I didn't notice it so much when I was working but now that we're having to tighten our belts and are without my check -- I've had to really change my ways when shopping.

I am going real early on Sunday mornings after having procured the specials flyer before hand at some point during the week.   I look for coupons wherever I go and I really work at my list a lot longer than I used to.   I have always been organized when it comes to shopping but now I am putting a lot more time into planning what we will eat and maximizing the use of what is on hand plus what is on sale.

It's a good thing -- I just know it would have been a lot harder when I was working.

The savings are big though.   I did save $9.53 in coupons and free stuff savings today at HEB.    My neice saved over $16 yesterday.   I'll have to look at her receipt I guess.   LOL

With 3 cats and the 2 of us I do find it challenging to keep our spending at $300 a month for all groceries/food/supplies.   Probably because I was used to spending more and I need to practice my thrift skills until I get it right again.

I used a calculator today and was grateful the aisles were not too full.   I went alone because if DH and I both go we always go over.   I went over by 56 cents which I consider a real win compared with my usual.  

 That's great, Chris! I keep my DH at home, too, he's like a little kid and I find things in the cart at the end of the trip that I know I didn't put in there!  I've started keeping a list (But I love lists!) of what I like to have in my pantry, like soups, beans, pasta, etc. and alway write it down when I'm down to one. 

  I also started making a menu for the coming week and make a grocery list reflecting that, and I stick to it.  I've manged to save quite a bit at the grocery store.  I also tend to buy generic brands, with the exception of a few things, like Heinz Ketchup, French's mustard, and Stove Top, where the generics dont' taste as good to me.  And I try to use coupons for everything I can!

  Sticking to your list and only going over by less than a buck is a great start and a pretty big accomplishment!

I recommend the website www.couponmom.com - it's free to use and she matches the sales flyers on grocery stores across the country with the available coupons. It's a great system and I save about 30% a week using the site (and buying things we need/use, including fresh produce and organic items). I search message boards and blogs for more info too. Oh and I write articles about saving money at the grocery store for Examiner.com that might help some people as well! :)

Thanks for all of the great tips everyone!  I try to use coupons as much as possible also..and use generic whenever I can.

Hiow do you know how much she saved?  Do you mean her receipt said this?

That isn't nesc comparable to what your receipt said.  For example, if Pepsi is on sale our receipt will show us the savings vs the normal price.  Yet if we buy the store brand equivelent, it doesn't show any savings--yet is actually cheaper even if it's not on sale!

Anyone living in the Southeast should try southernsavers.com.  She's a stay at home mom that puts up the flyers for Kroger, CVS, Bi-Lo, Food Lion, Publix, Walgreens, etc.  She only puts up the sales that are 40% off of regular price and about 85% of the time she attaches a coupon right beside the sale.  She says don't use a coupon unless it's on sale!  Although, I don't always follow that rule...