Monthly Sam's Run--March

It was a bit different going to Sam's this month, because before I went shopping I really thought hard and analyzed everything that I was getting rather than just say "oh this is getting low, I better get some." I took to the thinking of "yes this item is getting low, but is it a must for this month or can I wait until next month." mindset. I did this kind of thinking to help keep my monthly bill under $250 and I was successful!

I also was totally out of several items that I normally get at Sam's so those were at the top of my list to purchase this month.

When looking at my list, please understand that several of the items will last my family more than a month so what you see below is not exactly the same as what it was last month or what it will be next month.

Here is the breakdown:

• 25 lbs long grain white rice $8.64
• 25 lbs bread flour $6.64
• 4.72 lbs pork loin chops $12.65
• 11.93 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breasts $23.50
• 48 ct string cheese $7.79
• 2 family size bags Doritos $5.98
• 5 lbs frozen cut corn $4.48
• 6 lbs Ore Ida shredded hash browns $5.38
• 120 oz Country Crock margarine $6.44
• 140 ct Totino's pizza rolls $8.98
• 12 ct Red Baron mini pizzas $9.98
• 12 cans Swanson's chicken broth $7.88
• 60 ct. Eggo Waffles $8.88
• 4 pk Ritz crackers $6.14
• 36 ct Kelloggs Poptarts $6.28
• 3-44 oz Heinz Ketchup $6.23
• 2-64 oz Mrs. Butterworth's syrup $5.84
• 20 oz Onion powder $3.88
• 23 oz Taco Seasoning $3.88
• 2 pks 6ct cinnamon raisin bagels $4.36
• 5 lbs mild cheddar cheese $9.75
• 4 lbs goldfish crackers $8.65

Total food costs: $172.23

• 36 ct double roll Northern TP $17.98
• 600 ct paper plates $15.62
• 155 loads Downy fabric softener $9.77
• 90 ct 30 gallon trash bags $11.62 (these will last us just about 3 months!)
• 1375 ct QTips $6.69

Total non-food costs: $65.38

Grand Total for March: $237.61

Monthly Sam's Run---February

Along with getting some cooking & baking done this week, I also made it to Sam's Club for my monthly run and to Meijer twice(once for my family and once for my parents).

This month's run to Sam's Club was one where I needed several items that I only restock every 2-3 months.   I also needed some health & beauty supplies, which I know that I could probably get for free or nearly free at the local drugstores if I was shopping those drugstores.  However, I choose not to shop for the deals at the local drugstores for many different reasons(something I will cover in another post).  So my monthly total was a little higher than what I prefer to have it, but I will adjust according with shopping grocery store deals the rest of the month.

Here is what I purchased this month:

• 30 lbs french fries $16.98
• 60 ct. Eggo waffles $8.88
• 12 pk Del Monte green beans $8.98
• 2-60oz containers Country Crock margarine $6.44
• 6 lbs Ore Ida shredded hashbrowns $5.38
• 18.93 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breasts $33.51
• 2 bags Tostitos scoops $5.98
• 3.32 lbs sirloin tip beef roast $9.83
• 5.92 lbs ground chuck $11.72 (manager's markdown)
• 4.00 lbs beef stew meat $9.84
• 4.29 lbs boneless pork loin chops $12.36
• 72 ct. Kraft american cheese $6.95
• 6 lbs Hillshire Farms little smoky sausages $3.86
• 5 lbs mild cheedar cheese $9.75
• 140 ct. Totinos pizza rolls $8.98
• 12 ct Red Baron mini pizzas $9.98
• 2 pk-48oz Hershey's chocolate syrup $6.36
• 48 ct. Frigo string cheese $7.79
• 5lbs frozen cut corn $4.48
• 12 pk Campbell's tomato soup $7.94

Total of food: $195.99

• 60 ct Nyquil/Dayquil combo pk $13.64
• 36 ct double roll Northern TP $16.88
• 500 ct. Member's Mark 81 mg aspirin $3.98
• 3-6 oz tubes Sensodyne toothpaste $15.76
• 5-7.8 oz tubes Colgate Total toothpaste $10.98

Total of non-food items with 6% sales tax: $64.91

Grand Total for everything this month: $260.90

Monthly Sam's Run---January

For the month of January I decided to really take the time to evaluate what I needed from Sam's.  Instead of my thinking being---"well we are just about out so I will get it despite the fact that we might not totally be out by the next time". I changed my thinking to "we are out or we have one round left so we are getting it this month".  Changing my thinking made my overall monthly total at Sam's decrease by about fifty dollars!  In my book, that is a savings!  Granted I will still need to get those items that I took off my January list in February or March but not getting those items then saved me money and space now. 


So here is what I purchased this month from Sam's:

• 60 ct. Eggo Waffles $8.88
• 36 ct Kudos $5.57
• 2 pk Frito Lay chips $5.98
• 12 ct. low sodium Campbell's chicken noodle soup $8.62
• 12 ct. Swanson's chicken broth $7.88
• 1 gallon Member's Mark antibacterial soap $5.88
• 1280 ct Dixie paper napkins $9.98
• 36 ct Kellogg's Cinn/Br. Sugar Poptarts $6.28
• 72 ct. Kraft American cheese slices $6.72
• 8 ct. Del Monte green peas $6.48
• 12 ct. Red Baron mini pizzas $9.98
• 140 ct. Totino's pizza rolls $8.98
• 3 lbs Hormel real bacon bits $6.98
• 3-44oz Heinz ketchup $6.23
• 3-45oz Ragu spaghetti sauce $7.58
• 2 pk-40 oz Jif creamy peanut butter $6.83
• 7.5 lbs Country Crock margarine $6.44
• 1.25 gallons Mazola canola oil $8.12
• 5lbs Flav-r-Pac frozen cut corn $4.48
• 48 ct Frigo Cheese head String cheese $7.79
• 5lbs Baker & Chefs mild cheddar cheese $9.98
• 2-64oz Mrs. Butterworth's syrup $5.84
• 7lbs Bakers & Chefs light brown sugar $4.58
• 2 pks bagels $4.36
• 12.92 lbs Member's Mark boneless/skinless chicken breasts $22.87 ($1.77/lb)
• 6lbs Ore-Ida shredded hashbrowns $5.38
• 6lbs Bakers & Chefs wide egg noodles $5.98
• 3.40 lbs beef round roast $10.06 ($2.96/lb)

Total with sales tax: $215.68

Monthly Sam's Run--December

I was going through the archives working on figures and realized that I had not posted my December Sam's Run.  I guess that is what happens when one is in a "funk"/self-proclaimed vacation due to burn out and not really wanting to do anything on the computer or around my house.  Also my hubby has been working on a community service project through his work this week while supposedly on vacation for this last week so I have had to deal with his wacky hours as well.

Anyway, enough of the excuses and on to the list of items that I purchased at Sam's Club in December.

• 30 lbs French fries $16.98
• 36 double rolls Northern TP $17.89(with sales tax)
• 172 oz Wisk 2x HE detergent $15.78(with sales tax)
• 12 ct Red Baron individual pizzas $9.98
• 60 ct Swiss Miss hot cocoa $4.49
• 4.1 lbs Pepperidge Farms goldfish crackers $8.65
• 2 boxes Nilla Wafers $5.43
• 8 ct DelMonte canned green peas $6.48
• 48 ct Quaker granola bars (asst.) $8.05
• 48 ct Go-Gurt $7.64
• 12 ct. DelMonte canned green beans $8.98
• 1.5 lbs Oscar Mayer shaved deli turkey $6.78
• 48 ct. String cheese $7.79
• 36 ct 100 calorie Kudo bars $5.57
• 6 lbs spaghetti noodles $4.88
• 72 ct Kraft American cheese slices $6.72
• 16 oz. Garlic powder $3.87
• 16 oz Minced Onions $4.64
• 24 oz Kraft grated Parmesan cheese $7.06
• 36 ct Kellogg's Cinnamon/Brown sugar Poptarts $6.28
• 3 pk-44oz Heinz Ketchup $6.23
• 140 ct Totinos pizza rolls $8.98
• 6 lbs Ore Ida Hash browns $5.38
• 4.41 lbs boneless Pork Loin Chops $10.94
• 4.55 lbs beef round roast $13.47
• 7.5 lbs Country Crock margarine $6.44
• 12 ct. Swanson's Chicken broth $7.88
• 2 bags asst. chips $5.98
• 1 gallon apple cider $2.98

Total OOP: $232.22

The total was a little more than what I wanted to spend at Sam's, however, I am finding that with the local grocery stores not having significant sales I am relying on Sam's for the majority of my month's worth of groceries. You will find in the new year that I will doing less in the way of shopping each month.  I have been working at transitioning to once or twice a month shopping rather than a significant shopping trip every week.(more on this transition coming soon)

Monthly Sam's Run--November

This month's shopping at Sam's Club was a bit of a bummer because I didn't prepare my list as well as I should have and ended up getting to the store and realizing that there was about 5 items that I missed on the list so my in the head total was different from the actual total! Also my total was not helped any by finding boneless/skinless chicken breasts for $1.77/lb!!  That is the cheapest I have seen it for awhile in my area so I got 19 lbs!! They were also out of a couple of things that I needed so I will probably have my hubby swing by there in a couple of weeks to pick them up.

Here is the breakdown of what I spent at Sam's this month:

• 720 ct. Huggies baby wipes $14.93
• 6.10 lbs boneless/skinless chicken tenders $13.24
• 19.09 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breasts $33.79
• 5 quarts vanilla ice cream $5.12
• 2 bags chips $5.98
• 2-60oz Country Crock $6.44
• 300 ct. Loratadine(Claritin) $11.72
• 5lbs mild cheddar cheese $9.75
• 4.65 lbs beef round roast $13.30
• 5 lbs frozen cut corn $4.98
• 6lbs Ore Ida Hashbrowns $5.38
• 5lbs wide egg noodles $5.88
• 72 ct Kraft american cheese $6.67
• 12 ct. Red Baron mini pizzas $9.98
• 1 gallon Mrs. Butterworth syrup $5.84
• 3.75 lbs Argo baking powder $5.47
• 3 liters Members Mark Olive Oil $14.46
• 72 ct. Totinos pizza rolls $8.98
• 1.25 gallons Mazola Canola Oil $8.12
• 3-44oz Heinz Ketchup $6.23
• 2-40oz Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce $5.42
• 2-32oz Hydrogen Peroxide $1.98
• 36 ct. Kelloggs Poptarts $6.28
• 7 lbs light brown sugar $4.58
• 12 cans low sodium chicken noodle soup $7.88
• 150 loads Downy $9.77

Total with 6% sales tax: $234.47

Monthly Sam's Run--October

I went to Sam's this month with a a long list of items to purchase.  I was not going to take any of my kids with me due to the length of the list but I ended up taking two out of five with me.  It just so happen to be my youngest two which are for the most part my best shoppers!  I can stick them in the cart and they are happy to ride through the store other than the need for a couple of potty breaks we were in and out of the store in an hour!

This month was my month to stock up on some my baking basics so that I can get started with the holiday baking in the days and weeks to come. I also saved myself a trip later in the month by planning ahead and grabbing a mixed bag of mini candy bars to hand out for Halloween.(not sure if it will suffice but I can always have hubby pick up another bag on his way home from work if necessary).

Remember that several of the items listed below I do not get every month. There are many things that I purchase in bulk at Sam's that will last me several months. For instance, the last time I got paper plates was back in June!!  Whereas the meats, margarine, hash browns and few other things I get every month so they are considered "staples" on my list.

Here is the items I purchased this month:

• 25 lbs all purpose flour $6.49
• 25 lbs bread flour $7.34
• 30 lbs french fries $16.98
• 5 lbs pepperoni $11.76
• 5.24 lbs pork chops $12.47
• 13.67 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breast $26.93
• 3.87 lbs beef round roast $11.07
• 2-60oz Country Crock margarine $6.44
• 6 lbs Ore Ida shredded hash browns $5.38
• 48 ct Gogurt $7.64
• 2-96 oz bottles apple juice $3.98
• 60 ct Eggo waffles $7.79
• 5 lbs frozen cut corn $4.98
• 12 individual mini Red Baron pizzas $10.76
• 140 ct Totinos pizza rolls $8.97
• 600 ct 9 inch paper plates $17.26(including tax)
• 4 bags chips $11.96
• 105 ct bag mini candy bars $9.98
• 3 lbs Hormel bacon bits $6.97
• 2 pk Jif creamy peanut butter $6.83
• 2 pk Jif crunchy peanut butter $6.83
• 2-18 ct eggs $2.92
• 5 lbs mild cheddar cheese $9.75
• 1 prescription-Ventolin $9.00
• 36 ct Kudo bars $5.48
• 72 ct. Kraft American cheese slices $6.82
• 36 ct. Kelloggs poptarts $6.28
• 45 ct. cheese crackers & peanut butter $5.28
• 16 oz chicken bouillon $4.87
• 67 oz can Nesquick $6.68
• 48 ct. string cheese $7.22
• 3-45 oz Ragu spaghetti sauce $7.74
• 12 cans Swanson chicken broth $6.26

Total OOP: $308.59

Monthly Sam's Run--September

My pantry is filled with snack foods from the grocery store sales so I didn't much in the way of snack foods this month from Sam's Club. This month's run was more for basic food necessities like milk, eggs, meat, ketchup and few other items that I get on a monthly basis at Sam's.

I was able to get out of Sam's for under $150! Next month, I might not be so fortunate as I will need to start stocking up on my winter/holiday baking supplies.

Here is the items that I purchased on my Sam's run:

• 140 count Pizza Rolls $8.98
• 28 ct Act II popcorn $7.12
• 12 cans Hunts tomato sauce $6.97
• 60 count Eggo waffles $7.79
• 10 lbs Country Crock margarine $7.92
• 3-40oz bottles Heinz ketchup $6.23
• 2-96 oz bottles apple juice $4.32
• 1.25 gallons Mazola canola oil $8.12
• 2-64 oz Mrs. Butterworth syrup $5.84
• 2 bags chips $5.98
• 5 lbs frozen cut corn $4.98
• 6 lbs Ore Ida hashbrowns $5.38
• 5 qt. pail vanilla ice cream $4.94
• 1 box Nyquil/Dayquil $13.64
• 1 gallon milk $1.98
• 24 ct. Trix yogurt $7.76
• 36 double rolls Northern TP $16.88
• 5.17 lbs pork loin chops $12.30

Total(with tax): $140.64

Monthly Sam's Run--August

This is the month of trying to get back on a schedule after being on summer break. One of the things that I need to get back on schedule is my grocery shopping. I have been going every week but with the needing to get started with schooling it is difficult to find time to go every week. So I switch to every other week with a small trip in between for milk and other perishables. I did this towards the end of last school year and it really kept my budget on track and kept my shelves rotating the stock. At the end of last week, I went to the grocery stores and purchased items to last me two weeks. Then this week, I went to Sam's to finish the stocking up along with getting things to last over the next month so now my pantry and freezer are bursting at the seams!!

Here is what I purchased for this month from Sam's:

• 30lbs Ore-Ida french fries $17.28
• 4.65 lbs beef round roast $12.37
• 4.04 lbs beef sirloin tip steaks $11.96
• 13.87 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breasts $27.33
• 5 lbs Country Crock margarine $4.16
• 52 oz Planter's honey roasted peanuts $6.12
• 3-40 oz bottles Heinz ketchup $6.23
• 60 ct Eggo waffles $7.79
• 48 ct Gogurt $7.64
• 72ct Kraft American cheese slices $6.37
• 16 cans Del Monte green peas $13.04
• 5 lbs mild cheddar cheese $8.98
• 4 boxes Honey Maid graham crackers $7.22
• 6 lbs spaghetti noodles $5.12
• 48 ct String cheese $6.63
• 4 boxes Ritz crackers $6.14
• 24 oz Tone's Onion powder $3.88
• 24 oz Tone's minced onions $4.64
• 12 cans Del Monte green beans $9.46
• 12 ct Red Baron mini pizzas $10.76
• 3.5 lbs Ball Park Beef Franks $6.97
• 140 ct. Totinos Pizza Rolls $8.98
• 4-6ct bagels $8.72
• 6lbs Ore-Ida shredded hashbrowns $5.38

Total: $213.17

Monthly Sam's Run--July

I was overdue for a run to Sam's Club this month! I was out or running short on many things that I purchased today! A lot of the things were taxable non-food items so my total was a bit higher than I initially thought it would be for this month. However, I have enough toothpaste and paper napkins to finish out the summer! So I will not have to worry about putting those items on my list any time soon!

I am starting to think that I want to get more in the mode of using Sam's for the bulk of my shopping and using the grocery stores as more of a supplement. But I haven't figured out if it would save me any money in the long run. I know that there are a few things that I can get at the grocery store cheaper but with my relatively limited storage space getting many small bottles or containers of things isn't feasible. I like having the one or two big containers to work from rather than those little ones. Those big containers actually are easier for the kids to find too when I send them on a "fetch mission". Has anyone tried this before of using Sam's as their main shopping place? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of doing it!

Here is the breakdown of what $312.47(including sales tax) bought for me today at Sam's:

• 1280 ct Dixie paper napkins $9.88
• 36 ct double roll Northern TP $17.48
• 5 tubes Colgate Total Whitening Gel $10.88
• 150 load bottle Downy fabric softener $9.77
• 150 loads Wisk 2x HE detergent $15.88
• 60 ct. Eggo Waffles $7.79
• 12 cans Swanson chicken broth $7.25
• 25 lbs long grain white rice $8.64
• 3-45oz jugs Ragu Sauce $7.97
• 120 oz Mrs. Butterworth's syrup $5.84
• 3 liters Member's Mark Olive Oil $14.46
• 5 lbs Honey $9.58
• 4lbs Goldfish crackers $8.65
• 1 gallon 2% milk $2.06
• 56 oz bag M&Ms $8.79(for hubby to take to work for his M&M guy)
• 72 ct. Kraft American cheese slices $6.37
• 20lbs potatoes $5.76
• 4.59lbs beef round roast $11.29
• 4.75 lbs pork loin chops $12.73
• 5 lbs mild cheddar cheese $8.84
• 5 lbs Country Crock margarine $4.16
• 48 ct Gogurt $7.64
• 66ct Welch's fruit snacks $8.88
• 48 ct. Quaker chewy granola bars $7.88
• 20 oz. chili powder $4.28
• 3lbs Hormel Real bacon bits $7.06
• 27 oz. Oscar Mayer smoked deli turkey breast $6.78
• 48 ct. string cheese $6.63
• 12 ct Red Baron mini pizzas $10.76
• 140 ct. Totinos pizza rolls $8.88
• 12.06 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breasts $23.76
• 5 lbs frozen corn $4.88
• 6lbs Ore Ida hashbrowns $5.38
• 4 bags chips $11.76

Total with 6% sales tax on the non-food items only: $312.47

Monthly Sam's Run--June

Like last month, this was another month for getting several of those items that I purchased several months ago that I have used up. I am so glad that I have gotten things staggered enough where I am not running out of everything all at once of those items that lasts more than just a month.

Here is what I purchased this month:

• 24pk/20 oz Gatorade $13.88 (summertime drink)
• 5# Country Crock margarine $4.42
• 12 pk/6pk Chocolate donuts $4.18(splurge item because I took all 5 kids with me shopping and they were really helpful and well behaved!)
• 13.47 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breasts $26.53
• 3.36 lbs beef round roast $9.69
• 12 ct mini pizzas $10.76
• 60 ct Eggo waffles $7.79
• 30 lbs french fries $17.28
• 25 lbs all purpose flour $7.29
• 140 ct. pizza rolls $8.88
• 48 ct. string cheese $6.84
• 2-96 oz apple juice $4.32
• 5 qt vanilla ice cream $4.77
• 72 ct. american cheese slices $6.37
• 24oz shaved deli smoked turkey breast $6.78
• 6lbs shredded hash browns $4.88
• 5lbs frozen cut corn $4.88
• 12 cans tomato soup $8.28
• 12 cans chicken broth $7.25
• 12 cans green beans $7.97
• 2-40 oz crunchy peanut butter $6.83
• 2-40 oz creamy peanut butter $6.83
• 3 1/2 lbs beef hot dogs $7.47
• 20 lbs potatoes $5.76
• 1.25 gallons canola oil $8.54
• 8 cans green peas $6.52
• 48 ct Go-gurt $7.64
• 3-44 oz Heinz ketchup $6.23
• 2-48 oz Hershey's chocolate syrup $6.32
• 36 double rolls Northern TP $18.53 (with tax, figures to 51¢/roll not bad for a TP brand specific family)
• 600 count paper plates $17.62 (with tax, lasts 4 months!!)
• 1 prescription $9.00
• 2 pks bagels $4.36

Total: $284.69

Monthly Sam's Run--May

Oh this run to Sam's was a bit of a painful one as I was out of a lot of items that I get every 3-6 months. I am low on several other things that I am pretty sure that I can wait until June to purchase so I already have started a list for June.

Also for this month, I purchased a few convenience things that I normally do not purchase but decided to have on hand for our mini vacations we are taking this spring and summer.   I also am a "soccer mom"(times 2) so this is my Saturday to bring snacks for the teams! 

Here is what I purchased for the month:

• 4 pk Capri Sun $6.68 (vacation food)
• 36 ct mini bags Cheez-its $8.46 (soccer snack)
• 28ct mini bags variety snacks $10.38 (vacation food)
• 30 lbs french fries $17.28
• 60 ct. Eggo waffles $7.79
• 48 ct. Go-gurt $7.83
• 72ct Kraft American slices $6.39
• 4 pks bagels $8.72
• 48 ct granola bars $8.05 (vacation food)
• 24oz. shaved smoked deli turkey $6.78
• 140ct pizza rolls $8.88
• 2-96oz apple juice $4.32
• 3-44oz ketchup $6.23
• 48 ct string cheese $7.12
• 3-45oz Ragu spaghetti sauce $8.16
• 3lbs real bacon bits $7.06
• 5lbs margarine $4.42
• 2-60oz Mrs. Butterworth's syrup $5.84
• 6lbs shredded hash browns $4.88
• 36ct frozen biscuits $5.46
• 5 quart pail ice cream $4.77
• 5 lbs mild cheddar cheese $9.47
• 16oz cajun seasoning $6.44
• 16oz garlic powder $3.87
• 4lbs idozied salt 88¢ (lasts me a year!)
• 8 cans green peas $6.52
• 12 cans green beans $7.97
• 1.25 gallons canola oil $8.67
• 6 big bags assorted chips $17.64
• 12.04 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breasts $23.72 ($1.97/lb)
• 5.37lbs boneless pork loin chops $14.39($2.68/lb)
• 4.66lbs eye of round beef roast $13.42 ($2.88/lb)
• 90 oz bottle Palmolive dishsoap $7.42 (lasts me 6 months or more!)
• 150 loads Downy fabric softener $9.77
• 1 gallon Softsoap $6.39 (lasts me 3-6 months)
• 90ct 33 gallon trash bags $11.62 (use 2/week)
• 720 ct. Huggies natural care baby wipes $14.86(hopefully this box will be my last-- my 2 1/2 yo is working on potty training!)

Total with $3.00 sales tax for non-food items: $321.55

Used $10 gift card that I got for renewing my membership in the store!

TOTAL OOP: $311.55

Monthly Sam's Run--April

Last week, I made it to Sam's for my monthly run. The day after I went to Sam's I got a renewal notice in the mail with a "coupon" saying that if I renewed my membership in the store that I would get $10 gift card by showing the coupon. Well it just so happens that I did renew my membership in the store so I have to make another trip to Sam's to show them my receipt so I can get me that $10 gift card!   So in order to have my receipt with me when I went again, I kept it in my purse, hence my forgetting to post my April run!  Now that I have explained my delay, here is what I purchased this month at Sam's.

• yearly membership $40
• 2pks bagels $4.36
• 4 pk Ritz crackers $6.14
• 3 1/2lbs all beef hot dogs $7.86
• 2 pk Nilla wafers $5.22
• 4.22lbs pork loin chops $12.14
• 6lbs spaghetti noodles $5.64
• 48ct string cheese $6.86
• 2-40 oz Jif Peanut butter $6.83
• 5 lbs Country Crock $4.42
• 72 ct American cheese slices $6.52
• 200 ct bag Halls cough drops $6.22(with tax)
• 5 lbs frozen cut corn $4.88
• 6lbs shredded hash browns $4.88
• 12 ct mini pizzas $10.76
• 60 ct. Eggo waffles $7.79
• 5 qt. pail vanilla ice cream $4.77
• 4.5 lbs grated parmasen cheese $18.88
• 3-44oz bottles Heinz ketchup $6.37
• 2 pk chips $5.88
• 12 ct. tomato soup $8.28
• 12 ct. chicken broth $7.42
• 15 oz minced onions $4.64
• 12.11lbs boneless/skinless chicken $23.86
• 12ct-6pk chocolate donuts $4.18

Total without membership renewal: $194.18 

Total: $234.18

Next month should be interesting as to the final total as there will be several staples(flour, rice, fries, etc.) that I will need to replenish the supply. 

Monthly Sam's Club Shopping

This past week was another "bulk shopping run" to Sam's.   I am actually trying to get where I am doing my monthly shopping there and using the sales at the grocery stores as my supplement.  So once again this month's purchases look even a little bit different than last months.  

Here is what I purchased this month at Sam's...

• 140 ct Totinos Pizza Rolls $8.88
• 5lbs frozen cut corn $4.88
• 12ct mini deep dish pizzas $10.76
• 6lbs Ore Ida Hashbrowns $4.88
• 60 ct Eggo Waffles $8.52
• 4lbs Goldfish Crackers $8.66
• 5qt pail Vanilla Ice Cream $4.77
• 36ct Kudos bars $6.72
• 4pk HoneyMaid graham crackers $7.22
• 48ct. string cheese $6.67
• 56oz. M&Ms $7.88
• 36ct Pillsbury Froz. biscuits $5.46
• 3lbs Hormel Bacon Bits $7.06
• 3lbs Garlic & Cheese Croutons $4.88
• 5lbs Pepperoni $11.84
• 5lbs Mild cheddar cheese $9.47
• 30lbs Ore Ida French Fries $17.28
• 5lbs Country Crock Margarine $4.42
• 2-60oz Mrs. Butterworth's Syrup $6.34
• 3-45oz Ragu Spaghetti Sauce $6.37
• 48ct Gogurt $7.83
• 4.25lbs beef round roast $12.24 ($2.88/lb)
• 30oz variety deli meat $8.87
• 12.68lbs fresh Boneless/skinless chicken tenders $22.07 ($1.74/lb)
• 3pk(960ct) Dixie paper napkins $8.34(with tax)

Total: $212.31

Shopping in Bulk at Sam's Club!

I have moved my monthly Sam's shopping trip to the middle of the month and using the paycheck that we get on the 15th rather than going the first of the month.   Doing this has helped us not go down to having a zero balance in the bank account before the next paycheck. 

By the time, I went this month I was out of several things that I normally purchase at Sam's.  We went close to a two weeks without paper plates!  I know to most of you that would be no big deal to be without paper plates but to my family that means that we end up running our automatic dishwasher every day rather than every other day.  It also means that we have more dishes overall to wash as well.  One would think that it adds to our trash using paper plates but for our family of seven we only put out  ONE 30 gallon trashbag each week!  The reason behind only having the one bag is because we do recycle 90% of our trash.   Anyway, we have found buying paper plates has actually saved us money along with some of my sanity. We use the paper plates just for lunch time or when we are entertaining a big group in our home. 

Here is a list of the items(including the paper plates) that I purchased this week at Sam's:

• 600 count paper plates $17.62(with tax--figures out to 3¢/plate)
• 2 pack Rold Gold Pretzels $5.88
• 3 liters olive oil $16.54
• 3-44oz Heinz ketchup $6.52
• 1.25 gallons Canola oil $8.87
• 24 pk-10oz bottles Welchs juice $10.76
• 36 count Apple & Eve 100% juice box drinks $8.88
• 24 count 20oz Gatorade $14.88
• 5 lbs frozen corn $4.88
• 6lbs frozen shredded hashbrowns $4.88
• 140 ct. Totinos pizza rolls $8.88
• 23oz taco seasoning $3.88
• 72ct american cheese slices $7.88
• 5lbs mild cheddar cheese $9.47
• 48ct. string cheese $7.42
• 5qt pail vanilla ice cream $5.02
• 60 ct Eggo waffles $8.52
• 6.97lbs boneless skinless chicken breast $13.73($1.97/lb)
• 5lbs Country Crock margarine $4.42
• 5.37lbs boneless pork loin chops $15.47 ($2.88/lb) (They are thick chops so I cut them in half longwise so instead of having 9 thick chops we have 18 thin chops which makes at least 2 dinner meals and usually 2 leftover lunches for the seven of us!)

Total: $184.40

If you have been following my monthly runs, you will start to see that I have some things(like cheese, hashbrowns, margarine) that I get every month while other things(ice cream, juice, meat)you don't see for a month or two or more. Those items that I don't get every month I either have purchased in bulk and divided it up to last several months OR I have found those same items in the grocery store over the last month on sale for a great price so I have stocked my shelves with that item using the grocery store sales. 

Making the monthly trips to Sams has helped me to plan ahead and use what I purchase in bulk wisely. While one might think that they don't have the space to buy in bulk I have found that buying in bulk is helping me save space because I don't have to work finding a place for all the small packages of items bought at the grocery store. 

Monthly Sam's Run

I made it to Sam's this past week. This month there was several things that I needed that I only get every other month or every 3 months so grand total was a bit higher than what I have had in previous months. 

Here is the list of items for this month's run...

• TurboTax deluxe(federal+state) $52.86 (with sales tax, cheapest place in town we have found it!)
• Act II Popcorn 28 count $6.84
• Heinz Ketchup 3pk/44oz $6.52
• Hormel Real Bacon Bits 3lb bag $7.06
• Cinnamon Raisin Bagels 2-6ct bags $4.36
• Ore-Ida French Fries 30lbs $17.28
• Swanson's Chicken Broth 12pk $7.77
• Hershey's Chocolate Syrup 2pk/48oz $6.32
• Nesquick Chocolate Powder 67oz $6.83
• Frozen cut corn 5lbs $4.88
• Ore-Ida shredded hashbrowns 6lbs $4.88
• Long Grain white rice 25lbs $10.43
• Mrs. Butterworth's syrup 2pk/60oz $6.34
• Totinos Pizza Rolls 140ct  $9.32
• Red Baron Individual Pizzas 10ct $10.76
• Jif Creamy Peanut Butter 2pk/40oz $7.29
• String Cheese individually wrapped 48 ct $7.59
• Canadian Bacon 2lbs $7.88
• Eggo Waffles 60ct $8.26
• Mild Cheddar Cheese 5lbs $12.27
• Part-Skim Mozzerella Cheese 5lbs $11.86
• Kraft American Cheese Slices 72 ct $7.88
• Country Crock Margarine 5lbs $4.42

TOTAL: $229.90

As a side note, I am always looking at Sam's prices on their fresh meat so that I can compare getting the meat in bulk vs. getting it from the grocery stores on sale. I found something VERY interesting in regards to Sam's selection of whole chickens!!  They carry whole chickens in a 2 pack and each pack averages around 11lbs of chicken. What is soooo interesting about these chickens is that the price per pound is only 78¢!!  Yes! You are reading that correctly--78¢ per pound!!  I just got a ONE whole chicken at the grocery store on sale for 89¢ per pound!  If I had known, I would have not bothered getting it at the grocery store. Every once in a while I like to get a whole chicken to put in my crockpot for a making up a quick meal of roasted chicken, rice & gravy and a veggie.  So this will be something that I keep in mind for the next time I go to Sam's! 

Monthly Sam's Run

I finally made it to Sam's for my December monthly run!!  

Here is what I purchased this month...

• 1- 5qt pail vanilla ice cream $5.02
• 5 lbs Country Crock Margarine $4.42
• 1 1/4 gallons canola oil $9.88
• 5lbs frozen cut corn $4.76
• 6 lbs shredded hashbrowns $4.88
• 60 count box waffles $8.26
• 12 count individual pizzas $10.76
• 72 count box bagel bites $9.72
• 200 count bag Halls cough drops $6.22(with sales tax)
• 3 lbs beef hot dogs $$7.86
• 72 ct box american cheese slices $8.27
• 5 lbs mild cheddar cheese $12.63
• 72 ct box fruit snacks $8.42
• 24 oz can parmesan cheese $7.79
• 3-45 oz jars Ragu spaghetti sauce $6.37
• 52 oz can Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts $5.87
• 2 pack Rold Gold Pretzels $5.88
• 2 pack bagels $4.36
• 56 oz bag M&Ms $7.70
• 2lb bag El Matador Tortilla Chips $2.58
• 2 pk-60 oz bottles Mrs. Butterworth's syrup $6.34
• 2-40oz bottles Jif peanut butter $7.13
• 12 pk. Swanson's chicken broth $7.77
• 12 pk. Campbell's tomato soup $8.08

Total: $170.97

November Sam's Run

Yesterday along with going to regular grocery stores, I made my monthly Sam's run! I spent a little more than I usually do in a month's time there, because with seasonal baking season approaching I grabbed some things that I would normally buy in small quantities and I was out of stock on a few things(pepperoni, baby wipes, fries to name a few) that I get every 3 months!

Here is what I got for the month of November...

• 25lbs brown sugar $13.99
• 30lbs french fries $17.28
• 720 ct Huggies Natural Care wipes $14.86
• 12 ct individual size Red Baron pizza $10.76
• 60ct Eggo waffles $8.02
• 32 ct. Go-Gurt $7.64
• 2pk Nilla Wafers $5.22
• 4lbs. Goldfish crackers $7.44
• 140 ct. Pizza Rolls $9.27
• 5qt vanilla ice cream $5.02
• 12pk chicken broth $5.88
• 3pk-44oz Heinz Ketchup $6.34
• 15oz Minced Onions $4.64
• 5lbs Honey $9.58
• 5lbs mild cheddar cheese $13.28
• 2 pk-40 oz Jif Peanut Butter $7.13
• 5 lbs Country Crock $4.42
• 90 oz Mini asst. candy $9.28 (trick or treating candy)
• 36 ct. Pillsbury biscuits $5.46
• 6lbs Ore Ida Hash browns $4.88
• 2lbs Canadian bacon $7.62
• 5lbs frozen corn $4.76
• 48 ct. string cheese $7.79
• 20 oz real bacon bits $6.88
• 3 1/2 lbs beef hot dogs $7.86
• 5lbs pepperoni $12.57
• 960 ct paper napkins $7.87
• 25lbs all purpose flour $10.08

Total with tax: $237.42

October Sam's Run

It's the beginning of the month so that means my monthly Sam's run! Here is the rundown of what I purchased this month, which is a bit different than last month.

• 6 bags of chips $14.64 ($2.44 each)
• 7lbs powdered sugar $3.84
• 320 ct. clear trashbags $23.84
• 3.2 oz Rosemary $4.08
• 1 gallon apple cidar $3.88
• 72 ct Kraft American cheese slices $8.78
• 150 loads Downy $10.24
• 5lbs mild cheddar cheese $13.28
• 2 pks cinnamon raisin bagels $4.36
• 5lbs frozen corn $4.76
• 60 ct. waffles $8.02
• 3lbs Premium saltines $4.34
• 140 ct. pizza rolls $8.83
• 100 ct. slim jims $13.22
• 4 quarts Mrs. Butterworth's syrup $6.34
• 28 oz. lemon pepper seasoning $5.54
• 3-44oz Heinz ketchup $6.34
• 2-40oz Jif Peanut Butter $7.13
• 5lbs Country Crock Margarine $4.42
• 2-48oz bottles Hershey's chocolate syrup $6.32
• 2-40oz bottles Hidden Valley Ranch dressing $9.24
• 6lbs Ore-Ida shredded Hash browns $4.88

Total with sales tax: $178.36

Monthly Sam's Run

As part of my grocery budget, I have figured in a monthly Sam's run. I thought I would take the time to break down what I got there this month just to show and possibly help someone see how shopping at Sam's can save one some money.

I have two pages of my pricebook devoted to Sam's Club items, however, I do not get all of the items each month. The reason for not getting all the items is because many of the items last me more than just a month!

Here is a breakdown of what I purchased this month...

• 30lbs french fries $15.87
• 60ct. box frozen waffles $8.02
• 140ct. box pizza rolls $8.88
• 2lbs Canadian bacon $7.62
• 48 ct. AA batteries $17.84
• 6lbs shredded hashbrowns $4.88
• 10pk Honey Maid Graham Crackers $7.22
• 3-44oz bottles Heinz ketchup $6.34
• 12 ct. plain bagels $4.36
• 56oz bag plain M&Ms $7.70 (hubby takes the bag to work to fill his M&M guy)
• 3lb bag Hormel Real Bacon Bits $6.88
• 3lb bag Ball Park Beef Hotdogs $6.27
• 5lbs tub Country Crock Margarine $3.76
• 72ct. box Kraft American Cheese slices $8.46
• 48 ct. bag Individually wrapped string cheese $9.88
• 5lbs mild cheddar cheese $13.73($2.75/lb)
• 3.91lbs Beef Round Roast $14.31(this will give me at least TWO meals!)
• 9 thick sliced pork loin chops $16.66 (I take these home and slice them so they are thin pork loin chops and so I ended up with 2 meals out of 9 thick sliced chops!)

Just to give you some idea out of this list, I will not need to get fries, bacon bits, hotdogs, batteries, and graham crackers next month! Everything else will be on the list next month along with a few other things.