How I Shop: Stocking Up at Safeway!

I have been fielding a lot of questions from friends, family and readers about finding the best deals, couponing tips and just exactly "how do you do it?"

So, Im going to start a series of blog posts on "How I Shop". I have philosophies that work for me, so feel free to take what you like from it and apply it to your next shopping trip!

Safeway, is a place that I had avoided for a long, long time, as I was on a serious budget and my (mis)perception was that Safeway was one of the more expensive places to shop.

That was BEFORE I discovered the art of couponing AND the added services that Safeway has added to their club card system!

First, I highly recommend that you go online to Safeway.com and register your rewards card (or get one if you don't already have one). When you register your Rewards Card online, you have access to the "Just for U" benefits.

Once registered, you can save time (and money) by:
* adding manufacturers coupons exclusive to Safeway (just click and save)
* add club card reward offers (and Safeway coupons offered in their weekly ads)
* add PERSONALIZED deals Just For U!

Once all of your deals are added, you can print your list (which I highly recommend) or you can make it hard on yourself (like I do with no printer at home) and write a list of products in a notebook that I want to take advantage of.

I then attempt to do some coupon matching of clipped coupons I have at home prior to going shopping.

Once I'm organized, I move up and down the isles and check things off my list! All discounts are taken at the register).

Safeway is famous of their BOGO (buy one get one) offers. I LOVE THESE! You can use Manufacturers Coupons to reduce your price even more!

I especially love their BOGO Meat Sales! I have noticed them twice in the last 6 months. I have been able to save on more expensive cuts of meat and max packs (larger quantities) and been able to stock up my freezer! I budget an extra $100 for this trip, because that means I get $200 in meat (and yes, it actually does make a difference on the per lb price!). This saves me in the long run, because I don't have to budget weekly to buy meat.

Safeway is also known for their SUPER sales on and around holidays. Just recently I was able to get Nabisco snack crackers (Triscuits, Wheat Thins, and Cheeze-Its) for less thatn $1/ box! I took advantage of their sales, my personalized / club card deals, and my clipped coupons!

I stock up on deals where I know the sale price is (at minimum) 50% or more off of the retail price. Because stores are known for upping their prices before applying the sale price, so it just "appears" that it's a good deal. I have been getting REALLY good at eye-balling what things go for at all the other stores that I shop at, so I know comparatively, whether or not it's a good deal.

Hope fully this gives you a little insight into how I tackle (what I consider to be) one of the more complicated stores and how to maximize your savings!