Tops Trip and Rite Aid Trip 8/8

We ran to Rite Aid (the new one in Horseheads -it is really nice and the associates are very friendly) and then to Tops to get some much needed food. Last week, money was pretty tight so we needed to get quite a bit this week. I also want to run to Aldi's later this week and get rolls and fresh fruit. Here's what we bought.

Rite Aid Trip 8/8

• Venus Spa Breeze Razor. Regular price $9.99, on sale for $7. Used $2 coupon and there is a $5 rebate so this will end up being FREE AFTER REBATE
• Garnier Fructis shampoo. Regular price $4.19, on sale for $2.99. Used $1 coupon and there is a $2 rebate so this ends up being FREE AFTER REBATE
• 4 1-liters of Crest Pro-Health Rinse. Regular price $6.49 each, on sale for $5 each. Used 4 $1 coupons and there is a rebate for $10 when you buy 4. This brings the price down to 4/$6 after rebate

Original Total: $42.53
Amount Saved: $34.14
Total Paid: $8.39 (saved 80.3%)

Tops Trip 8/8

• 6 2-liters of Diet Pepsi. On sale for $1 each + deposit .05 each (.48)
  
• 6 4-packs of Hunts snack packs. On sale for $1 each. Used two internet coupons for $1 off 1 4-pack and another coupon for a free 4-pack when you buy 3. So, these ended up being 6/$3
• Quaker rice cakes on sale for $1.50. Used $.50 off 1, which doubled to $1, making these $.50
• Kellogg's Strawberry Mini Wheats -on sale for $2.50. Used $.75 coupon (from back of regular Mini Wheats box) which doubled to $1.50, making these $1
• Kellogg's Fruit Loops on sale for $1.99.
• 2 bags of single size M&Ms. On sale for $.50 each. Used 2 Free chocolate Friday coupons to make these FREE
• Wishbone salad dressing $2. Used $1 off 1 internet coupon to make it $1.
  
• 4 packets of Knorr Rice sides on sale for $1 each. Used two $.60 off 2 coupons, which doubled to $1.20 off 2, making these $.40 each
• 2 jars of Skippy peanut butter $2 each. Used coupon for $1 off 2, making these 2/$3
• 2 boxes of Tops instant oatmeal (need to check at Aldi's and see if they have them again) on sale for $2 each.
  
• Jiffy popcorn $1.47
• flip flops for my daughter's birthday on sale for $3.
• 2 boxes of Playtex gloves on sale for $1.50 each. Used two $1 off coupons to make these $.50 each
• 8 ears of cob $2
• 3 pounds of potatoes $3.99
• 2 pouches of Margerita pepperoni slices on sale for $2 each. Used two $.75 off 1 coupons, which doubled to $1.50 each, making these $.50 each
• 4 1/2 gallons of Turkey Hill iced tea on sale for $1.50 each. Used two $1.00 of two coupons, making these $1 each
• Tops gallon of skim milk $1.69
• Boneless Skinless Chicken breast $1.88 a pound = $8.27
  
• 80% ground beef $1.99 a pound = $9.89

Original Amount: $113.33
Amount saved: $57.13
Total paid: $56.96
Grocery Challenge Amount: $52.68

I am working on this week's Tops deals tonight. As you may be able to tell, some of the items I got on sale are on this week's sales and some are last week's. I guess this is one of the perks to going shopping on a Saturday evening. I will post the deals as soon as I can.

All You Grocery Challenge Week in Review

Sunday - Day 14

Today was one of those lazy Sundays where no one really wanted to do much, including me. LOL. At least we only spent $1.25 today. When hubby went to get a paper, he took the little princess with him, and they ended up getting 5 of those 25 cent granola bars (my daughter calls them 'bars'. lol).

For breakfast we had cereal and the little man had oatmeal. We also had yummy strawberries. For lunch we had grilled cheese sandwiches and canned pineapple chunks. Dinner was breaded pork chops, corn and scalloped potatoes. I also made a chocolate cake which was supposed to be for my mom's birthday Tuesday, but somehow I got persuaded to get out frozen strawberries and whipped topping, and we ate some of it. Oh well. I guess I will just have to make another one tomorrow night when I get home.


A Week in Review

This is our second week of participating in the All You Grocery Challenge and we are still doing pretty well. I had been hoping to only spend $50 this week on groceries, but my local store had some really good deals this week and I ended up spending a little over $50 in one day (but that was 3 different stores). I also needed to get some more meat and a few other things later in the week and ended up spending a little over $10 on that trip.

So, I didn't make my goal budget, but I was still well under the All You budget. Here's a chart and graph showing my week 2 spending:

As you can see we spent $74.13 out of the budgeted $125.00, and had $50.87 that we could have spent if we wanted to. My goal for this next week is again $50. I need to buy some chicken this week, so I am hoping to still be able to stay under this amount. It may be difficult because I will be going back to work this week and hubby will be preparing the meals during the weekdays. We shall see.

Tops deals 7/26 - 8/1

Not the greatest deals this week, but here are the deals at Tops this week:

• Pork spareribs $1.69 each
• Seedless grapes $1.29 a pound
• General Mills cereal $2.50, you can use $1 off 3 from 6-28 insert to make them 3/$6.50
  
• tops 6-8 oz shredded cheeses $1.79
• La Yogurt $.40 each
• Split chicken breast $1.69 a pound
• Oscar Meyer hot dogs Buy One Get One Free
• Lloyds $4.49, use $.75 off coupon from 6-28, which doubles to $1.50, making it $2.99
• Perdue short cuts $3.99. Use $.75 coupon from 7-12 insert, which doubles to $1.50, making it $2.49
• Heleva Good chunk cheese $2. use $1 off 2 coupon from making it $1.50 each
• Smart Balance spread 2/$5, use $1 off 2 coupon from 6-21 making these 2/$4
• Sensational 8" tortillas Buy One Get One Free
• Post cereals 2/$5. Use $1 off 2 coupon from 7-26 to make these 2/$4
• Keebler chips deluxe cookies $1.79. Buy 2 and use $1 off 2 internet printable, making these $1.29 each
• Fresh pork tenderloin. Buy One Get One Free

If you would like to see more coupon and store matchups, head over to BeCentsAble.

Shopping Trip 7/21

We ended up doing our grocery shopping tonight and we did pretty well. We went to 3 stores, all within a few miles of each other. We still need to go get ground , chicken and some fresh vegetables later this week. I went over my intended $50 budget for the week, but it was unavoidable. The last few weeks, Tops has not had that great of deals so I didn't stock up on much.


ALDI'S

Our first stop was Aldi's. I shop at Aldi's for things that usually don't go on sale or for things that are cheaper no matter what. These are usually baking goods, and they have really good prices on milk and eggs.

• 2 sponges with green scrubby surface $.99 (+.08 tax) - non-food
  
• 2 containers of Parmesan Cheese $2.39 each
  
• 3 lbs of unsalted butter $.99 each
  
• flour tortillas $.99
  
• 4 boxes of corn muffin mix $..35 each
  
• 4 5 lb bags of flour $1.59 each
  
• 3 packets of taco mix seasoning $.33 each
  

Amount Spent: $18.56
Approx Amount Saved: $11+
Grocery Challenge Amount: $17.49

TARGET

We then headed over to Target. I wanted to look at some of their frozen meat and dinners. I have several regular manufacture coupons which combined with the Target coupons, could have saved us some money. Upon looking at the prices at the store, I decided to wait and buy them at another time. I am hoping that they will go on sale. Upon looking at my receipt when I got home I noticed that the cashier rang in $1.30 instead of taking $1.30 off as a coupon. I am not sure what I am going to do about this yet, if anything.

• 4 boxes of Kraft Mac N Cheese $.52 each = $2.08. I had a coupon for buy 3 and get one free and I believe this is where the cashier made the mistake by adding in the $1.30. Otherwise, I would have gotten 4 of them for $1.56
  
• Kashi cereal on sale for $2.99 (hubby wanted it lol) and I had a Target coupon for $1 off, making it $1.99
• Ghiradelli chocolate chips (yummmm) On clearance for $2.33 and I had a Target coupond for $.75 making it $1.58
• International Delight $1.57 and I had an internet printable for $1 off one, making this $.57
• 1 Degree fine fragrance deodorant and one spray. $3.64 each = $7.28. I had 2 target coupons for $2 off one, and a manufacture internet coupon for $1 off two. So, I ended up paying $2.28 for two. This is great since I really love the smell of these! -non-food
  
• 2 Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste sample size $.97, these were free after two coupons for free sample. -non-food
  
• 10 bottles of Sobe Life Water (hubby's idea)on sale for $1 each and received a $5 gift card to be used on a future visit
• 3 boxes of Kleenex with aloe 130 ct on originally $1.58 each, on clearance for $1.08 per box = $3.24. I had a $1 off 3 target coupon and a $.50 manufacture coupon which made them 3/$1.74 or $.58 each - non-food
  
• 24 ct of Crayola crayons $.27. - non-food
  
• 200ct of straws $1.00 - non-food

Original Amount: $45.70
Amount Saved: $22.35
Amount Paid: $23.35
Grocery Challenge Amount: $17.02

TOPS

Our last stop was Tops. By this time it was 6:40 and hubby was getting anxious because his baseball game was going to be on in 25 minutes! Nothing like being rushed through the store. So, needless to say I forgot a couple things. I had wanted to get a ham steak that was on sale for $2 and some pork chops that were on sale for $1.99 a pound. I guess I will just get it later in the week when we are in the area again. Here is what we bought:

• Spongebob pinata for birthday party. Original price $15.99, on clearance for $1.99.
  
• 5 2-liters of various Diet Pepsi on sale for $1 plus $.05 NY deposit
• 2 cans of Bumblee tuna on sale for $.89 each. Used internet printable for $1 off 2 to make them $.39 each
• box of Tops brand diapers, originally $18.89. On clearance for $9.44.
• 2 boxes of Tops instant oatmeal (Aldi's still doesn't have any) on sale for $2 each
• 2 kids character chairs (one pink with princess and the other red with Lightning McQueen - for the little kids) originally $6.99 each, on clearance for $3.49
• 4 Breyer's yogurts $.60 each. Used 2 Breyers coupons that said $1 off any 2 Breyers products, making these $.10 each
• 2 gallons of skim milk. $1.99 each
• 9 Weight Watchers yogurts 6/$4= $6, used 3 internet printables for $.55 off 3 which doubles to $1.10 each, making these $.30 each

Original Amount: $79.17
Amount Saved: $42.15
Amount Paid: $37.02
Grocery Challenge Amount: $17.53

I also wanted to let you all know that there are some coupons for Hunt's Snack packs, Chef Boyardee, and more, click here.

Tops Deals 7/19 - 7/25

Here are the deals I see at Tops this week. If you see anything I may have missed, please leave it in the comments below.

• Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops 3-4 lb package $1.99 a pound ( I will be buying these this week. We are getting a little sick of ground beef and chicken)
• pint of blueberries or pound of strawberries. Buy one at $3.99, get one free. (Not a bad deal, but if you are going near an Aldi's you can get these for $1.50 or less, Wegmans might also have them in this price range still)
• Boneless Sirloin Steak 3-4 lb package $2.99 (this would be a good buy if you have a little extra in your grocery budget this week and are looking for something different to eat)
• Pepsi 2 liters $1. I will be stocking up on these since I am really low on 2 liters (had to buy Coke last week - the horror! LOL)
• Crest toothpaste $.98. Buy 2 and use coupon for $1 off ANY 2 Crest Toothpaste (these are not the ones from 2 weeks ago). There is no reason this shouldn't work since the coupons says ANY Crest Toothpaste. Your final price will be $.96 for 2!
• 8 oz chunk cheese $1.69
• Fresh leg quarters $.79 a pound
• Hatfield boneless ham steaks $2 each (I will also be buying a couple of these this week)
• Tops butter $1.69 a pound
• Heluva Good sour cream or dip 2/$3. Buy 2 and use $1 off any two sour cream, dips, or cheese, (expires 7-31 or 8-31) and it makes them 2/$2 or $1 each
• Weight Watchers yogurts 6/$4. Buy 3 and Use online printable for $.55 off 3, which will double to $1.10, making these about 3/$.91 or $.31 each
• Bumblebee light tune $.89 each
• fresh green beans $1.29 a pound
• cucumbers 2/$1
• Zatarains $1 each. Buy 2 and use $.75 off coupon from 6-7 insert, which doubles to $1.50, making these $.25 each! (Thank you Katie for letting me know about this since I did not have this coupon in my binder)
  

If you would like to see more coupon and store matchups, head over to BeCentsAble.

All You Grocery Challenge Daily Roundup

Saturday- Day 6

Breakfast:
Dry cereal. Still have a lot of it, so we need to eat it up. We still do not have oatmeal because Aldi's is out of it for a while. I asked and was told it was discontinued for a while. So, I think tomorrow we will just have regular oatmeal (quick oats) with some strawberries or blueberries in it and maybe a splash of sugar if the berries are tart.


Lunch:
Went to a wedding at 1 o'clock. Afterwards was an informal reception where they had deli meats, fruits and salads. It was very yummy. The little kids ate lots of fruits, though they hardly touched their sandwiches.


Dinner:
We were munching all afternoon, so we didn't have an actual dinner. We just snacked on fruit and other leftovers from the party.



Aldi's Trip

After the reception, we stopped by Aldi's since it was on our way home. My intention was to get some more oatmeal for the little kids, but they ended up still not having any. I ended up getting quite a bit of stuff:

• 2 one pound containers of strawberries $1.45 each
• a pint of blueberries $1.49
• 2 pounds of grapes $2.99
• 4 large bananas @ $.39 a pound = $.71
• 2 boxes of popcorn 6ct for $1.49 each
• a gallon of skim milk $1.75
• 2 tubs of Tastes like Butter $.99 each
• 1 pound of sliced ham $3.49
• box of garbage bags $2.49+$.20 tax (not included in food total)

So I spent $20.98 minus the bags ($2.69), for a total of $18.09 added to our grocery budget for the week.

Aldi's and Target Trip 7/7

We had to go to Aldi's tonight and then we headed over to Target to get a few things. They were out of the oatmeal for the kids at Aldi's, so we will stop in quickly the next time we go to work on the garden.

Here is what we got at Aldi's:

• 3 loaves of white bread $.79 each. I have started making my own sandwich bread, so these loaves are for those times when I don't have time (or energy lol) to make more of the homemade.
  
• 2 packages of 40ct paper plates $.99 each. These are to be placed in the basement and only used on certain occasions.
  
• 3 pack of green peppers $1.99. I will be chopping these up tonight or tomorrow and putting in freezer for future use.
  
• Tastes Like Butter $.99. We were out of the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, and I don't have a coupon for any other tub butter, so I decided to try this. My mom says it is pretty good, so I have to believe we will like it.
  
• 6ct of popcorn $1.49. This is a really good price. I usually pay $.99 for 3 on sale at Tops.
  
• 1 pound of ham $3.49, to make panninis with later this week.
  
• garbage bags $2.49
• 2 jars of strawberry spread $1.99. We thought we would try these since they are considerably cheaper than other spreads/jellies without high fructose corn syrup.
  
• bag of onions $1.99
• 2 packs of white American cheese slices $1.49 each
• 1 package of sponges with green scrubby on one side - 2ct $.99
• jar of salsa $1.49
• 1 lemon $.39
• box of animal crackers $1.29. This was bought only because my 3 year old daughter begged and pleaded with me. I would rather buy her animal crackers than candy or goodies.
  
• Canola oil $2.49. I buy this instead of vegetable because it is better for us.
  

Amount Spent: $30.84
Amount saved by shopping at Aldi's:at least $13

We then headed over to Target to use a bunch of Kashi manufacture coupons along with Target coupons. Of course, none of them rang up right, so the poor cashier had to ring each one in by hand. What a pain, but it saved me a lot of money. lol. If you would like to print the Kashi coupons (they expire on the 14th) click here to go to a Target coupon generator.

The picture below shows what I got at Target, except for the gift for my daughter and 1 box of Kashi bars (my husband broke into those on the way home lol).

Here's what I bought at target and the coupons I used:

• 3 boxes of Kashi Waffles at $2.54 each = $7.62. Used 3 $1.50 manufacture coupons, along with 3 $.25 off Target coupons to make these 3/2.37 or $.79 each
• 1 box of Kashi Waffles at $2.54. Used $1.50 manufacture coupon alone (because I was a bonehead and only printed 3 target coupons instead of four - but I wanted to use it anyway because it is still a pretty good deal and the coupon expires soon), making this box $1.04
• 2 boxes of Kashi cereal bars on sale for $2.50 each = $5. Used 2 $1.50 manufacture coupons plus $1 off 2 Target coupons to make these 2/$1 or $.50 each
• 2 boxes of Kashi TLC bars on sale for $2.50. I only had one manufacture coupon (I was bummed) which was $1.50 plus I used a $1 off 2 coupon to make them 2/$2.50 or $1.25 each
• Hanes 5 pack of ankle socks $5. At $1 per pair of socks, this seemed like a good deal and I desperately needed socks. The monster in the dryer has been eating mine lately. I got the ones with the pink on the toes so that my husband does not try to wear them when he runs out of clean socks. LOL
• 2 boxes of Kashi cereal $2.66 each. Had a Target coupon for Buy One Get One Free (I thought I had a manufacture coupon for the cereal also but couldn't find it - C'est la vie) which made them 2/$2.66 or $1.33 each
  
• Princess coloring table. Originally $12.98, on clearance for $9.08. This is for her birthday next month and will be deducted from her amount, making the balance about $76.
• Degree Fine Fragrance deodorant $3.64. I used a $1.25 manufacture coupon and a $1 target coupon to make this $1.39.
  
• Degree Fine Fragrance spray $3.64. I used a $1.25 manufacture coupon ans a $1 Target coupon to make this $1.39 (I bought Sexy Intrigue and it is awesome smelling!)
• Target brand antacid (generic Tums) Originally $2.29, on clearance for $1.60
  

Originally Amount:$57.19
Amount Saved: $29.02

Amount Paid: $28.17 (saved 50.7%)

If you don't include the socks and the gift (neither are part of my grocery budget), then the I saved more like 64% on this shopping trip for food and HBA. All in all, I think I got some pretty good deals, especially considering the amount of Kashi products I was able to get cheap.

As a side note, I just wanted to pass along to you that Target is having a clearance on a lot of their toys right now, and I only see them having better clearance prices. Most are at about 30%, but if this year is anything like last year, there will be even better toy clearance prices within the next month or so. This is the time of the year where they want to get rid of last year's toys, to make room for the new toys for Christmas. So, if you have a little extra money, this would be a great way to get some gifts for the kids.

Also, if you are looking for patio furniture, they have them marked down 75% off!!

Preparing a List for Shopping - Using Coupons

The other day I was asked how I go about deciding what I am going to buy each week. I have to tell you that it really is a pretty simple process and does not take that long.

The first thing I do (usually on a Sunday afternoon) is make sure all of that day's coupons have been put into the correct section of my coupon holder. Then I look through an ad - usually Tops. If you look on the first page (sometimes the last page also), there are sales on there called the Loss Leaders. These are the deals that are supposed to get you in the door to buy other more expensive things, while you pick up the sale item. Don't fall for this though. Only buy things that are on sale, preferably when you have coupons for these products.

As I am looking through the ad, I circle things that are a good price. I know what I usually pay for the items I buy most, so I know whether or not a price is really good or not. If I think there might be a coupon, I note that next to the item also. After I am done looking through the ad, I look through my coupon holder and find the coupons that correspond with the sales. I then take a piece of paper (I try to use the back of a printed scrap paper so I am not wasting paper) and write down my list of items. I then attach my coupons to my list with a paperclip. I am now ready to go shopping. I also bring my coupon holder just in case I find a bargain that I didn't know about when I did my list.

So, there you have it. That's how I prepare for grocery shopping. How do you prepare for a grocery shopping trip?

Meal Planning Saves Money

Would you like a way to save money easily, with or without using coupons? Well, meal planning is it. Planning your meals can not only save you time during the week, but also save you money. It also helps keep you from walking into the kitchen and searching for half an hour trying to figure out what are going to make for your family.

Menu planning does not have to be an elaborate thing. It doesn't have to be complicated or look fancy. You can use a blank calendar that you buy from the store, or that you print off the Internet or Microsoft Word. You could also use a spreadsheet and just list the days in a single column. Or, you could also just use a scrap piece of paper (to save on paper).

I usually just list mine on a piece of paper or in a spreadsheet. It is easier to do it in a spreadsheet because you can move things and delete things easily. It really is about your preferences though.

After you decide what kind of format you would like to use for your meal planning, you need to check your schedule for that week. Is there something going on a certain day. Is there a picnic or other event where you will be eating? You won't want to schedule a meal for that day then. Is there a day where your kid has a game at 6 pm? If so, you will want to plan on making something easy and quick.

You will also want to check your cupboards and freezer and see if there are meals that you already have most ingredients for. You can also meal plan around the weekly sales at your local grocery store. All you need to do now is fill in which meals you would like to make each night. Just remember, you can always change meals around if you'd like.

After filling in the week's worth (or you can plan for more than a week if you would like), make a list of ingredients you will have to buy to make those meals for the week. When you go to the store, just buy the stuff on the list. You will save a lot of money doing it this way. If you stock up on things for your stockpile when you get great deals, and then plan your menu around your stockpile, you could possibly have very little to buy each week for your meals.

As I make the meals each night I cross them off my list, that way I know I made the meal and the ingredients are not available anymore. What I also did to help myself menu plan, was to do a list of all the meals I make on a regular basis. I posted it on the inside of my cupboard and use it for meal planning and for when I have not had time to meal plan. These are the meals that I always keep ingredients in my stockpile for.

I hope this helps you plan your meals and saves you lots of money. Let me know if you already meal plan or if you are going to start. How do you plan your meals?

Tops Deals

I went shopping at Tops Friday evening and was able to get some really good deals. The sales are still on today so if you would like to take advantage of the sales and coupons, you still have time.

• 36oz 8 O'Clock Coffee beans. On sale for $9.99 with a $1 coupon = $8.99
• 3 boxes of General Mills cereal. On sale for $2 each with a $1 coupon = 3/$5 or $1.67 each
• 2 boxes of Betty Crocker supreme brownies. On sale for $2 each with a $1 coupon = 2/$3 or $1.50 each
• 4 boxes of Mr Clean Magic Erasers. On sale 2/$4 and had 2 coupons for Buy One Get One Free. $8-$4 = $4 or $1 each
• 2 bags of salad mix. On sale Buy One Get One Free. 2/$1.99 or less than $1 each
• 2 packages whole wheat wraps. on sale Buy One Get One Free. 2/$2.99 or less than $1.50 each
• 6 boxes of Aunt Jemima waffles. On sale for $.99 each. Used 3 coupons for $1 off 2. Ended up getting them 6/$2.94 or $.49 each
• 12 Breyers yogurt. On sale for $.66 each. Used 2 coupons for $1 off 6. Paid $5.92 or 49 cents each.
• 2 CoffeeMate creamers (flavored). On sale for $1.67 each. Used coupon for $1.50 off 2. Paid $1.84 for two or $.92 each
• Tops american cheese. On sale Buy One Get One Free. Paid $2.89 for two or $1.45 each

Total Before Savings: $80.90
Bonuscard Savings: $27.76
Coupon Savings: $13.50
Total after savings including tax: $40.28
Saved 51%

More Tips from Frugal Dad

I was reading through the list again on Frugal Dad's website and found some more tips on saving money on food. I thought I would share them with you.

• Taking lunch to work or school everyday saves a fortune. If you feel you need to go out once in a while, you can plan to eat out once a week, for instance on Fridays.
• When a recipe calls for a pound of meat, use 3/4 of a pound instead. You will never know the difference and be saving money. If you do this for three meals, you will have enough extra for another meal.
  
• Eating out should be a special treat. Maybe limit it to once or twice a month. Not only will it save you money but also save your waistline.
  
• When you do order out, have your younger children share a kids' meal or share your food with them.
  
• Buy meat when you can find it for less than $2 a pound. Stock up and freeze it when you get a good price. Buy a nice steak for special occasions.
• Practice portion control. Actually eat the recommended serving of a food. This will not only save you money, but also keep your weight down.
  
• Plan your meals for the week or the month. This helps when you do your shopping list and helps with making dinner each night. It doesn't have to be followed exactly and mine usually gets shuffled around quite a bit. Just cross the meal off when you make it so you know you have used those ingredients. This also helps you stay away from take out.
  
• Buy meat in bulk (when it's cheaper) and portion into 3/4 pound portions. You can either freeze at that point, or what I do is I cook it up and then freeze it. Then when I need to make dinner, I just throw the meat in the micro to defrost and then throw it in the meal. It's quicker and easier and helps you avoid eating out.
  
• Drink water from the tap (or get one of those filtering pitchers). Cut down on soda and coffee. This will save you tons.
  
• Making coffee at home is cheaper than buying it at a coffee shop. Even if you buy really expensive coffee beans, you will save money doing it this way.
  
• The less you are in stores, the less likelihood you will overspend. Consider buying the bulk of your foods every other week or even once a month.
  
• Take only cash when you shop. Whatever you have budgeted for that shopping trip is what you take. Leave credit and debit cards in the car. This will make you have to be more aware of how much you are spending. Take a calculator or use a scrap paper to write a running total.
  
• Buy generics when they are cheaper than buying a name brand with a coupon. Many are of superb quality and are made by companies that make the name brands.
  
• Try to run all your errands on one day. If this isn't possible, what about stopping on the way home from work to run your errand?
• Make a list. Making a list of the things keeps you on track. It keeps you from buying things that you don't need and you make sure that you get the things you do need.
  

*Tips in purple are the ones I added.