UPDATED: Congratulations to the following winners of a copy of Saving Savvy! Winners are listed by comment number:
27) marina Bromley
59) Ruth
Winners will be contacted by email on how to claim their prize. Thanks to all who entered!
Maybe you’ve seen those couponers on TV with their carts piled high with more mustard or toothpaste than any family could go through over the next 20 years. If so, you need to know that is not what I’m talking about when I use the term “stockpiling.”
Today I want to talk to you about one of the recent Motley Fool reviews I read about how to take advantage of store sales in order to really cut your grocery budget down.
Have a Grocery Budget Set. Remember when I asked you to determine how much you spend at the grocery? You need to know how much you are spending. You need to know where you are now, so you can determine where you want to be. If you don’t know where you started, you’ll never feel a sense of accomplishment to know how far you’ve come. So first, set a realistic amount for how much you want to budget. Then, decide what goes on your list this week: your needs versus stockpiling items.
List Needs and Stockpile Opportunities. Your list should start with the staples you purchase each week like milk, eggs, and produce, and then you add the items that round out your meal plan. Lastly, your remaining budget will go toward stockpile items–or staple items that are a great deal. For example, in yesterday’s sample scenario, I said that I would need to purchase items for two more meals. I’ll determine what we’re eating by what’s on sale.
Use Remaining Budget For Stocking Up. So, let’s say my grocery budget is $100 a week. I only need $25 for two extra meals plus our produce and dairy items. That leaves me with $75 that I can spend stocking ahead on other items the grocer has listed at a sale price, or any close-out deals or manager’s specials that I happen to come across. When you get started, you may need $75 of your budget going toward things you need this week. If that’s the case, then you will spend the remaining $25 of your budget on stocking ahead.
Lowering Overall Budget. As you begin to create a stockpile, you can slowly start to decrease your budget a little every few weeks because you have most everything you need. Your “needs” on the list will begin to shrink and the majority of each week’s budget will be spent on items that are a really good deal, at “rock-bottom” prices – your stockpile.
If you’re unsure what those rock-bottom prices are, use the Provisions Price List on my website, available as a free download and as a free iPhone App. Or you can create your own personal price list with this free download. For more secrets to stockpiling, get a copy of my book, Saving Savvy.
I hope you’ll join me here again tomorrow. I’ll be talking about couponing, and sharing five tips that will help you cut your grocery bill by up to 75%.
Prayer for today: Lord, You are El Roi, the God Who Sees. You see our needs. You see with a wisdom that prepares for tomorrow. Forgive me when I don’t think about the ongoing needs of my family. I know that You think of me, You see me, because You provide for me. Lord equip me, I want my family to know that I think of them, that I notice their needs, and I do my best to provide for them. (Proverbs 31:15). No more midnight shopping trips! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Check out Kelly’s money-saving blog, Faithful Provisions, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter for great tips and tools that will save you even more money.
ENTER TO WIN TODAY’S GIVEAWAY: Complete this sentence in a comment below, and you’ll be entered to win one of two copies of Kelly’s book, Saving Savvy: “When we’re out of ________, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is ________.”
“When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is cereal.”
It sounds goofy but the only time we run out of milk is when we only have 1 gallon in the fridge. Usually we buy two cos we go through it so fast.
“When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is sugar.”
left off my info before
When we’re out of ________, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is ________.
I actually have to agree with the person above. Milk (my husband is always saying we should have powdered milk on hand for just that reason) and cereal because I always stockpile that.
When we’re out of milk I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is deodorant!
When we’re out of tissues, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is spaghetti sauce.
When we’re out of bread, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is oatmeal.”
When we are out of Chinese chili sauce, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is cereal.
[…] love for you to head over and read the full post at (in)courage. Plus, all this week, you can enter to win a FREE copy of my book, Saving Savvy: Smart and Easy […]
When we’re out of Sausage Gravy Packets (I know! Even sounds awful – one of the only things I make from a packet) I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is BBQ Sauce.
(How did I get three bottles in my house at one time!?)
When we’re out of kleenexes, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is toilet paper.
When we’re out of napkins I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is mustard.
Yes, I know… how much actual eating can you do with mustard?? But our local produce store ran a deal when they first opened their Boar’s Head deli counter that when you bought a pound of meat you got a free bottle of Boar’s Head mustard. We have several in the stockpile. I even turned some down because, really how much mustard does a person need??
I love using mustard for a vinaigrette base!
When we run out of kleenex, I never have any on hand, but we never run our of toilet paper.
When we’re out of my husband’s Crew Fibre hair stuff , I never have any on hand (because it’s so expensive!). But one thing we never run out of is Ghiradelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix.”
That is a good thing to NEVER run out of!! he he
Loving this series Kelly. Started my weekly meal plan yesterday 🙂
Yeah!! So glad you are enjoying it.
When we’re out of butter, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is coffee.” 🙂
When we run out of eggs, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is toothpaste or shampoo!!
When we’re out of oatmeal, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is bread.”
When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is _toothpaste_.”
When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is dog food! We always make sure we have enough food for our German Shepherd! But, my 3 kids go thru milk so fast, I am always running out to get more!
When we run out of milk ,I never have any on hand,but we never run out of cereal!
When we run out of eggs, I never have any on hand, but one thing we never run out of is shampoo or toliet paper.
When we run out of milk, I never have any on hand, but we never run out of pantie liners….
If is really silly but it is the one thing that I have became really good at couponing for…. I have yet to pay more then tax for any of them since I started 2 months ago.
When we run out of milk, I never have any on hand, but we never run out of paper napkins,
When we run out of milk, I never have any on hand, but we never run out of cookies of sweets in the pantry….. there always one kind on sale…..
Cereal!! I NEVER run out of cereal!! But if I discover my baking soda or baking powder is expired I ALWAYS have to go to the store for that!! 🙁
When we run out of dog food, I never have any on hand, but we never run out of flour or sugar!
“When we’re out of ________, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is ________.”
Pop is what we run out of but we never run out of tea. My husband gets boxes of it from people and does not make it but maybe once a week or once every couple of weeks.
When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But we never run out of pasta.
When we’re out of mayo., I never have any on hand, but one thing we never run out of is toliet paper.
When we’re out of eggs…I never have any on hand, but one thing we never run out of is coffee!
I am right there with ya! We never run out of coffee and I see to it. That is my supreme staple, it gets me through some days of craziness! 🙂
“When we’re out of canned soup, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is coffee.”
When we’re out of medicine, I never have any extra on hand. But one thing we never run out of is shampoo (thank you, drug stores!).
When were out of cheese I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is toilet paper.
When we are out of milk, I never have any on hand but one thing we never run out of is tomato sauce.
When we are out of milk, I never have any on hand. But we never run out of toilet paper.
I have thought of getting powdered milk or even the milk in boxes that is storable for a time at room temperature… but I don’t remember to put it on the shopping list. However, I buy the toilet paper and paper towels in bulk and never run out. I have a rule… if there are only 6 rolls of paper towels left… time to get more… with toilet paper… it is the last layer in the package they come in which is 36 so when 12 are left we get more. I am always worried that we will get stuck inside with ice or snow during the winter… New Jersey doesn’t get a lot of snow but the last few years it has. I does get a lot of ice on the roads and I don’t want to have to risk my life for toilet paper or anything else. It would be Wonderful to have a fully stocked pantry !!!
When we are out of toilet paper, I never have any on hand but on thing we never run out of is pasta.
When were out of bread, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is crackers.
When we are out of milk, I never have any on hand but one thing we run out of is cereal.
When we’re out of bread, I never have any on hand, but one thing we never run out of is cheese.
When we’re out of eggs, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is pasta.”
When we are out of dishwasher detergent I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is paper towels!
When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is pasta.
When we’re out of eggs, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is hamburger helper.
When we run out of toilet paper, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is peanut butter.
It seems like we have lots of extra rolls of tp all the time, then all of a sudden there’s not a single roll left in the house! Right now, though, I think we have 4 jars of pb in the house…
I usually run out of eggs because I don’t buy that many–try to stockpile cereal, milk, and healthy bag meals for the week.
Another great post this week is exciting with you on Incourage!
When we’re out of salt, I never have any on hand. The one thing we never run out of is toilet paper.
Sounds silly but salt is the hardest thing for me to remember to put on my list.
When we’re out of _yogurt_, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is _tea_.”
Mainly because I always ensure that we have enough tea bags to make it through the week! I can’t live without my iced tea!
When we are out of bread I never have any on hand! One thing we never run out of is toilet paper!
Toilet tissue!!! Coffee!!! Thanks, Barb
When we’re out of pickles, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is toothpaste.”
When we’re out of milk (I haven’t tried freezing it yet), I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is applesauce (that is my go to snack).
When we’re out of bread I never have any on hand but we always have some type of deli meat (that would need the bread).
“When we’re out of lettuce, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is salad dressing.”
“When we’re out of diapers, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is wet wipes! That would be bad”
when we’re out of stamps i never have any on hand, but we never run out of milk or eggs. (i buy four gallons at a time and 4 cartons of 18 eggs at a time because we eat eggs every other morning).
When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is toothpaste.
Stockpiling is great! I’ve used it to save money on our groceries and we’re just a family of two (with one more on the way).
I’ve run out of milk for sure, but I’ve never ran out of shampoo thanks to stockpiling!
“When we’re out of ____Q-tips____, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is ____toothpaste____.”
When we’re out of tomato sauce, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is pasta.”
When we’re out of shallots, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is creative grace…I am forever in need of that…especially in the midst of making a recipe and finding someone ate part of the ingredients. Thank the Lord for the concept of substitution!
Anoher great post! I shaared thisoe with my followers on my new money saving blog over at http://365daysofholidaydeals.com/stockpiling-way-to-save/. Looking forward to tomorrow’s post!
When we’re out of toilet bowl cleaner, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is toilet paper or Kleenex.”
When we’re out of toilet paper, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is oatmeal.
I LOVE oatmeal so I always have it!
Kelly,
When you say grocery budget, what does that include? Does your grocery budget include toiletries, cleaning supplies, make-up, etc?
I would like to know this one too!!
we run out of eggs, but never toilet paper. I buy it in bulk.
“When we’re out of eggs, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is toilet paper!”
“When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is coffee.” I love coffee so much, I make sure I always have a stockpile of it! The day I run out….well, it’s going to be a not so nice day!!
i run out of dishwasher soap but never bodywash!
I run out of milk, but never toothpaste.
When we’re out of flour, we’re OUT! But I never run out of garlic!
we run out of cheese, but never cereal!
“When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is sugar.”
“When we’re out of coffee, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is CHEESE.”
we run out of milk, but never run out of cereal 😉
“When we’re out of TIME, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is LOVE.”
When we’re out of sugar, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is toothpaste.”
When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is toilet paper.
When we’re out of salsa, we never have any on hand. But we never run out of toilet paper.
When we are out of milk I never have any on hand. But, we never run out of liquid dish detergent!
When we are out of coffee I never have any on hand. But we never run out of milk.
When we’re out of tissues, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is toilet paper.
When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is cereal!
When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is oatmeal.
“When we’re out of milk, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is TOOTHPASTE”!
When we are out of bread, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is cheese!
When we are out of eggs, I never have any on hand, but one thing we never run out of is shampoo.
When we are out of paper towels, I never have any on hand, but one thing we never run out of is messes!!!!!
baking powder; toilet paper
When we’re out of chicken breasts. I never have any on hand, but one thing we never run out of is cheese!
When we’re out of milk, we’re out, but one thing we never run out of is toilet paper or cleaning products.
“When we’re out of strength, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is God’s reserve to provide when we ask.”
Complete this sentence in a comment below, and you’ll be entered to win one of two copies of Kelly’s book, Saving Savvy: “When we’re out of Tea, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is Sugar.”
yogurt; sugar
“When we’re out of {spaghetti sauce}, I never have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is {pasta}.”
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When we’re out of tissue we never seem to have any on hand(and I have a bad cold right now). But one thing we never run out of is pasta & pasta sauce.
When we’re out of coffee creamer we never seem to have any on hand. But one thing we never run out of is milk.
When we are out of salt , we never have any on hand but we are never out of love.