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.

Here is what I plan to shop for this week:

Aldi - I always start the week out at Aldi. I shop there for dairy and produce. This week I picked up 2%, milk creamer, bread, a lemon and this week's cheap produce: baby carrots, strawberries, garden salad, mushrooms. Spent: $12.00.

CVS - I stopped in for the freebies. Dove conditioner, CVS TP and CVS Cocoa Butter moisturizer. They were out of the Dial Body Wash, so I have a rain check for that. I used coupons and ECB's to pay for my purchase. Spent: $0.00

Walgreens - I'm still Register Reward free. I'll get back to Register Reward shopping, but needed a break for awhile. I did stop and pick up (4) packages of Club crackers. Skippy for 90 cents is a great price, but I have plenty, so I'm passing on that sale for now. Spent: $2.00

After I shop for perishables and at the drugstores, I figure how much money I have left to spend at the grocery store. This week I have $26 left in my budget and $10 of splurge funds, plus what I have in my accrued splurge fund. I'm saving for a freezer, so don't want to spent too much of it.

Shop 'n Save - There is no way I can come up with $50 of items I want to buy. But, I can't pass up the Cottonelle. I don't have a lot of confidence they will have it in stock when I get there tomorrow. If they do, I'll pick up some Rice A Roni and use Free item coupons to get to the $10, so I can buy the Cottonelle.

Schnucks - I don't see anything in their ad that interests me. I can bypass them altogether this week.

Dierbergs - Once again, I'm spending the rest of my budget at Dierbergs. Love the 15 Hour Sale.

• Fisher Nuts - I like these better than Planters
• Northstar Ice Cream Treats
• Dierbergs OJ
• Ruffles
• Rice A Roni - If I don't buy it at Shop 'n Save
• Ground Chuck
• Zia's Italian Beef - This makes a quick easy meal for a busy nights.
• Johnsonville Brats - I wish there was a coupon for these. They are on the maybe list.
• Baby Back Ribs - Not in my $2 a pound or less for meat category. This is why I have my splurge funds.

What are your shopping plans for the week?