if I break away from my old mindset and heed your advice I am actually finding this far less difficult than I thought. I tried sticking to $20/person a week as you suggested and I have accomplished that goal now for 3 weeks, with the exception of going over $6 this past week because of a great meat sale. I think I will be able to make up for that next week, accomplishing my goals for the month. Thanks so much for your words of wisdom and encouragement. I’m super excited about this new breakthrough for me! Have a blessed day!
Crystal says
Way to go — and thank you for your encouragement!
Jen C. says
I have a question. I began using the envelope system at the beginning of February. I budgeted $150 for the week for our family of 5, which was to include not only food but anything and everything household-related. Well, I had $60 left over after the first week and was so excited. But now what do I do with the $60? Do I roll it over into this week or do I stash it towards a different savings goal such as paying down a debt? Thanks for all your help over the past years, your site is amazing!
Crystal says
Way to go! It’s your call, but if it were me, I’d probably save half of it to put towards some incredible deals and stock-up opportunities over the next few months and then put the other half towards a financial goal — or even just something fun (like taking the family out for dinner!).
anonymous says
Or, you could start a Christmas/birthdays fund if you don’t already have one. I’ve been collecting my spare change in mine and already have over $30 just from spare change alone.
Crystal says
Great idea! Isn’t it amazing how the spare change adds up?
Samantha C. says
I save my extra money for clothes. I have 4 kids all born in different seasons, so there are very few hand me downs, I buy there clothes twice a year when the big sales are once right about this time of year for spring and summer and around July/August for fall and winter. If I’ve saved some money along the way I’m able to pay cash for all there clothes not to mention new shoes, church clothes or anything else that might have to be replaced along the way. I also try to buy on the off seasons but I don’t ever stock up to much since I’m not sure how fast my kids will grow. BTW Crystal I love everything on your blog I’ve couponed for years, and I just stumbled on your site a few months ago, you have changed the way I run my household for the better. Thank you so much for all you do you are truely making a difference in so many peoples lives:)
Christy says
I love living in the south. We have summer clothes and winter clothes. Spring and Fall we were a short sleeved shirt (from summer wardrobe) with pants/jeans (from winter wardrobe) and a hoodie in the morning. Shorts on days it’s hot enough!
Becca says
Can you share your target prices you pay for items?
Crystal says
I almost have my Target Prices post finished and ready to share!
Nicolle says
Oh good!!! I have been dying for you to do a post on your target prices.
Do you think if will still be helpful to me even though I live in Southern California?
Crystal says
Hopefully. No promises, but hopefully!
jessica says
hello crystal! im new to this whole thing on saving money! can u tell me what a price book is?
also i love watching your video! i look forward to watching them each week! thank you for taking the time to do this for us:)
Crystal says
Thanks for your kind words!
A price book is basically where you’ll just record the prices of everything you typically purchase — the store prices, sale prices, etc. You can read more and download some free printable price book forms here:
https://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/31-days-to-a-better-grocery-budget-shop-at-more-than-one-store-part-2.html
Renee says
I wouldn’t have said anything, but since your make-up has already been mentioned….my 5 year old little boy told me that you look better today than last week. 🙂
Crystal says
That’s too hilarious! I actually thought I looked pretty awful since it was the end of a long day and I was *tired*. (Remind me not to wait until the end of the day to shoot the videos from now on; I ramble way too much when my brain is shot!)
Dani says
Thanks for the reminder about the price book. I’ve fallen behind that over the past year.
Karen S. says
I wanted to share my success with you — for the past few years, with my kids being so small and not feeling able to go store-hopping for bargains, I’ve just been shopping at Walmart for groceries and figuring I was getting a good enough bargain. I’d occasionally use a coupon here or there but trying to stay away from processed foods I didn’t really find much.
Well this year I decided, with my oldest two in school and my youngest no longer taking a morning nap, it was time. Clipping just coupons from the inserts that come in the mail (I just can’t get coupons to print and it was causing me so much frustration that I will fight that battle another day!!!), I decided to collect coupons beginning on January 1 for any product I would really ever buy (pretty much anything but dog food and hair dye!) and match them up to store circulars.
This past week I went grocery shopping for my family of 5. The menu plan was based off the circulars, I matched coupons that I’d been collecting to two different stores, and at Giant Eagle I spent $84 and saved $34, and at Shop and Save I spent $49 and saved $18! That $135 should get my family through 2 weeks, excepting milk and produce runs. I was also able to stock up on staples such as canned tomatoes and pasta, which I planned on using for the first two weeks in Feb and I will also now be able to “shop my pantry” until they’re on sale again!
Anyway — I know it’s not a huge savings compared to what some of these awesome couponers get, but I was very pleased at how significant my savings were with very little effort and just a little planning!
Alyssa says
Congrats!
Crystal says
Way to go! Isn’t it amazing how a little bit of effort can really pay off?!
Lori F. says
Karen, it sounds like you are a southwestern PA or OH shopper. So am I and I can’t wait until Giant Eagle has a really good sale week again. The past several weeks have been a little thin on the deals.
Karen S. says
That’s right Lori, I’m right in Pittsburgh! As I mentioned I really hadn’t been a G.E. shopper for a few years for my “big” shopping trips so I never paid attention to circulars. Now I will avidly check it out! They did have a great sale on Morningstar Farms products for $3.50 each, which as vegetarians we use quite a bit, along with 75 cent coupons which doubled to $1.50 (somehow, even though it was more than $1), bringing the price to $2.00. Can’t beat that!
Danielle B says
Don’t worry about what other people are doing with coupons- just focus on your family and how you can stretch your finances further through frugal shopping! I started couponing July 2009 and I still struggle with worrying that MY savings don’t compare with OTHERS savings. But really, that’s not important at all!
Keep working at it and in just a few months you’ll be amazed at how much more well-stocked your pantry is, and at how much more efficient you are in menu planning and shopping the sales with coupons!!!
Kayla says
Congrats! 🙂 This is just the beginning of something big. The more you practice with it, the better you get (and sometimes you learn what /not/ to do next time!). So excited for you!
Julie C says
Great information as always, Crystal!
Are you trying a new makeup look?
Crystal says
You’re observant. 🙂
anu says
I noticed that too.. hehe
Your beautiful :)!
Crystal says
Aw, you’re kind! 🙂
Lisa says
I noticed that right off too. Your makeup looks really nice!
Rachel says
I guess since I’m not a make-up wearer, I shouldn’t chime in here . . . but I thought it made you look tired.
Maybe that’s because I’m tired at the moment. 🙂 My littlest darling threw up on our bed at 6AM, and I’ve been running hard & swiping little noses & doing laundry ever since . . .
Crystal says
So not fun to have little ones sick. 🙁 I hope yours get better soon!
L says
Haha, hearing your hubby sighing in the background was funny. Does he not find couponing exciting? 😉
Crystal says
I totally missed that in the video and I went back and watched it and was cracking up. He was probably thinking, “When is my wife ever going to stop talking around in circles?!” 🙂
Jessica says
I noticed that, too! Though I think my husband would’ve sighed long before yours did! 😉
Karla @ {TheClassyWoman} says
Too funny, I noticed it too and laughed out loud. My husband loves videography but he’d get bored of me talking about coupons, even though I find it exciting. 😉
Ginny says
Are you going to talk about what to do when all but one of the grocery stores in an area do not have sales, and at the store that does, their sale prices can be beat 99.9% of the time?
Crystal says
Yes, I’m going to share lots of tips for lowering your grocery bill without using coupons. 🙂
L says
Love this series!!
Kimberly says
Thanks, Crystal!
I really need to make a “home school lesson” out of the price book idea. I have our family staples “in my head”, but, a book makes more sense (especially if I am shopping with the kiddos!) Can’t wait til next week!