HOW I PLAN MY SHOPPING TRIP

Every week I go shopping, and every week I save money and spend money! I keep an on-going list near the fridge to write down items that need replaced and items that will need to be replaced very soon. From this list, I look at what is on sale at the local grocer, add super great deals to the list, if possible and see what is on sale that I will have to purchase there. I then check the other Sunday ads for items I need or super good deals that I can use my coupons on or have price matched at Wal-Mart. I then get my coupon binder out and pull out all the coupons I need for my list , coupons for the ad items if possible, and check the expiration date on all the coupons. I’ll pull out the ones that are about to expire, take them with me to check out the product and price. I don’t always buy the product and I send the about to expire coupons to @Coupons for heroes. Sound confusing? Start with your list, add the items from your ads that you would like to check out. Go through your coupons to match as many items you can. Pull out coupons that are about to expire. List these coupons separately on your list so you can see what you are looking for before digging out the coupons. Shop for the items on your list, special priced items from ads and your close to expiring coupons. Send off your close to expired or expired coupons to @coupons for heroes to help our military families over seas. I don’t keep an access of coupons in my binder. Just coupons for things I use and coupons for things I may want to try if the price is right. The rest of the coupons I file in envelopes by month for my giveaways and games. I don’t take my binder to the store, I have a 2 yr old boy and that would just be more ‘fun’ than I think I can handle! I do take my little coupon keeper, I file the coupons I plan to use and the ones I would like to check out in the appropriate files/folders. Very simple and easy indeed, wallet in back pocket, keys in front pocket, list/coupon keeper/ads in one hand and Kenley’s hand in my other. Shopping with a toddler has to be as interesting an quick as possible to ensure the sanity of yourself and other shoppers. Shop the frozen, dairy, deli, produce aisles last. I go to the back and work myself forward, to keep my cold things cold longer! Keep your toddler occupied like I do by letting him touch the fruit and vegetables. Tell them what it is, describe it to them and let them hold it. Be watchful of throwing and biting/tasting. Try doing this with different items you are purchasing. It helps them learn and stay calmer and saves your nerves from fraying!~Michelle