How I Determine a Good Deal – Part III: Establishing a Price Book & Stockpiling

 

(One corner of my pantry)

I started this series to explain this statement that I post in my weekly MARTIN’S coupon match-ups. 

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.

I explained in Part I how I was once a “blind shopper”.  I talked about understanding prices and when items are usually at their lowest price in Part II.  I now want to finally talk about how I have come to decide what is the best price for an item and when to buy extra and build a stockpile.

Figuring out the lowest price and when to buy things in larger quantities takes some time.  It has taken me several years to figure out the best deal and to figure out how much of an item I need to buy to hold us over until the next sale.  This is always going to be something that I am going to have to work at and continue to adjust as our children get older and the needs and eating patterns of our family change. 

There is the possibility that my little ones eat  “x”.  I then find it on a good sale and buy 10 boxes of “x” and they decide they don’t like it anymore.  (That happened with Megan when she was eating rice cereal.  I stocked up on a large quantity and then once she started eating more solids and finger foods she didn’t want rice cereal any longer.  I ended up giving my stockpile to another mom at our church.)

So, how did I start to realize what was a really low price and and a good time to buy additional quantities?  I started looking at other blogs and websites and using their comments on prices as an initial guide.  I had already started to realize the seasonal and holiday trends, but this was when the concept of sales cycles really started to occur to me.  I began to pay closer attention to the unit price versus the sticker price.  (Unit price is the amount per the measurement such as oz, ml, or lb.)  I began to understand that it really can be less expensive to use five $0.50/1 coupon for rice on the 1lb package that was a little over $1 and buy five bags than it was to use one coupon on a 5lb bag that cost more.

Determining your price points is going to be specific for you and your family.  We have allergies and don’t have any pets.  I don’t have any idea what is a good price for pet food.  I choose to buy some organic products.  These items do sometimes cost more, but that is a personal decision that I have made for what is best for our family.  (You may not have the same feeling and that is ok.)  There are condiments or spices that I don’t buy on a regular basis and I don’t know what the best price is.  I had to stop beating myself up about trying to get the absolute lowest price on absolutely everything I buy and realize that I save the most on the things that we use the most.

Having a stockpile of items that you use on a regular basis can not only save you money it can make your life easier.  I have three children under the age of 5 so making a quick trip to the grocery store for one or two things is not an easy task for me right now.  Having a stockpile allows me flexibility in our meals if our day doesn’t go as I had planned. I have been able to share my stockpile with lots of people and not just food drives.  I have shared things with missionaries back in the U.S. on furlough who don’t want to buy things like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.  I had my new sister-in-law and brother come shop out of my pantry to help them get their pantry started.  Having a stockpile means that I have the ingredients on hand to make brownies or cupcakes at the last minute for preschool or for an event at our church.  I have also been able to make meals for new moms with the majority of it coming from my stockpile items.  It is nice to be able to share, and they are getting the same brownies whether I paid $1.50 a box or $0.50 a box for the mix.

Here is just an idea of the target price I try not to exceed on the items I stockpile.  I can sometimes find them for even less, or free, if that is the case I buy as many as I can.

Rice: $0.25/lb

Pasta: $0.50/lb

Canned Fruit (Mandarin Oranges or Pineapple): $0.50 a can

Spaghetti Sauce: ~$1 a jar (depends on the brand)

Canned Tomatoes: $0.35 a can

Tomato Sauce or Paste: $0.25 a can

Canned Soup (Tomato or Chicken Noodle): $0.35

Canned Soup (Cream of Mushroom) : $0.50

Cake Mixes: $0.50

Cake Frosting: $0.50

Brownie Mixes: $0.50

Canned Beans: $0.60

Cereal: ~$1 a box (for the smaller boxes, I will pay ~$1.25 for  a medium sized box)

Crackers: $1.50 a box

Oatmeal (Quick Oats): $0.50 a container

Oatmeal (Instant): $0.75 a box

Peanut Butter: $1

Jelly: $1

Barbecue Sauce: $0.25 a bottle

Salad Dressing: $0.50 a bottle

Ketchup: $0.75 a bottle

Mustard: $0.50 a bottle

Mayonnaise: $1 a jar

Meat Marinades: $0.50 a bottle

Taco Seasoning Packets: $0.25 each

Sour Cream: $0.75 (for 16 oz)

Butter: $1.99/lb (the prices of butter can really fluctuate)

Refrigerated Cookie Dough: $1

Cheese: $0.50 (for 6-8oz)

American Cheese: $1 (24 slices)

Organic Milk: $2.50 (a half-gallon)

Yogurt: $0.25 (for a 6oz cup)

Coffee Creamer: $0.50 (for 1 oz)

Frozen Vegetables: $0.65 a bag

Ground Beef (85/15 or leaner): $1.99/lb

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: $1.99/lb

Bone-in Chicken Breast: $0.99/lb

London Broil (Top Round): $1.99/lb

Pork (Tenderloin or Chops): $1.79/lb

Apples: $0.99/lb

Organic Apples: $1.49/lb

Grapes: $0.99/lb

Strawberries: $1.99/lb

Peaches: $0.79/lb

One last thing that I would like to mention is that it is important even when you are building your stockpile that you still stay within your means.  It is easy to get caught up in that shoppers high of finding a great deal and blow your budget when you get to the check-out.  I remember reading somewhere that going over your budget by just $2 a week may not seem like a big deal, but if you consistently go over you budget by $2 each week that means you have spent an additional $104 a year.  Building a stockpile takes time.  It may be that you allow yourself $5 or $10 off your grocery budget to go to stockpile purchases.

I hope that explaining how I determine a good deal has been helpful.  I want to emphasize that we all have different likes, dislikes, and priorities on what or how we feed our families.  I have shared what works for us at this point in our lives.  I would love to hear any feedback on what you thought about this series, what your target price is for items that you stockpile,  or ways that you determine a good deal.

~Ann

How I Determine a Good Deal–Part II: Understanding Prices

 

In Part I of this series I talked about how I was a “blind shopper”.  I didn’t realize how much money I was spending because I didn’t understand how different factors influence how the stores price the merchandise.  These things are sale cycles, seasonal items, and holidays.

 

• Sales Cycles – The majority of stores perform some sort of inventory or evaluation of how they are doing on a quarterly basis.  This is to look at profitability or how certain departments are performing.  Manufacturers also do this.  If you start to really look at sales flyers you will notice that tends to be a trend as to when things like toilet paper and paper towels always go on sale for the lowest price.  It is generally about every 13 weeks.  I have really noticed this with other year-round items such as cereal, sodas, chips, and cheese.

 

• Seasonal Items and Holidays – When items go on sale or are at their lowest price is affected by the time of year or holidays.  In the summer months you don’t see coupons or things like soup on sale very often.  Those are winter items.  So here is my list of what is usually on sale and when.  This is strictly from my personal experience.  I am sure there are other bloggers or writers who have a list, but I am giving you the Ann version.

 

• January: New Years Resolutions
  • Diet foods (such as Slim-Fast, Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine), Peanut Butter, Jelly, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Soup, Canned Beans, Canned Tomatoes, Canned Vegetables, Frozen Vegetables, Coffee, Tea, Oatmeal, Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Pears

 

• February: Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day
  • Chips, Dips, Chocolate, Strawberries, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Soup, Canned Beans, Canned Tomatoes, Canned Vegetables, Coffee, Tea, Oatmeal

 

• March: Frozen Foods Month, Easter, Passover
  • Butter, Flour, Sugar, Baking Supplies, Pie Crust, Asparagus, Lamb, Ham, Canned Fruit, Eggs, Frozen Foods

 

• April: Easter, Passover, Earth Day
  • Butter, Flour, Sugar, Baking Supplies, Pie Crust, Asparagus, Lamb, Ham, Canned Fruit, Eggs, Salad Dressing, Natural/Organic Products

 

• May:  Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day
  • Salad Dressing, Barbeque Sauce, Ketchup, Hot Dogs, Ground Beef, Strawberries, Asparagus, Taco Shells, Tortillas, Taco Seasoning, Meat Marinades, Steak Sauce, Steak, Pasta (for pasta salad, not spaghetti), Vegetable Dips, Mayonnaise

 

• June: Grilling/Picnic Season
  • Salad Dressing, Barbeque Sauce, Ketchup, Hot Dogs, Ground Beef, Chicken, Meat Marinades, Steak Sauce, Steak, Pasta (for pasta salad, not spaghetti), Vegetable Dips, Mayonnaise, Strawberries, Blueberries, Melons

 

• July: Grilling/Picnic Season, Fourth of July
  • Salad Dressing, Barbeque Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise, Hot Dogs, Ground Beef, Chicken, Meat Marinades, Steak Sauce, Vegetable Dips, Blueberries, Peaches, Plums, Strawberries, Nectarines, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Tomatoes, Corn, Squash

 

• August: Grilling/Picnic Season, Back to School
  • Salad Dressing, Barbeque Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise, Hot Dogs, Ground Beef, Chicken, Meat Marinades, Steak Sauce, Vegetable Dips, Blueberries, Peaches, Plums, Strawberries, Nectarines, Corn, Tomatoes, Squash, Peanut Butter, Jelly

 

• September: Back to School
  • Peanut Butter, Jelly, Apples, Prepared Snacks (like granola bars and fruit snacks)

 

• October: Halloween
  • Apples, Grapes, Pumpkins, Winter Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Pork, Canned Beans, Canned Tomatoes, Canned Vegetables, Canned Soups, Candy

 

• November: Thanksgiving
  • Turkey, Apples, Pumpkins, Winter Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Pork, Canned Beans, Canned Tomatoes, Canned Vegetables, Cranberries, Stuffing, Celery, Baking Supplies

 

• December: Hanukah, Christmas, New Years Eve
  • Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Pears, Baking Supplies,  Rib Roast, Beef Tenderloin, Ham, Turkey, Dried Beans, Champagne, and Sparkling Cider

As you read over this list you may be thinking to yourself, I never realized that or put those things together.  I have to admit when I was the “blind shopper” I didn’t think about it.  But, it makes sense.  It is Economics 101 – supply versus demand.  When fresh produce is at its peak and very abundant, it is going to be less expensive. 

This is not an all-inclusive list, and just because I have it listed as on sale for that month doesn’t mean that it is on sale for the entire month or the best ever price for that item.  For example I have chocolate and strawberries listed as going on sale in February, that is because of Valentine’s Day.  It will be much less expensive to buy boxes of chocolate on February 15th than on February 13th.  The strawberries that you will see on sale in February are not going to be as inexpensive as the ones you will see on sale in May when they are at their peak for picking in Virginia.

It is traditional with lots of families to eat lamb for Passover or Easter and rib roast or beef tenderloin for Christmas or Hanukah.  Thanksgiving and Turkey are almost synonymous.  The week of the Super Bowl you will see lots of game day foods on sale like cocktail wieners, dips, and chips. 

There are also certain foods that we prefer to eat depending on the weather and what is readily available.  We eat more things like baked pastas, casseroles, soups, stews, and chili in the cooler months.  In the warmer months we tend to eat more salads, grill out more, or have picnics. 

I hope that you are able to see that when you start to realize the sale cycles and the best time of year to buy things you will become a better shopper and saver at the grocery store.

Please come back to read Part III – I plan to talk about establishing your price book and stockpiling

How I Determine a Good Deal -Part I: The “blind shopper”

I used to be what I call a “blind shopper”.  What is a “blind shopper”?  A “blind shopper” (according to me) is someone who buys the same things every week or because they are on her list and fits into what she wants to eat that week.  A “blind shopper” is the person who gets to the check-out line and says, “How did I end up spending that much?”.

I was a “blind shopper” for many years.  My mom was never a grocery couponer so I didn’t have the art passed down to me. I would buy things at the grocery store, like condiments or spices, not because I planned to make a recipe that called for them, but because I remembered my mom having them in her pantry and figured that I should have them as well.  I would buy things like chicken breast and ground beef because they were on the list.  I didn’t know what a good price was for these items, and I didn’t think to buy a second package because it was at a really good price so I could save money and not have to buy it the next week.  I didn’t have any concept of sales cycles or how changing seasons and holidays influenced what was on sale.  I would, on occasion, buy a second package of a non-perishable item if I saw it on sale.  It didn’t occur to me to buy more than that so I didn’t have to pay full price for it again it two weeks.

I was a “blind shopper” who even tried to use coupons.  I was the person who would say, “I don’t think the money I save with coupons is worth the effort.”  I actually spent more money because of coupons.  How?  I would buy the item just because I had a coupon, not because I needed the item that week. I didn’t understand the concept of holding onto the coupon until the item went on sale and getting an even better price.  I would sometimes go buy an item, like razors, because my coupon was about to expire.  I didn’t realize that generally when a coupon expires the company introduces a new coupon with a similar face value.  I also didn’t understand that you can stack store coupons with manufacturer coupons.

I also, for some reason, believed that Wal-Mart, Sams, and Costco, were always the best places to buy things.  Thank goodness I have seen the error in my ways!  I do still shop at Costco for some things, but I don’t do as much of my grocery shopping there as I did years ago.  I try to avoid Wal-Mart, unless I can get items for free.  I probably spent more money than I “saved” because of impulse buys or because I would buy a large quantity of a perishable item that ended up going to waste.

I began to see that by paying attention to prices, learning what a good price is for an item, understanding sales cycles, seasonal items, and holiday influences I can really save money.  I also saw that by combining this knowledge with understanding coupons I can save even more money.

Please come back for Part II.  I am planning to talk about understanding prices.

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of November 7th

There is a special offer on the bottom of the back page which can result in some really inexpensive brownie and cookie mixes.  Here is what is shown to be included along with coupons that are available and a potential deal idea.

Buy 10 participating products in a single transaction and get $5 off

• Pillsbury Classic Brownie Mix – $1
  • $0.40/1 coupon in the 11/7 RedPlum Insert
• Select Pillsbury Cake Mixes – $1
• Pillsbury Easy Frost No Fuss Frosting $2.89
  • $0.40/1 coupon in the 9/26 RedPlum Insert
  • $1/1 coupon at coupons.com
• Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz) – $2
  • $0.55/1 coupon in the 11/7 RedPlum Insert
• Crisco Oil (48 oz) – $2.49
  • $0.55/1 coupon in the 11/7 RedPlum Insert
• Select Pillsbury Ready To Spread Frosting – $1.39
  • $0.40/1 coupon in the 11/7 RedPlum Insert
• Pillsbury Premium Brownie Mix – $1.50
• Pillsbury Cookie Mix – $1.50
  • $0.40/1 coupon in the 9/26 RedPlum Insert
  • $0.50/1 coupon in the 11/7 RedPlum Insert
• Pillsbury Quick Bread – $2
  • $0.40/1 coupon in the 11/7 RedPlum Insert

Deal Idea:

Buy 5 Brownie Mixes and use (5) $0.40/1 coupons (only one will double)

Buy 5 Cookie Mixes and use (4) $0.50/1 coupons (only one will double) and (1) $0.40/1 coupon

Subtotal: $6.80

Receive $5 off for buying 10 items

Final Price $1.80

There is also a deal on the front page that says if you buy any 4 Kellogg’s Cereals in one visit with your BONUSCARD you will instantly get $6 off.  (Excludes Single Serve Cups and Discontinued Items)  I honestly don’t know the everyday price of Kellogg’s Cereal – I just know the price I am willing to pay for cereal (~$1 a box).  There is potential for this to be a good deal if you combine manufacturer coupons with the $1.50 off each box when you buy 4.  Here is a list of some coupons available for Kellogg’s cereal:

• $1/2 Rice Krispies and/or Cocoa Krispies in the 10/17 RedPlum Insert
• $1/3 Kellogg’s Cereals in the 10/17 RedPlum Insert
• Check out Coupons.com for other Kellogg’s cereal coupons that can be combined with other purchases
• Register at kelloggs.com for more printable coupons

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad.

Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.


Meat:

• Fresh GIANT Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks – $0.88/lb

Produce: Click here for a $1 off $5 of Produce Coupon

• Red or Golden Delicious Apples – $0.99/lb
• GIANT Russet Potatoes (5lb bag) – $2.50
• Fall Harvest Fresh Squash – $0.69/lb
• Fresh Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, or Blackberries – $2.99
  • Use this $0.50/1 coupon (must register)
  • $1.99 after sale and coupon

Dairy/Refrigerated:

• GIANT Shredded or Chunk Cheese – $1.50
• Hershey’s Milkshake (12 oz) – $1
  • Use this $0.35/1 coupon
  • $0.30 after sale and coupon
• International Delight Coffee Creamer – $1 (Not in the flyer but I saw it is still on sale while I was in the store on Monday.)
  • Buy 1 and use this $0.55/1 coupon OR
  • Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the 9/26 SmartSource Insert
  • Free or $0.50 each after sale and coupon
• Heluva Good Sour Cream – $1.25
  • Use this $0.50/1 coupon
  • $0.25 after sale and coupon
• Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese (24 oz) – $4.99
  • Use the $1/1 coupon in the 10/3 SmartSource Insert
  • $3.99 each after sale and coupon
• Land O Lakes Half & Half (32 oz) – $2.49
  • Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the 11/7 SmartSource Insert
  • $1.99 each after sale and coupon
• Welch’s Juice Cocktail – $2
  • Use the $0.75/1 coupon in the 9/12 SmartSource Insert
  • $1 each after sale and coupon

Grocery:

• Coca-Cola 6-packs (16.9oz bottles) – $1.99
• Select Green Giant Vegetables – $0.50 each
  • Buy 2 and use the $0.50/2 coupon in the 10/24 SmartSource Insert (not found in the Times-Dispatch)
  • Free after sale and coupon
• Francesco Rinaldi Spaghetti Sauce – $0.88
• GIANT Brand Pasta – $0.80
• Chicken on the Sea Solid White Tuna – $0.88
• Lay’s Kettle Cooked Chips or Doritos Tortilla Chips – 3/$6 (Must Buy 3)
• Healthy Choice Soup – $1
  • Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the 10/17 SmartSource Insert (not found in the Times-Dispatch)
  • $0.50 each after sale and coupon
• Progresso Traditional Soup – $1.33
  • Buy 4 and use the $1/4 coupon in the 10/24 SmartSource Insert
  • $1.08 each after sale and coupon
• Canada Dry, 7-UP, A&W, or Sunkist (2L) – $0.79
  • Buy 2 and use the Buy One Get One Free coupon from the 9/19 SmartSource Insert
  • $0.40 each after sale and coupon
• Smucker’s Preserves – $1.50
  • Use the $0.25/1 coupon in the 11/7 RedPlum Insert
  • $1 each after sale and coupon
• PAM Cooking Spray – $2.49
  • Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the November Issue of All You Magazine
  • $1.99 each after sale and coupon
• Swanson Chicken Broth (32 oz) –$2
  • Buy 3 and use the $1/3 coupon in the 11/7 SmartSource Insert
  • $1.67 each after sale and coupon
• Nissan Chow Mein Noodle Meals – $1
  • Buy 3 and use the $1/3 coupon in the 10/3 SmartSource Insert
  • $0.67 each after sale and coupon
• Duncan Hines Amazing Glazes – $1.59
  • Use the $0.75/1 coupon in the 9/26 SmartSource Insert
  • $0.59 each after sale and coupon
• McIlhenney Tabasco Sauce (2 oz) – $1
  • Use this $0.50/1 coupon (must register)
  • Free after sale and coupon
• Sun Crystals Sweetner – $4.49
  • Use the $1/1 coupon in the 11/7 RedPlum Insert
  • $3.49 after sale and coupon

Frozen Foods:

• GIANT Brand Steam Ready Vegetables – $1
• Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables – $1.67
  • Buy 1 and use the coupon in the 10/24 SmartSource Insert for a Free Steamfresh Lightly Sauced or Whole Grain Blend When You Buy Birds Eye Steamfresh
  • $0.84 each after sale and coupon
• GIANT Brand Whipped Topping – $0.79
• Barber Foods Stuffed Chicken Breast (30-36 oz) – $9.99
  • Use the $1/1 coupon in the 10/17 SmartSource Insert
  • $8.99 after sale and coupon
• Dole Frozen Blueberries or Mixed Berries (12 oz) – $3.29
  • Use the $0.75/1 coupon in the 11/7 SmartSource Insert
  • $2.49 after sale and coupon

Household:

• Halls Cough Drops – $1
  • Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the 11/7 SmartSource Insert
  • $0.50 each after sale and coupon
• CareOne Hand Soap – $1
  • Use the $1/1 CareOne Health or Beauty Item Coupon I mentioned here.
  • Free after sale and coupon

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

MARTIN’S Store Coupons

 

I was in MARTIN’S yesterday checking out some prices on a few items that were on sale this week and picking up some free items.  While I was there I saw these coupons sitting next to the customer service desk that are valid through 12/31/10.

The fine print says: “The item must be valued at $1 or more (Minimum spend must be met after all discounts have been subtracted from order.)  See Customer Service for complete list of exclusions.  Not to be doubled or tripled.  Limit one coupon per customer.”

I was able to use two coupons for two boxes of GIANT frozen waffles in two separate transactions.  (They ended up being $0.79 each after the coupon.)  I also picked up a CareOne kids Snoopy toothbrush for $0.13 after the coupon.   

Let me know if you find these coupons in a different location in your store, and any great deals that you find with the coupons. 

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

**Update – I ran to MARTIN’S real quick after I initially wrote this post.  I found CareOne Ibuprofen 24 count on sale for $1 (free after the coupon), and GIANT Quick Oats on sale for $1.19 ($0.19 after the coupon).  I had both of my girls with me so I didn’t get a chance to check out how long they are on sale. 

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of October 31st

 

I have to admit this is probably the most impressed I have been with a MARTIN’S ad since they came to Richmond.  I also appreciate the change in the format of their ad.  I like it better in a portrait versus landscape presentation.  I even found several free items after sale and coupon and that always makes me happy. 

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad.

Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.

Meat:

• Fresh USDA Choice Whole Eye Round Roast in Cryovac - $1.99/lb
• Fresh Whole Boneless Pork Loin (avg 10-12 lb) - $1.99/lb (will cut to your specifications for free)
• Gwaltney Sliced Bacon (12 oz) - $2.50
• Fresh Whole Pork Shoulder Roast - $0.99/lb
• GIANT Fresh, All Natural Whole Chicken - $0.89/lb

Produce:

• Gala Apples - $0.99/lb
• Fall Squash - $0.69/lb

Dairy/Refrigerated:

• International Delight Flavored Coffee Creamer (16 oz) - $1
• Buy 1 and use this $0.55/1 coupon OR
• Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the 9/26 SmartSource Insert
• Free or $0.50 each after sale and coupon
• Kraft Natural Chunk Cheese (8oz) - $2
  • Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the 9/26 SmartSource Insert
  • $1.50 each after sale and coupon

Grocery:

• San Giorgio Pasta (12-16 oz) - $0.79
• Buy 2 boxes of Quick Cook Pasta and use the $1/2 coupon in the 10/3 SmartSource Insert
• $0.29 a box after sale and coupon
• Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake Mix - $0.79
• Betty Crocker Ready to Spread Frosting - $1.29
• Buy Cake Mix and Frosting and use the $0.75/2 coupon in the 10/3 SmartSource (General Mills) Insert
• $1.08 for cake mix and frosting
• Eight O’Clock Coffee - $5.99 (Buy One Get One Free)
• Buy 2 and use the $2/2 coupon in the 10/24 SmartSource Insert
• $1.99 each after sale and coupon
• Snapple Iced Tea 12 Pack - $13.99 (Buy One Get One Free)
• $0.58 a bottle
• Progresso Vegetable Classics Soup - $1
• Buy 4 and use the $1/4 coupon in the 10/24 SmartSource Insert
• $0.75 each after sale and coupon
• Skinny Water - $1
• Use this $0.50/1 coupon or this $0.50/1 coupon
• Free after sale and coupon
• Dole Mandarin Oranges (15 oz) - $1
• Buy 2 and use the $0.50/2 coupon in the November issue of All You Magazine
• $0.50 each after sale and coupon
• Idahoan Mashed Potatoes (4-4.1 oz bag) - $1
• “Like” Idahoan Potatoes on facebook for a $1 off coupon OR
• Use this $0.40/1 coupon
• Free to $0.20 each after sale and coupon
• Del Monte Vegetables - $0.67
• Buy 5 and use the $1/5 coupon in the 9/19 RedPlum Insert
• $0.47 each after sale and coupon
• McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract (1 oz) - $4.06 (Buy One Get One Free)
• $2.03 a bottle
• Newman’s Own Pasta Sauce - $2
• Use the $0.50/1 coupon in the 10/24 RedPlum Insert
• $1 after sale and coupon
• Sauer’s Gravy Mix – Prices starting at $0.75 each (Buy One Get One Free)
•  As low as $0.38 each after sale
• Hunt’s Tomato Sauce - $0.40
• Hunt’s Tomato Paste - $0.50
• Nabisco Ritz Crackers - $2.50
• Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the 9/26 SmartSource Insert
• $2 each after sale and coupon
• Dole Fruit (24.5 oz jar) - $2
• Buy 2 Glass Jars of Dole All Natural Fruit and use the $0.50/2 coupon in the 10/17 SmartSource Insert
• $1.50 each after sale and coupon (if included in sale)
• Select Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa - $1
• Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the October issue of All You Magazine
• $0.50 each after sale and coupon

Frozen Foods:

• Turkey Hill Ice Cream - $1.99
• Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon from the 8/29 RedPlum Insert - not in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD)
• $1.49 each after sale and coupon
• Swanson Hungry-Man Dinners - $2
• Use this $2/1 coupon
• Free after sale & coupon

Household:

• Kleenex Tissues with Lotion (78 ct) - $1
• Buy 3 and use the $0.50/3 coupon in the 10/3 SmartSource Insert
• $0.67 each after sale and coupon

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of October 24th

I was excited to see London Broil for $1.99/lb on the front page of this week’s ad.  I picked up two before Michael was born and made this recipe for Steak and Cheese Hoagies with one of them.  It was really good and really easy.  I decided to add some grilled onions and provolone cheese to make it my own.  I can’t wait to make it again in the next week.

There are also some great deals for Halloween candy this week:

• Hershey’s Halloween Milk Chocolate Snack Size Candy - $2.50
  • Buy 3 and use the $1/3 coupon in the 10/17 SmartSource Insert
  • $2.16 each after sale and coupon
• Skittles or Starburst Fun Size Candy - $2.50
  • Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the 10/10 SmartSource Insert
  • $2 each after sale and coupon
• Mars Halloween Fun Size Candy – $1.99 (Limit 3 with a $25 minimum purchase and in-ad coupon)
  • Buy 3 and use the $1.50/3 coupon in the 10/10 RedPlum Insert
  • $1.49 each after sale and coupon

There are four store coupons on the front page of the flyer this week.  The fine print on the coupon says that you need to have the coupon, your BONUSCARD, and spend a minimum of $25 in order to get the special price for the items.  There is a a limit of one, I don’t know if that means per transaction, per day, or per BONUSCARD.  If you meet the criteria there are some good deals.  Here is what you can get:

• Red Delicious Apples (3 lb) - $1.49 (Additional quantities are $2.49 each)
• Fresh Perdue Oven Stuffer Roaster - $0.69/lb (Additional quantities are $0.99/lb)
• GIANT Acadia Spring Water 24pk/16.9oz - $1.99 (Additional quantities are $2.99 each)
• GIANT Italian Bread – FREE (Additional quantities are $1 each)

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.  :)

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad.

Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.

Meat:

• London Broil - $1.99/lb
• Ground Beef (75/25) Value Pack - $1.99/lb
• Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat (9oz tubs) - $3.33
  • Use the $0.35/1 coupon in the 10/24 RedPlum Insert
  • $2.63 each after sale and coupon
• GIANT Fresh Chicken Leg Quarters Value Pack - $0.79/lb
• Hillshire Farm Polska Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage Ropes (Regularly $4.49) – Buy One Get One Free
  • Buy 2 and use the $0.75/2 coupon in the 10/3 RedPlum Insert
  • $1.75 each after sale and coupon
• Cooked Perfect Italian Meatballs (3 lb bag) - $7.99
  • Use the $1 coupon in the 10/17 RedPlum Insert
  • $6.99 after sale and coupon
• Johnsonville Bratwurst, Breakfast Sausage Links or Smoked Bratwurst – 33% off
  • Use this $0.55/1 coupon (will double to $1)
  • Final price will vary
• Kunzler Sliced Bacon – Buy One Get One Free (I think regularly ~$3.99 each, but I haven’t had a chance to confirm that price) 
  • Unsure of final price

Produce:

• Cherry Berry Tomatoes (1 pint) - $2
• Romaine Hearts (18 oz) - $2
• Dole Special Blend Salad or Complete Kit - $2
• Tote Bag Apples - $0.99/lb
• Fall Harvest Fresh Squash - $0.69/lb

Dairy/Refrigerated:

• Kraft Cracker Barrel Cheese (Bars, Cracker Cuts, or Snack Sticks) - $2.50
  • Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the 9/26 SmartSource Insert
  • $2 each after sale and coupon
• Kraft Shredded Cheese - $2
  • Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the 9/26 SmartSource Insert
  • $1.50 each after sale and coupon
• Shedd’s Spread Country Crock (15 oz) - $2.19
  • Use this $0.40 coupon
  • $1.39 after sale and coupon
• Nesquik Flavored Milk (16 oz) - $1
  • Buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon in the 8/1 RedPlum Insert
  • $0.50 each after sale and coupon
• Turkey Hill Iced Tea or Lemonade (64 oz) - $1.33 each

Grocery:

• Campbell’s Tomato or Chicken Noodle Soup - $0.50
• Select Barilla Pasta - $1
• GIANT Canned Vegetables - $0.60
• GIANT Pasta - $0.80
• Campbell’s Cream Soup (Mushroom or Chicken) - $1.25
  • Buy 4 and use the $0.30/4 coupon in the 10/3 SmartSource Insert OR
  • Use this $1.50/3 coupon
  • As low as $0.75 a can after sale and coupon
• Ortega Taco Shells – $1.50
  • Buy 2 and use the $0.50/2 coupon in the 9/12 SmartSource Insert
  • $1 each after sale and coupon
• Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix - $0.67
  • Buy 2 and use the $0.50/2 coupon in the 9/12 SmartSource Insert
  • $0.17 each after sale and coupon
• Ortega Taco Sauce - $1.50
  • Buy 2 and use the $0.50/2 coupon in the 9/12 SmartSource Insert
  • $1 each after sale and coupon
• Bush’s Best Beans - $0.75 each
• Dreamfields Healthy Pasta – $1.67
  • Use the $0.55/1 coupon in the 9/12 SmartSource Insert
  • $0.67 each after sale and coupon
• White House Apple Sauce 6-Pack - $1.50
  • Use the $0.55/1 coupon in the 9/26 RedPlum Insert
  • $0.50 after sale and coupon
• Pepsi Fridge Mate or 6-Pack – 4/$10 (Must Buy 4)
• Beech-Nut Mini Meals - $2
  • Use the $1 coupon in the 8/1 SmartSource
  • $1 after sale and coupon

Frozen Foods:

• Healthy Choice Frozen Dinners - $2
  • Buy 6 and use 2 of the $1/2 coupon in the 10/17 SmartSource Insert and use the Buy 5 Get 1 Free Coupon in the 9/26 SmartSource Insert
  • $1.33 each after sale and coupon
• Celeste Pizza for One - $0.89
• Banquet Frozen Dinners - $0.89
• Green Giant Boxed Vegetables - $1
  • Buy 3 and use the $0.60/3 coupon in the 9/12 SmartSource (General Mills) Insert
  • $0.67 each after sale and coupon
• Alexia Fries, Onion Rings, or Side Dishes - $2.99
  • Use the $1 coupon in the November Issue of All You Magazine OR
  • Get a $1 coupon by “liking” Alexia on Facebook
  • $1.99 after sale and coupon
• Lightlife Frozen Entrees - $2.50
  • Use the $1 coupon in the 9/12 SmartSource Insert
  • $1.50 after sale and coupon

Household:

• Scotties Facial Tissues - $1.25
  • Buy 3 and use the $0.50/3 coupon in the 10/10 RedPlum Insert
  • $1 each after sale and coupon
• Wisk 2X Liquid Laundry Detergent (50 oz) - $4.99
  • Use the $2 coupon in the 10/24 RedPlum Insert
  • $2.99 after sale and coupon
• Bounty Quilted Napkins - $2.69
  • Use the $0.25 coupon in the 9/26 Proctor & Gamble Insert
  • $2.19 after sale and coupon
• Prilosec OTC Acid Reducer (14 ct) - $9.99
  • Use the $3 off coupon in the 10/10 Proctor & Gamble Insert
  • $6.99 after sale and coupon
• Cottonelle Bath Tissue (12 Rolls) - $5.99
  • Use this $0.50 coupon (must register)
  • $4.99 after sale and coupon

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.

Happy Shopping!

~Ann