The Grocery Game Guide, part 4: going shopping.

Read part 1 here.
Read part 2 here.
Read part 3 here.

Matching up coupons to my Grocery Game list can take a little time, but it is so worth it. Especially when I can find multiple coupons on a really good deal (this is the reason I buy extra papers and pay a clipping service). I transfer my GG items to my preprinted shopping list and paperclip the coupons to the back of it. I also keep a copy of the sales flyer for Kroger because the list prices are not always a perfect match (stores have the authority to make price changes at the local level). While I’m shopping, I check the shelf price to make sure it matches my GG list price. This does take extra time so for the most part I do the shopping without the kids.

Sometimes I can’t find a deal that’s on my list. Sometimes the store doesn’t carry the item or they are completely out of one they normally do carry. I like to keep track of coupons as I pick up the item, so when I don’t find an item, I move the coupon(s) back to my holder. Before I go to the checkout, I take a minute to go through the coupons to make sure I’ve bought the item and the right quantity. And I hold them in my hand so I won’t forget to give them to the checker. After I get my receipt, I like to gaze lovingly at the part that tells me how much I’ve saved. Not unlike the runner’s high that some people have experienced.

In addition to all this, I usually take a peek at the Kroger flyer that comes in the mail on Tuesdays for the sale that begins on Wednesday. If I see some really good prices (and I’ve gotten better at knowing what a “good” price is) and I have some coupons, I’ll make a mini-trip on Wednesday. I mostly use my internet coupons because I want to save my Sunday insert coupons for when the list says to use them. You may notice a sale on an item that has a coupon in the paper that week. But if the list doesn’t say to use it, hold on to it because chances are that the price will drop before that coupon expires. Also, Tuesdays are a good time to place a clipping service order, because they should arrive before the sale is over the following week.

This week I scored a fabulous deal by combining sales, printed coupons and e-coupons. I bought two Cover eye shadows (on clearance), two Cover Girl mascaras and a Cover Girl blush. I had e-coupons for B1G1F (buy one get one free) on the eye shadow and mascara, and I had two coupons for $2.50 off two CG items. I had a third coupon for a free blush when you buy three CG products. I spent less than $3 on $24 worth of makeup. That's a 90 percent savings. Convinced yet?

Coming up next: final thoughts.