Many have emailed and asked about my Grocery price book. Well, now that I am on a diet, I have started a NEW price book, and will need about 12 weeks to compile all of the correct information.  If you want to create your OWN price book, here are my suggestions.

Update:  Click here to download a free, printable version of my grocery price book!

1. Go to the same grocery store, all of the time, unless you see a really, really, low price advertised for a product at another store.
2. Get familiar with the items you want to buy, and be sure that the store you are shopping at has those products. (Duh!)
3. “Deals” and “specials” are not always good deals nor are they always special. This is what your price book is for!
4. Prices for products usually cycle every 12 to 15 weeks, so when you go into the store, take a calculator, a small note-book, and a pen.  (Instead of a note-book, use the free, printable grocery price book.)
5. Write down the item, and the price, plus the price per oz, foot, sheet, whatever. The price per unit is the most IMPORTANT information. You will want to know if the 36 or the 72 ounce is the best deal. If using coupons, it is sometime CHEAPER to buy the smaller item. Without coupons, it is USUALLY, but not always, cheaper to buy the bigger item.
6. It will take about 3 months to get a good idea of the cycle of prices.
7. Wal-Mart is a good place to compare prices.  I prefer Kroger.
8. Wal-Mart will price-match offers from competing stores.  This is important to know, if you choose to shop there.
9. STOCK UP! After 3 months or so, you will have a “feeling” when a product hits its ultimate “low”. Stock up. Buy as many of the item as you will need, usually a 3 months supply (until the low comes around again!). This works really well with detergents, can goods, and other non-perishables.
10. Fruit and fresh veggies go up and down with season. You might find a local grocer or farmer who can get you a better deal on these items.

There you go, that’s how I do it. We buy about 50 or so regular items, and I keep a price check on all of them.