Blogging Controversy: Why do I not blog about Commissary Deals?

From where I sit, having the opportunity to get ads from THREE commissary/nex locations (NWS-Charleston SC, NSB-Groton CT, NBK-Bangor WA), I am completely disappointed in their complete lack of advertised specials.


Several people have questioned my intentions, since I am trying to gear myself more toward the military families out there just beginning into their couponing adventures. Honestly, I do think that the commissary has overall lower prices than regular civilian grocery stores. HOWEVER, the entire point of couponing, in my mind, is to match the coupons up with advertised specials to get the most bang for your buck. Sure, anyone can carry a binder full of coupons everywhere they go to ensure they get to use their coupons wisely, but to not ad-match your coupons beforehand means that you may be missing out on a great deal.


For example, I know the commissary has Yoplait yogurt for $0.50 everyday. If I can find a better deal somewhere else, I will get my yogurt elsewhere. Often, I've found deals like "buy one, get one free" (QFC), where the yogurt is priced at $0.75 everyday. Obviously, it's only a few cents less that I'm saving, but when it's combined with other specials on miscellaneous goods, the savings, as we've seen, can really add up.


Many military families that are struggling financially are doing so because one spouse stays home while the other works. If I can balance a demanding one-year old, dog, and husband, as well as maintaining a clean house, and continue with my other hobbies, and still be able to find these great deals, I don't see how anyone else could really use the excuse that "it's too time consuming". And then, you have to evaluate, what's more important: ad-matching and couponing for better deals for better finances, or maintaining your current situation? If it's the latter, then why even waste time on this blog any more?


I firmly believe that "shopping around" can be very beneficial. One of the biggest lessons I've learned thus far in five months of couponing is that you can not be loyal to one brand. Consequently, that rolled over into loyalty to one store. Thus far in my couponing adventures, Albertsons has changed their coupon policy from taking all coupons (from competitors) to only taking manufacturer coupons and Albertsons coupons. Walgreens is in the process of changing their rebate program, and also has changed their policy to where, if your coupon does not scan, we will not manually punch it in anymore. And Kmart has decided to take internet printable coupons again. Loyalty to one store can truly limit your profit. And loyalty to one brand can truly limit your success as well.


My issue with the commissary is their lack of advertised specials. The NEX ads have been good about getting to me WEEKS in advance before sales take place, but are unfortunately always filled with useless junk (exercise equipment, underwear, watches, household decor) that do not have coupons and do not have a NEED from shoppers. (When I say NEED, I mean - "high consumption/use ratio" ... we NEED shampoo, deodorant, razors...) Although there are a few advertised specials, they never seem to be able to beat the drug store/grocery store chains enough to prompt me to drive onto base and go through the gate-hassle to get one certain item. You could argue that, while on base, I could go to the commissary, but due to their lack of a circulated/mailed advertisement, I do not want to gamble with those chances.


Bored, I did a side-by-side-by-side-by-side comparison of four stores: Safeway, Albertsons, Commissary (Bremerton), and Grocery Outlet.I strongly suggest that everyone does this if they have the time. It's very helpful to have a list of all the goods that these stores carry so that you can refer back to this at any time you're not sure if the advertised deal is really a "deal" (I chose similar items: eggs, milk, bread, etc. that they would have, even though the brands may be different. I picked the lowest price and the highest price, and I gave myself a "range" where milk may cost $2.49 - $2.67 per gallon.). To be honest, Grocery Outlet's prices far exceeded my expectations and they truly came out on top for someone who wants to be frugal, without being brand-loyal, and without using coupons. However, since they only have one day a month where they accept manufacturer coupons, I choose to limit my shopping at that store to the bare essentials (soy milk, bread loafs, frozen chicken nuggets).


When I make my weekly shopping list, I use the ads, find the deals, and make "menus" for that week. That is how almost every other blogger does their shopping, and I realized quickly that couponing without a game plan is not smart. If I find that I need a few extra supplies for the week, but nothing is on special (such as eggs or milk), I then refer back to my "price comparison list" to figure out which store has the better deal for my dollar.


So, while I am trying to gear my blog in the direction of helping military families (which, is a long-range goal, mind you), be patient with me. I am still learning a lot, and I am trying to help people see what I am doing as I am doing it. I want to have these posts, most importantly, for me to refer back to when I am better at this couponing thing. We're all human and we all make mistakes, so I am trying to correct my errors before my blog gets too popular. I have not yet figured out which direction I want to go, but I do want to help people, and that's all I know.


There's a lot to be said about people who get great deals and teach others how to get them too. I want to join the wonderful ladies who've helped me, so I can continue to help others. Couponing is a fun "game" to play, and it's always rewarding when you walk out with hundreds of dollars of groceries and you only paid for a small percentage out of pocket.