Groceries for the Month of January

I want to give a few break downs of the groceries I purchased this month.  I feel really good about this month and what I purchased, how much I saved, and the little amount of time I had to spend preparing.  For those of you overwhelmed about couponing, I promise it gets easier and totally worth it.  For the month of January, I can say that I spent around $400 in groceries for a family of 4.  This includes formula, baby food, and diapers (although I only needed pull-ups this month).

This month was a Sams trip so my overall grocery bill will always be elevated this month.  I typically go once every couple of months and maybe a time in between just for produce.

We share a Sams membership with my mother-n-law and I am a huge fan of the warehouse.  There are some items that you can find at Sams in bulk that are less expensive than Wal-Mart and there are some items that are actually more expensive (since no coupons are involved). Sometimes even if the item is not less expensive it is worth it to purchase at Sams simple for the convenience.  It makes our lives easier and that is worth more than we can imagine!!  99% of what I buy at Sams, I know I am not going to catch a great deal anywhere else and they are items I am going to buy regardless and/or need for my family.

Here is a list of items I support for purchase at Sams:

Big bag of shredded cheese (12.92 for 5lb bag)  and sliced cheese ($9.98 for 42 slices)- The Sams is significantly cheaper than any other price

Deli Meat - We loved meat from the deli.  Sams packaged meat is the close to the real thing at a great price. $6.98

Creamer - I use a ton in each cup of coffee and the convenience of always being stocked maintains my sanity. $9.97

Frozen Tilapia - comparable price. $12.98

Frozen Chicken Breast - comparable price. $13.48

Turkey Meat - least expensive unless found at a Brookshires sale. $13.75

Bread - (freeze one loaf) $4.28 for 2 loafs - we can find this for less with a Brookshires sale, but they never have my favorite kind, so I treated myself :)

Silk Milk - comparable to Wal-mart Great Value - however with Ibotta offer available it is cheaper! $7.98 for 3

Fruit cups - convenience (we go through these like cheetahs) $15.76 (around 50 cent per fruit cup)

Monster drinks - I am not a fan of this purchase, but the bottom line is my husband is going to drink them and going to buy them.  If he stops at a gas station it will cost him 2.50.  Sams price is $1, so I give in. $11.91

Rotisseri Chicken - 3 lb - 4.88

Salsa - we go through alot $4.48

Produce - grapes, strawberries, bananas, mushrooms, spinach, celery, potatoes, broccolli, bell peppers, onions, clementines, and apples.  In my opinion, Sams has the best produce for the best price!!! Total price is $44.88

Total cost at Sams with tax minus the Ibotta offer is $181.32. I am happy with these results and feel like we are stocked for at least 2 weeks with everything we will need.  Most likely we will make 3 weeks!

The hardest part about Sams is not purchasing everything your family uses just because you see it.  There are some items that are not worth the price and are a better deal with coupons.  Off the top of my head here are some items to avoid:

Cereal
Dog food and treats
Any personal hygiene products
K-cups
Canned goods

Tomorrow look out for a cheap, easy, and healthy meal!!