Couponing 101

Several readers have asked me lately what about meat and produce. I have actually heard from a few people that couponing is not for them because "They only eat Meat and Produce" My question was really? I don't know how you do that. Your family doesn't use Ketchup, Mayo, Milk, Cereal, Bread, Butter, Granola, Spices, Beverages, Yogurt, Salad dressing, Soup, and on and on. With a family of five we eat meat and produce everyday. I once (10 yrs ago) tried to make my husband a "Vegetarian dinner" he still brings it up to this day how I tried to "Starve him" or "Kill him" depending on who he is telling the story to. Therefore we have some kind of meat with every dinner. For those of you that want to know how I stick to my budget and still buy plenty of produce and meat It's simple.

1. Once a week I go to Winco and pick up the fruits and veggies that we need for the week. I find that Winco has the best everyday prices. I can buy grapes for .88lb and still only pay .50 each for a red pepper.
2. If a store that I'm running to has a "Lost leader" like bananas for .29lb of course I'm going to pick some up. You can never have enough bananas. Especially if you love banana bread.
3. I make my menu based off of what is on sale for the week. I stock up on "Great" meat prices.
4. I do get meat and produce for free. A couple of month ago I was getting Free Kraft barbecue sauce, For buying free barbecue sauce I was then getting free meat too. Two weeks ago I was getting A-1 steak marinade for .23 each and was getting $2 in free meat every time I spent the .23 on the marinade.
5. I have learned to try different cuts of meat. I bought Beef bottom round roast for $2.48lb and found that it works great for carne asada. By the way Winco pre slices this making life so much easier. So of course at this price I would stock up as well.
6. I make a menu plan for the week and buy the items I need.
7. Gardening is a great way to have fresh produce in the summer as well. We planted two apple trees a few years ago. I'm still looking forward to a great harvest some day. I didn't do a garden this year myself but will next year. I have been given some great produce by friends and family.

I'm not here to make a couponing believer out of everyone. I'm here to help those that want to be helped. I had someone leave a comment about the amount of granola bars I bought last week. They asked what will you do with all those granola bars? Here is what I wrote back.

Dear Anonymous,

I purchased the 14 boxes of granola bars this week so that I could get 7 gallons of free milk. I gave 2 gallons of milk and 4 boxes of granola bars away immediately. I put 2 gallons of milk in the fridge and 3 in the freezer. I then took 4 boxes of granola bars to work that my college kids ate in one day. That left me with 6 boxes of granola bars that I have put in every ones lunch last week. As of this morning I only have 4 boxes left. I am snack mom at this weeks soccer game so if we are lucky there might be one box left. So my answer to you is that we are going to eat them.

Saving Money on the everyday items of life gives us the luxury to spend extra money on Meat and Produce. My pantry and freezer have never been so full. I am spending less, giving more and am more organized in are eating plan. I will say this again, Couponing is not for everyone It is a part time job, It can be frustrating but also very rewarding.