How Do I Know I'm Getting a "Good" Deal???

How do you know how much to buy if you don't know how "good" the price is?  That sounds like a tongue twister riddle...hehehe.  Two Words - Price Books.  This is a book you can create yourself and customize to your family's grocery needs.  Think of this book as a "reference price guide" to keep in your couponing binder.  You will know the every day price, the average sale price, and the rock bottom "stock up" price of all the items you decide to write down in your price book.  All you need is a notebook and writing utensils to make one.  Once again, good things do take time so just know that it will be a project that you do over time.  Fill in the prices over time when you are at the store, after shopping once you can refer to your receipt, and with your weekly grocery circulars.

How to Make one:

1.  Label the different food/grocery categories at the top of each page - EX: Dairy/Eggs, Chicken, Beef, Cosmetics, Diapers,etc.  Make sure and leave a couple of pages in between each entry since you will need room to write and fill the pages up with your price listings.

2.  Write common items in each food/grocery category that your family would eat/use.  EX:  Under the Dairy/Eggs category you could write items like a gallon of milk, almond milk, soy milk, creamer, etc.  This may take up several pages since there are so many different types of each food category in your book and the pricing is heavily correlated with the type, brand, size, cut of meat, etc. 

3.  Under each specific food item write the following:

*  An Average Sales Price - a price that is considered good but you have found the item cheaper in the past.  This is a price that isn't considered an "every day" price.

*  A Rock Bottom Stock Up Price -  this is "the mother" of all prices!  Last time you saw this item at this price you kicked yourself for the next couple of weeks because you didn't get enough...This price is usually rare, only occurs once or a couple of times per year and is the LOWEST price you have seen or bought the item for. 

*  Average Store Price -  Now this is optional.  More work for sure but it can really help over time.  In my price book I have put 4 different local stores that I consistently shop at with each item's every day price there.  This helps me when I need to get something when its not on sale or I have to make a quick stop to get it. 

4.  Optional.  Another great addition you can make to your book is to customize it for your family.  I have a special page towards the back of my book that is labeled "Common Household Favorites".  So you know the pricing when it comes to your favorite chips, make up, or soda.  Its easy to turn to and its one of the most common pages I use and fill out.