The end of the series has arrived. 😉

Though not as thorough as my food cycle series, covering my menu planning ^[2] to grocery shopping ^[3] to evaluating the savings ^[3], this Start Saving from Scratch series condensed that information with links back to the original posts.

As a review, the breakdown of the series is as follows:

Start Saving from Scratch

Part 1 ^[4]: Organizing my food supply

Part 2 ^[5]: Creating a menu

Part 3 ^[6]: Compiling a grocery list

Part 4 ^[7]: Gathering my savings

Part 5 ^[8]: Giving groceries a home

Part 6: Taking a Step Back and Repeat

Part 6: Taking a Step Back and Repeat

To learn from my mistakes and improve saving my family money, I take the time to evaluate my shopping trips ^[9]. I review my grocery lists, store envelopes, and receipts.

Reviewing grocery lists

As I scan my grocery list, I like to review the shopping trip ^[10]. If I did not pick up an item, then I take a closer look to see if I missed it or made the right decision. In using time wisely to think through my shopping trip, I have learned to check the price per unit to determine the best deal as well as focusing on the buy one, get one free deals over sale prices when stockpiling.

Reviewing store envelopes

At the end of my shopping trip, my store envelopes get stuffed with receipts, lists, coupons, rain checks, coupon policies, and my notes. Upon reviewing my grocery list, I remove, sort, organize, and insert any needed items back into my envelopes ^[11].

Reviewing receipts

Though I review my receipt before leaving the store, I review it again at home to take surveys, document my savings, and then file it away ^[12]. By taking Bi-Lo surveys, I have received coupons for free hand sanitizer, fruit snacks, tissues, cold medicine, and orange juice. In using time wisely to take surveys, I have reduced our grocery spending with these free items.

By documenting my savings, I can track my savings and my spending. Realizing that I am saving 80% on one purchase and 50% on another purchase, I can evaluate the depth of my savings. The best part of keeping track is looking back at the conclusion of the year to see the total amount saved.

Since I use my credit card for grocery purchases, I file the receipts to reconcile my statement once a month.

In completing this series, reviewing my grocery lists, store envelopes, and receipts helps me learn how to increase my savings. This process works for me. As I continue to follow these steps, I can even send someone else to the store with instructions and get the same result.

I was so proud of Paul as I was busy with the kids and needed to get to the store. Paul asked if he could go to help me out. Of course, I gave him what he needed. He returned bragging about purchasing $70 in retail for under $5 after loyalty card, sales, and coupons discounts.

As you continue using time wisely to save your family money while feeding them, find a routine that works for you. As you practice, you will get more efficient. Happy saving!

Question: How do you evaluate your shopping trips?