My Price Book

Wanted to share with you all what I've got in my Price Book so far. (What is a Price Book!?) Feel free to use this, and please comment if/when you find better prices in Lawrence or online. I will also take suggestions of items to add- this is just my "staples list". Obviously this list is incomplete, please fill me in on the great prices you find elsewhere!  Unless noted otherwise, the prices are for store-brand items and without coupon use.  Update: I've made a Price Book page that I will keep updated. Click here, share, and bookmark!

Item: Store/Price/Price per Unit/Date

Beans (black, canned):
Checkers / 70c per 15oz can/ 5c per oz 2/1/14

Beans (chili/kidney, canned):
Aldi / 59c per 15oz can / 4c per oz / 2/1/14
Checkers/ 49c per 15oz can/ 3c per oz / 2/1/ 14

Beans (white/canellini/butter, canned):
Aldi/ 69c per 15oz can/ 5c per oz / 2/3/14
Checkers/ 69c per 15oz can/ 5c per oz / 2/1/14

Beans (refried):
Checkers/ 0.70 per can / 2/1/14

Beef (ground, 85% lean):
Aldi / 2.89lb (frozen) / 2/1/14

Bread (multi-grain or whole wheat):
Aldi/ 1.69 per loaf 2/3/14
Dillons/ 2.89 per loaf 2/1/14

Broccoli (florets/crown only):
Aldi / 1.09lb (frozen) / 2/3/14

Brownie Mix (family size):
Aldi /$1.29 / 2/3/14
Checkers/ $1.19 / 2/1/14

Buns (dog or burger):
Aldi / 0.89 8pk / 11c each 2/1/14
Dillons/ 0.99 8pk/ 13c each 2/1/14

Butter:
Aldi / 2.49 per lb/ 2/3/14
Checkers / 2.69 per lb/ 1/28/14

Cheese:
Aldi/ 1.99 per 8oz / 4.00 per lb / 2/3/14
Checkers/ 1.67 per 8oz / 3.38 per lb / 2/1/14
HyVee/ 1.00 per 8oz/ 2.00 per lb/ 1/31/14

Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs)
Aldi/ 6.29 per 2.10lb bag /2.10 per lb / 2/3/14

Chili Powder:
Aldi/ 0.99 per 8oz / 25c per oz/ 2/3/14

Coffee:
Aldi/ 5.49 per 32oz/ 2.75 per lb / 2/3/14

Corn:
Aldi/ 0.99 per 16 oz frozen/ 0.99 per lb / 2/3/14

Crackers (saltine type):
Aldi/ 89c per box / 2/3/14
Checkers/ 99c per box/ 2/1/14

Cream Cheese:
Aldi/ 0.89 per 8oz block/ 2/3/14
Checkers/ 0.99 per 8oz block / 2/1/14
HyVee/ 0.99 per 8oz block / 2/1/14

Eggs:
Aldi/ 1.33 per doz / 11c per egg / 2/3/14
Checkers/ 1.34 per doz / 11c per egg/ 2/1/14

Flour:
Aldi/ 1.19 per 5lb/ 24c per lb/ 2/3/14

Green Beans (canned):
Checkers/ 45c per can/ 2/1/14

Macaroni and Cheese:
Aldi/ 39c per box / 2/3/14

Olive Oil:
Aldi/ 3.49 per 25oz / 14c per oz/ 2/3/14

Orange Juice (frozen concentrate):
Aldi/ 1.29 each / 2/3/14
Checkers/ 1.49 each/ 2/1/14
Dillons/ 1.21 each/ 2/1/14

Parsley (dried seasoning):
Aldi/ 0.99 per 0.5 oz / 1.98 per oz/ 2/3/14

Pasta (white durham, any shape):
Aldi/ 1.69 per alb box/ 85c per lb / 2/3/14
Dillons/ 99c per lb box/ 99c per lb/ 2/1/14

Peas: 
Aldi/ 0.99 per 16 oz frozen/ 0.99 per lb / 2/3/14

Pork (ground): 
Checkers/ 2.28 per lb/ 2/1/14

Rice (long grain white):
Aldi/ 1.59 per lb bag / 53c per lb / 2/3/14

Sour Cream:
Checkers/ 2.29 per 16oz/ 14c per oz/ 2/1/14

Sugar (granulated): 
Aldi/ 1.79 per alb bag/ 45c per lb / 2/3/14
Checkers/ 1.69 per alb bag/ 43c per lb/ 2/1/14

Sugar (powdered): 
Aldi/ 1.69 per alb bag / 85c per lb / 2/3/14

Taco Shells:
Aldi/ 99c for box of 12/ 8c each/ 2/3/14

Tofu (firm/v. firm): 
Checkers/ 2.89 per cube / 2/1/14

Tomatoes (canned): 
Aldi/ 59c per 15oz can/ 4c per oz/ 2/1/14

Tortillas (soft taco size):
Aldi/ 99c per 10 pack / 9c each / 2/3/14
Checkers 1.79 per 10 pack/ 18c each/ 2/1/14

Tuna (in water): 
Aldi/ 68c per can/ 2/3/14

Turkey (ground):
Aldi/ 1.69 per lb frozen / 2/3/14
Checkers/ 2.68 per lb fresh / 2/1/14

Turkey (deli meat): 
Aldi/ 2.49 per 7oz/ 36c per oz/ 2/3/14

Vanilla Extract: 
Aldi/ 1.99 per 2oz bottle/ 99c per oz / 2/3/14

Vegetable Oil (soy): 
Aldi/ 2/39 per 48 oz bottle/ 5c per oz / 2/3/14

________________________________________________
Non-Food Items:

Ammonia:
Checkers/ 1.26 per 64oz jug/ 2c per oz/ 2/1/14

Diapers:  
Aldi/ 31ct size 4/ 4.99 pk/ 16c each / 2/3/14
(Click here for Diaper Prices Page!)

Dish Soap:
Amazon.com/ Dawn NonUltra $32.37 per 448oz in 8 bottle case / 7c per oz / 1/31/14
Dollar Tree/ unknown brand 1.00 per 24oz bottle/ 4c per oz/ 1/31/14

Tampons:
Amazon/ Femtex brand $38.34 per 480ct box/ 8c each 1/30/14

Vinegar: 
Checkers/ 1.78 per 64oz jug/ 3c per oz / 2/1/14

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Keeping A Price Book

How a Price Books saves money:
This works on the bulk buying principle.  When you find the very best price you can, you buy in bulk to "lock in" that price for yourself for as long as that price lasts you. For example, a few weeks ago Hy-Vee had a sale on shredded cheese, $1.00 per 8 oz. package. This was really a HELL of a deal, as I regularly pay $1.99 for 8oz of cheese at Aldi or on sale other places. I have payed upwards of $2.49 for 8oz of cheese when I was in a pinch and needed it right away for an event.

I bought TWELVE 8oz bags of shredded cheese. That seems crazy, right? Let me tell you why I did that. The expiration date on the bags were all August 2014 or later. So I calculated how much cheese I would use between now and August.  2 bags a month was my (conservative) estimate, so I bought enough cheese to maybe last us the 6 months, effectively locking in my cheese cost for the next 6 months at $1.00 per 8oz.

Had I not had a price book, I may not have realized what a great deal this was. I knew within seconds that I had been recently paying $1.99 or more for 8oz of cheese, so I could easily see this was HALF PRICE CHEESE and folks, it doesn't get better than that.

How I Keep My Price Book:
Since I've now got a 3rd eater at my house, it was high time for me to pick up the price book I started a few years ago and make it work. My original book was paper/pencil, though I've now advanced to an iPhone app: ValueTracker, which costs $0.99.  The buck was worth it to me to always have my price book with me (since I've always got my phone.)  The price book doesn't really work unless you always have it with you when you are at stores.

I put in prices using my receipt after I get home, and calculate the per unit (ounce, pound, whatever) price. I also update prices using the weekly sale flyers. If I used a coupon I note that (though really I don't use coupons often).  (I Plan to share my personal price book here soon!)


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Grocery Deal Round-Up: May 9 - May 15 & Mother's Day

I’ve highlighted the best deals for this week. Remember, Mother’s Day is on Sunday. A frugal way to celebrate is to cook a nice meal at home, that is what I’ll be doing. You can also cut flowers from your garden or make a gift or card.

This week's frugal recipe (that coordinates with the sales!) from Romance on a Dime is BBQ Yardbird Pizza. Sounds awesome!

Best Deals on Whole Foods this week:

Cabbage (Napa)- $0.68/lb @ Checkers
Carrots (baby)- $0.49/lb pk @ Aldi
Celery- $0.68/ea stalk @ Checkers
Corn (Sweet)- $2/ 5 @ Dillons
Cucumbers- $0.29/ea @ Aldi
Grapes (red seedless)- $1.88/lb @ Checkers
Mushrooms- $0.79/ 8oz pk @ Aldi
Onions (Sweet Vidalia)- $0.59/lb @ Checkers
Peppers (Bell Multi-Colored) - $1.59/ 3 pk @ Aldi
Strawberries- $1.48/lb @ Checkers OR HyVee
Tomatoes (Grape)- $0.79/ 10oz pk @ Aldi
Tomatoes (Vine)- $0.88/lb @ Checkers


Bacon (Wrights)- $5.88/ 24 oz “stack pack” @ Checkers
Bacon (HyVee)- $2.99/ 12 oz @ HyVee
Butter- $1.88/ lb @ HyVee
Cheese (Kroger block/sliced/shred)- $1.79/ea @ Dillons
Chicken (breast, boneless/skinless)- $1.58/lb @ Checkers
Eggs (Simple Truth Cage Free)- $5 / 2 @ Dillons
Healthy Choice or Lean Cuisine (select varieites)- $2/ ea @ HyVee
Peanut Butter (Jif)- $1.77/ea @ HyVee
Turkey Tenderloins (Bacon Wrapped) - $5/ 3 @ HyVee
Vegetables (frozen, HyVee)- $0.69/ea @ HyVee
Yogurt (HyVee)- $0.29/ea @ HyVee
Yogurt (Kroger Greek)- $4 / 5 @ Dillons

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/575645

Grocery Deals Round-Up: 3/7 to 3/13

Wondering what the criteria is for my weekly grocery deals? Unless otherwise noted, they are:

1. Limited time sale prices, not everyday regular prices.
2. The sale price is low compared to food prices in general (meaning, I tend to list the cheapest foods. Notice that few things are more than a dollar or two per unit.)
3. Sale price is considerably lower than regular price, or compared to prices at other stores.
4. Basic, whole foods rather than processed/packaged foods. Whole foods are often healthier and cheaper! The idea being you could make many different things from these basic ingredients. (Occasionally I will add packaged foods when they are a really good deal, though, or if they are something that is hard to make yourself.)
5. I bold items that are especially good deals that I am excited about!

That being said, here are the deals for this week!

Produce Items:
Asparagus- $1.18/lb @ Checkers
Avocados (Hass)- $0.88/ea @ Checkers
Broccoli- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Carrots- $0.99/ 2lb bag @ HyVee
Grapefruit- $0.29/ea @ Aldi
Grapes (Green)- $1.00/lb @ HyVee
Green Beans- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Kiwi Fruit- $0.99/ 16oz @ Aldi
Lettuce (Romain, Red, Green) - $0.78/bunch @ Checkers
Mangoes- $0.78/ea @ Checkers
Oranges-  $1.48/bag ($0.37/lb) @ Aldi
Peaces/Plums/Nectarines- $0.20/ea @ Aldi
Potatoes (Russet)- $1.18/ 5lb bag @ Checkers
Strawberries- $1.29/16oz @ Aldi
Yellow Squash or Zuchinni- $0.58/lb @ Checkers

Other Items:
Chicken (thighs or drumsticks)- $0.98/lb @ Checkers OR Dillons
Breakfast items: cereals, meats, pancake mixes, frozen meals, etc- on sale @ Aldi
Steel Cut Oats- $2.49/ 28oz @ Aldi
Tortillas- var. sizes- 2/$3.00 @ HyVee
Pet Food- many varities on sale @ HyVee

photo from:  http://www.sxc.hu/photo/609376

In our continuing weekly series, here is the coordinating recipe from Romance on a Dime: Fruit Smoothies!  There are such good deals on fruit right now, what a great way to use it up! 

Grocery Deals Round-Up: Fresh Foods & Kitchen Helpers 2/15 - 2/21

Hi all, here are your deals for this week. I tend to track things that I personally buy. Is there anything you all would like me to keep an eye out for or to include in my list? My current investigation is the best price on tofu. Anyone have insight on that?

There are great deals on apples everywhere! Dig out your apple-based recipes and get cooking.  Betsy from Romance on a Dime (another Lawrence blogger!)  just posted an amazing looking Crockpot Applesauce recipe! Or try DIY Dried Apples!

Produce:
Apples (Red Delicious organic)- $0.98/lb @ Checkers
Avocados (Hass)- $0.88/ea @ Checkers
Baby Carrots- $0.99/lb @ Aldi (everyday price)
Bananas- $0.19/lb @ Checkers on THURS
Brussel Sprouts- $0.99/lb @ Checkers
Cantaloupe- $1.60/each @ Aldi
Grapes (green or red)- $0.79/lb @ Aldi
Grapefruit- $0.29/ea @ Aldi
Oranges- $0.77/lb @ HyVee
Pears (D'Anjou)- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Tomatoes (hot house)- $0.78/lb @ Checkers

Meat:
Chicken Breasts (split w/ bone)- $0.98/lb in econo pk @ Checkers
Chicken Leg Quarters- $0.59/lb @ Dillons
Ground Beef (80% lean)- $1.98/lb in 10lb econo pk @ Checkers
Hot Dogs (Bar S Jumbo)- $0.99/pk @ Checkers


Extra Good Deals:
Creamer (Coffeemate)- $1.99/ 16oz @ HyVee
Edamame- $1.49/ 16oz @ Aldi
Eggs- $0.99/doz @ Dillons
Hummus - $1.69/ea @ Aldi (everyday price, and it's GOOD!)
Mac & Cheese (store brand)- 3/$1 @ HyVee
Rice, Brown - $1.79/2 lbs @ Checkers (everyday price)
Smart Ones Frozen Meals- 6/$10 ($1.66/ea) @ Checkers
Soy Sauce- $0.99/ 15oz @ Aldi
Sparkling Flavored Water (store brand)- 2/$1 @ HyVee
Yogurt (store brand)- 3/$1 @ HyVee
Yogurt (A.E. Greek)- $0.88/ea @ HyVee

Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1359351