It's all about the bottom line! What is your best price?

[momo4]

I'm extremely frugal! I make my own laundry detergent, dish washer detergent, most of my own cleaning supplies.
I purchase Borax(clothes washing detergent)-dial corp. will send a coupon home mailer.
Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (for washing detergent)
Baking Soda (Washing detergent)(dishwasher)(cleaning stovetops, grill, ect.)
and One Bar Soap (for making washing detergent).
I can make enough to last six months for a family of six. (four kids)
These things cost me less that $50 a year with coupons. Of course if it is free after coupons or rebates I buy the name brand stuff that way.
The only thing I have trouble getting cheap or free is fruits, veggies, and meat. I do okay on everything else so far. I'm hoping to get our budget down to $200 a month. I'm still fairly new at couponing. We were going into credit card debt every month trying to keep things we needed in our house. Now we are creeping out of the hole!!

[politjunkie]

What about frozen veggies... Fry's has green giant bags 2/$5, if i use 2 $1/1 they would be 2/$3.. how good of a deal is that or not?

[MamaBird06]

Originally Posted by politjunkie

What about frozen veggies... Fry's has green giant bags 2/$5, if i use 2 $1/1 they would be 2/$3.. how good of a deal is that or not?

how many ounces? And what type? Ive gotten birdseye corn and peas for about .35 for 1 lb after sales/q's, some have reported getting frozen veggies for free! I haven't yet though.

[MamaBird06]

Originally Posted by politjunkie

How about Salsa? What will you pay for a 16oz jar of salsa?

The best price i've gotten on salsa is .97 for 30 oz of pace, on sale and after q's and doubling. Otherwise you could make your own, let's say 1 14 oz can of muir glen diced tomatoes 1.22-1 ip. a bit of vinegar, ground cumin, red pepper, diced onions, serrano pepper if you like it spicy, put in food processor for a few seconds and it done, for about .35 and 5 mins. That's what i do if there are no great salsa sales. Of course i always have spices and such on hand so its easy to whip a batch up.

[House_Of_Six]

Just was wondering for all you coupon, and frugal people what maximum you will pay for everyday items using coupons or not?

Let's just name a few but would love to hear about other items that come to mind when you read this.

Toilet paper?
Paper towels?
Pasta?
Canned veggies and fruits?
Frozen veggies and fruits?
Cereal?
Ice cream & novelties?
Condiments?
Diapers and wipes?
Cheese?
Yogurt?
This is a major one: Ground beef, Chicken breasts, bacon, sausage?

I appreciate all your ideas on prices!

Thanks!
Renee

[Jiji]

I can't really give prices that will help you as I am in GA and I'm sure the beginning prices AND coupons are different. I will say this - if it's a good deal in your budgeted grocery amount, it's a good deal. That being said, I don't buy pasta, condiments or frozen veggies unless they are pennies each.

TP and toilet paper are bought at CVS, so it's just whenever P & G or Scott have a deal.

I NEVER pay more than $2# for meat, unless it's steak and then it's $4 or less. Chuck eyes are better than ribeyes and WM's price is usually $3.98 - $4.28.

The rest just really depend on what the price is after Qs and sales and how bad I want/need it.

[randommusings]

That's one of those things that can be tough to answer (at least for me). Any meat I buy is on sale- and I only buy chicken breast when its BOGO (which, really- is most of the time).

I plan my shopping around sales, and coupons that I have. That's really the best you can do. Try to stack coupons (manuf & stores Q's together) goes a long way, when its possible to do, as well as double and triple coupon sales.

IF i need something, I will buy it- look at milk- almost $5 a gallon some places. Sometimes you can find tear pads that have buy x product and get x amount off milk, but if the product is something I don't use or need- theres no savings involved.

It really comes to knowing your stores, knowing your local prices, and maximizing your savings.

BUt I won't pay more than 25 cents for a toothbrush! lol - too many Q's and with double and triple Q's available, makes them free most of the time! lol

[thebudgetislaw]

I am new to this, and I know I am spending WAY TOO much for some items. With prices going up a lot recently, how much is too much to pay for certain items? Toothpaste, toiletpaper, toothbrush, shampoo, etc..

[charlottevol]

Originally Posted by thebudgetislaw

I am new to this, and I know I am spending WAY TOO much for some items. With prices going up a lot recently, how much is too much to pay for certain items? Toothpaste, toiletpaper, toothbrush, shampoo, etc..

You should be able to get toothpaste and toothbrushes for free or pennies. Even if you are in LOND, CVS and Wags will keep you pretty well supplied. I try to get shampoo for free, but will pay less than $1 for a brand I really like.

Cheap toliet paper is hard to come by here. I stocked up yesterday at 0.27/double roll because that's the best price I've seen in a LONG time.

[kacey28]

i've made a spreadsheet based on posts in this thread and some of my own bottom line prices.

this might be a good tool for newbies and pros alike ?

please provide feedback on what items i should add, how to make it better or fill in some of the missing info.

thanks!!

well the graphic got lost somehow. it's now a google doc :)

PMFan - I just came across this awsome spreadhseet you created. As it's been a while, could you confirm if this is the original version, or is it maintained? I think it is wonderful!!