Hi and welcome to Mommysavers!!
Georgia mom gave you some good tips about pricing and coupon shopping.
My DH gets paid every 2 weeks. Through trial-and-error, I've found that it works better for us to go shopping on the payday. We have been doing the bulk of our shopping at Costco (like Sam's).
I find that even with shopping every 2 weeks, we still need to run to our smaller warehouse store every so often to pick up a few things that we run out of (apples/lettuce, etc.). We couldn't stretch it to once per month, but it's different for every family. On those times that I plan my trip to the grocers to take advantage of coupons and promos for the "big deals", I do find that I don't totally stick to my list. That has been a major pitfall for us.
I'm concentrating on doing about 95% of our shopping during the bi-weekly Costco payday trips. Those little side trips to pick up other things can be more costly for us, especially if DH goes as he tends to pick up junk here and there in the store.
That being said, there are a few items that are better priced at WalMart or our Smart&Final, than at Costco. We get a large tub of light whipped cream cheese and our large tub of frozen yogurt at S&F (they don't sell these at Costco). I get the chicken noodle soup (DS's fav) at WalMart and it's cheaper than the Campbell's at Costco. Our S&F is within walking distance, so we save gas and it limits how much we can buy since we have to carry it. I pick up tons of the soup when I happen to be at WalMart buying other stuff. Although our WalMart is close, I don't make a separate trip just for that.
Keeping track of prices of items that you always buy can help you decide who has the best deal if you are so inclinded to shop multiple places and for the lowest price.
I've cut down more on shopping here-and-there since gas prices have gone way up. I do know that Costco doesn't always have the lowest prices on stuff, but if I add my time and gas $$, it either breaks even, or is cheaper in the long run. Since starting this strategy last month, I've found it's been easier to stick to our budget.
This is what works for our family. It's all individual. There are many different ways to shop and stay within your budget. It took me a few months to figure my strategy ~ others are much better at it than I am.
I'm sure there will be others coming along that can give you some great advice!!
Welcome again and good luck!!!
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