[Nicole]

I am going to be honest with you....

I find HEB to be the least coupon friendly store out there. I don't think I save money at HEB Honestly I think I lose it I mean really lose it. I look at the prices and know I can beat it at least by .50 at Wal-Mart. I am not a Wal-Mart fan at all, but the prices are a little better. Since I have been going to HEB more than any other place (basically because I am lazy it’s just down the street from my house) my grocery bills have increased by 25%. I am trying to limit my spending and not drive if I don't have too. If I can walk I do, and I can walk to HEB. I am getting healthier (I average 25 miles a week walking now!) and saving gas at the same time. I have gotten to where if I can't get it on sale or use a manufactures coupon I don't buy it. I take the bus to Wal-Mart instead of driving because it only cost me sometimes $1 round trip sometimes $2 depending on how long I am in there. It's just another way for me to save money. I am finding that if I am spending more money on groceries then I have to cut some other place. Let's be honest our income hasn't increased by everything else has.

The only suggestion I have is really watch on here for good deal, if you don't need it don't buy it unless it's basically free. If the store sales are things you will use then jump on them. If you can buy something you can get multiple meals out of it (the meal deal this week) you might spend more to begin with but it will average out then go for it. If the store brand is OK with you and it's cheaper than something with a coupon then buy store brands. I have my family drinking HEB soda unless the name brand is on sale and cheaper than the HEB soda we don't buy it. We love the HEB Diet lime soda. Right now my pantry and freezer are full of bacon, ham steaks, spaghetti sauce, brisket (thanks to the meal deal) ham, peanut butter things that will last for a long time. When milk is on sale for $3 or less I put two in my freezer because it's still saves me a dollar. I know it's not much but it adds up! You have to find what works for you !