Never Pay More Than…
October 14, 2008 by Jennifer
Today’s Guest Post is from Erin @ 5DollarDinners.
Have you ever left a store and thought…Why did I just buy that? I paid too much for that. If I’d have just waited another week or two, it would have been on sale!
It’s a bummer when you miss a “better” deal a week or two later. Even if it was just a dime’s difference, it can still be very irritating!
That happened to me a few weeks ago with cans of Hunt’s Tomatoes! I got the $.40/2 coupons from the paper and needed a few cans, so I bought for about $.60 apiece after the coupon. The next week they went on sale at Kroger and there was a new e-coupon available for them on Shortcuts.com. Boy was I ever disappointed. I could have gotten 5 cans for $.23 a piece if I had paired 2 coupons with the e-coupon! HELLO! What was I thinking…$3 for 5 cans or $1.15 for 5 cans! Whoops!
Here’s a way to prevent this same thing from happening in the future:
Create a PERSONAL “Never Pay More Than” list. It’s like a “Best Price List” but with a twist. With a best price list, it’s just a list of the best prices for the products that you frequently buy. In my mind, the “best price” list is shows the prices that you should strive for when shopping, BUT the “Never Pay More Than” list is more like your own shopping LAW!
Here is my current “Never Pay More Than” List…
Ground Beef $1.49/lb.
Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast $1.99/lb.
Pork Chops $1.99/lb
Can of Tomatoes $.23/can
Box cereal $1
Box Kashi cereal $1.50 (I’m a BIG Kashi fan!)
Gallon Milk $2.79
Yogurt $.40 each
8 oz. Cheese $1.67
Toothpaste FREE
Toothbrushes FREE
Condiments $1
Dishwashing Soap $.50 (for larger size)
These prices reflect items that I buy and are realistic for my region. It’s what works for my budget and for my family!
This list takes a few months to create. As you see an amazing deal that allows you to stockpile, write this price down and strive to match or beat that price in the future. If you have one price written down that you later beat, scratch off the old and write in the new. Make it your game!
The “Never Pay More Than” List is YOUR list. It has to be personal. It has to reflect what you normally purchase for what your family needs. Your list might have specific diet items on it for GFCF or other dietary restrictions. Your prices might be a little higher because you live in the dead center of Manhattan. Your list is YOURS!
Erin is a money saving mommy who loves to cook nutritious meals for her family with meals that are $5 or Less! Join her on her journey as she “cooks” up great menu ideas that won’t leave you broke or hungry @ 5DollarDinners!
What would be on your Never Pay More Than List? My 1st item would be never pay more than $1.50 for a box of cereal,lol! Great idea Erin and thanks for sharing your money saving tip with all of us!
I’ve got to start doing this. I don’t have a lot of room to stockpile but I can manage some things. It would make it a lot easier for me to judge how strong the sales are!
I like how you put it– a “Never pay more than” list. I have always read about starting a price book. I have tried it but got overwhelmed–I would try to list ALL the items I bought and the price at ALL the stores I shopped at. Instead all I really need is a list of the most frequently purchused items and the lowest price I have paid for it. That is much simpler and something that I could keep in my wallet or coupon organizer. Great way to make the price book concept actually work.