[quote=FlyerInHi]BG, you sound like a good shopper and a person who can resist temptation really well. Good for you….[/quote]Well, the key is that you have to “go with the flow” with whatever is offered on sale/clearance this week and can’t be “brand-loyal” the way I shop. You also can’t be “in a hurry” to purchase a particular item. If you know you won’t use it this week and it is not deeply discounted right now, then don’t buy it. It is likely to go on sale within the next 14 days at one of the Big Three “corporate” grocery chains in SD County. You need to sign up for e-mails for their deals which come out every Wed. If you’re in the store and see something in the clearance areas that won’t spoil and you will definitely use in the near future, then buy it, ESP if you have a coupon for it.
I used to buy my grains at Sprouts but their bags went up in price over $1 each. Steel cut oatmeal is now cheaper at Ralphs, as is flaxseed. I agree that Sprouts’ produce is really cheap. However, the tomatoes are of better quality at Vons.
You also can’t be loyal to any particular store. I buy staples at Grocery Outlet such as eggs ($2.73 for a dozen local “jumbo size” which typically isn’t carried in the “Big 3” cuz they are too big for recipes), $1.49 for 24 oz wide 100% WW bread, $2.29 gal milk and as little as $1.99 for a GAL of 100% CA orange juice (both from Rockview Farms):
I can actually still feed two pets and two people (if necessary) very well (incl personal and hshld items) for $160 – $170 month and I lost my commissary privileges almost two years ago! Fortunately, I am surrounded my grocery stores of every kind 🙂
My strategy wouldn’t work nearly as well for a rural dweller who had to plan trips for grocery shopping due to more time and gas expended. I can just drop by any of the big 3 on my way to/from the gym, post office, and other local offices I regularly visit without wasting any extra time or gas.
I have never belonged to Costco (formerly “Price Club”) even when I had a family to feed. I’m not in any way, shape or form interested in buying in bulk (and having to store it). The reason is because most of us in SD County are surrounded by stores and whatever you want will be cheaper next week or the week after. Hence, there is no reason whatsoever to stock up unless you just made a killing on the purchase or you live in the boonies.
Edit: I have always only fed “premium brands” of dry pet food. These items are on sale and clearance frequently and coupons are readily available both online and off.