My Shopping Plans

Many readers have asked how I stay withing my budget each week and save so much. I've started to post my weekly shopping plans, so everyone can see my thought process for shopping and saving.

I've been posting my shopping plans for six week. Overall, my plans have been quite boring. Is it just me being stocked up on most items, or do think the great deals have been few and far between also?

Here is what I plan to shop for this week:

Aldi: I picked up the basics and cheap produce. Milk, creamer, eggs, pineapple, strawberries, Roma tomatoes, and lettuce. Spent: $11.76

CVS: Since I'm not a big Fig Newton fan, I was going to skip CVS, but maybe I should stop and see if they have the Oral-B toothbrushes in stock. It's hard to pass up a money-maker at CVS since you don't need fillers to use your ECBs.

Walgreens: I haven't shopped at Walgreens in weeks. Maybe that is why I've been bored with shopping lately. Jenny B mentioned in one of her comments she found Walgreen weirdly thrilling because you never know what to expect. Hmmm. Maybe I should dig out my Stayfree coupons and head to Walgreens for a thrill.

Target: I can get excited about Targets deals this week. Well, at least the Breyers and Ben & Jerry's. I only have one of the Target insert and not much space in the freeze, so I'll be picking up (3) Breyers and (2) Ben & Jerry's. I'll need dog food soon, so I'll save my $5 giftcard to purchase Dog Chow later. Somehow having a Giftcard takes the "bite" out of the price of dog food. Projected to spend: $10.95

Shop 'n Save: I don't usually shop at Shop 'n Save unless they offer $10 off $50. The Old El Paso seasoning, Small Steps napkins, and Red Gold tomatoes are good deals this week, but I'm stocked up on seasoning and napkins. I don't think it's worth my time to stop and see how they might deal with the .75 Red Gold coupons.

Schnucks: Nothing better than Breyer's, unless it's Breyer's with Smucker's Carmel topping. Projected to spend: $10.00

• Smucker's Topping
• Cilantro
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Dierbergs: Mrs. T's Pierogies are a great deals this week, but I've bought them in the past and can't say they are a family favorite. We ate one package and the second package got juggled around the freezer for months. I'm not taking up freezer space for something we don't eat. Projected to spend: $7.33

• Palermo's Pizza - If there is room in the freezer after I squeeze the ice cream in.
• Fresh Express Complete Salad Kit - $2.50 isn't a great deal, but I've got room in the budget this week.

What are you shopping for this week?