Wichita Coupon Mom

www.wichitacouponmom.com

So, you’re still a die-hard Wal-Mart fan.  Don’t clip coupons, and won’t shop at any other store.  Maybe you don’t have time to visit more than one location each week.  You don’t get the newspaper, and don’t have time to search for coupons on the internet.  Besides, the last time you checked, Wal-Mart had the best prices around.

But what you have discovered, is that your grocery bill is getting bigger, and your paycheck isn’t.  Maybe you have lost an income and now you have reached the end of your savings and the reality of your financial situation has just reared its ugly head.  But none the less, you are not going to start being one of those people who spend hours running around town hitting ever sale just to save a buck, or clipping a massive number of coupons.  Nope, you’re going to keep right on shopping at Wal-mart.

Ok, go ahead and stay at Wal-Mart.  But while you’re there, why not save another dollar or two.

How you ask?

Well, first and most importantly, and I can’t stress this enough, sit down, plan a menu, make your list from that and the stick to it.  Part of planning a menu includes planning what you might have around for snacks, so don’t just think about your main meal.  Plan your breakfast and lunches too.  This will help avoid trips during the week for items you forgot.

Then, take a few minutes, (probably more like an hour) and scan the ads for other stores in your area.  If you live in or around Wichita, you have Dillon’s, White’s IGA, Homeland, and Leekers.  Don’t try to use the excuse that you don’t get the paper, or you’re not in their delivery area.  I have a link to all of them on my website.  Now, look at what they have on sale that’s on your list.  If the price looks like it might be better than what you have been paying at Wal-Mart, print off that page and take it with you.  (Be sure to make a note on you grocery list, and which flier it’s on)  Then, while you’re at Wal-Mart, check the prices against what is on sale at other stores.  If the price is less, then have the cashier price match to the lower price at the other store.  But be ready to present the flier that show’s a better price, especially if it’s a really good one.

Here is an example of what I’m talking about.  At White’s IGA this week, they have Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad 10/$10.  These usually sell for between $1.49 and $2.00 at Wal-Mart.  Today let’s say it $1.89 a box.  When your ready to check out, tell the cashier you want to price match this product with the sale price at White’s IGA.  They will ask the amount and probably want to see the ad, then they will mark down your package to $1.00.  You just saved $.89 on one box.  No coupon and you didn’t have to go anywhere else.  If you do this on 10 different items, you could save $8.90 on this trip alone.

You won’t find a large number of things to price match every week, but if you get in the habit of looking and then price matching even just one or two items a week, (like milk and orange juice for $2.99 at Dillons’)  the savings will add up.  And any penny saved is better than no pennies at all!

So, by putting aside an hour or so to make a menu and shopping list, check the local sale ads, and print off a few pages, you can help lower your shopping bill at Wal-Mart.  No coupons, and no running around town.

So, why not start making your new plan today!