Best Websites for Home Economizing? (Coupons, Shopping Lists, etc.)

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to get our spending on groceries and home goods under control. Are there any really good websites that help? Specifically, is there anything free that helps with organizing shopping lists and menus, finds and organizes coupons, etc? I'm finding a lot of sites that do bits of everything but nothing comprehensive.

[Anonymous]

It depends on how you shop. How many people are in your family? What do you buy in general- fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, dairy, packaged goods? Would you be willing to change how you eat somewhat?

I do very well on groceries, and we eat very well- this is my methodology, but it doesn't work for everyone:
-Garden throughout spring, summer, and fall. I get lots of tomatos, peppers, beans, swiss chard, lettuces, etc depending on the season. Fresh vegetables taste MUCH better than store-bought.

-We're a small household so it doesn't make sense to join a warehouse store. However, I go with a relative every 1-2 months and pick up non-perishables and household goods.

-Otherwise, I watch the grocery store sale circulars that come in the mail. Frequently, the circulars for stores like Safeway and Walgreens have exceptional "loss-leader" coupons. I live within walking/running distance of three supermarkets (Safeway, Giant, Harris Teeter). I'll stop in at those stores just to get aluminum foil for 69 cents, or use some other good coupon or combine it with manufacturer's coupons.

-However, I wouldn't use a coupon just for the sake of using a coupon. Frequently, the store brand at Safeway/Giant/Harris Teeter can be less expensive than the name brand with a coupon.

-Sale circulars are also good to watch for good prices on good steaks- we are close to all the supermarkets so I'll go to the one that has the special on ribeye.. etc.

-Find some recipes you enjoy that are less expensive, and use them. We primarily eat protein (chicken, meat, fish) and vegetables, not starches. However, there are some recipes we really enjoy such as spagetti carbonara.

-I try not to waste food- some leftover flour tortillas can be a quesadilla for lunch at work, etc. I started drawing the line with DH, to eat something even if he'd rather have something else that night, so it doesn't go to waste. But- most importantly and this works well most of the time- I am just better about meal planning and what I buy.