Money Saving Monday #5

I went grocery shopping Thursday night and saved almost $77.00 between the coupons I used (almost $20) and the store savings. I was trying to spend $125.00 for groceries this week, and managed to walk out spending $105.32, which leaves me $20.00 when we run out of bread or need fresh fruit.

My favorite deal was $1.88/gallon milk! It hasn't been that low in over a year, and I was able to buy 3 gallons at that price. We usually drink 2-3 gallons a week, so I bought 3!

I would have spent more if they hadn't been out of Charmin. I am not especially brand-loyal, except for toilet tissue and diapers. The Charmin was almost 1/2 off, and the shelves were EMPTY! Which finally brings me to my money saving tip of the week -- Ask for rainchecks!

When I was checking out, I asked the cashier for a raincheck on the Charmin. I had the store ad with me, so it was easy to point out the sale. She had someone check to make sure there really wasn't any more, then filled out a raincheck so that I can pick up 2 at that price anytime in the next 30 days.

If an advertised item isn't available, and it's something I want/need, I always ask for a raincheck. Very rarely, an item will not be valid for rainchecks, but that is always marked in the ad. You can get rainchecks at grocery stores and mass merchandisers (like Target and K-Mart.)

I tuck the raincheck in the front of my coupon pouch so I don't forget to use it.

Do you have a grocery shopping tip to share? Leave me a comment! Also -- any interest in me creating a "Mr. Linky" for this topic so others can post about this topic on their blogs and leave a link? Let me know and I'd be happy to set it up!