Coupons, Ads, Apps, Rebates, Gift Cards, Sales It was practically another job to figure out how to get as many groceries as possible for the lowest price.

It was fun for a while, but then it just became more complicated, stressful, and literally took up hours upon hours to get organized.

I may do it again, because sometimes the bargain hunt is fun.

But, for now I prefer simplicity.

My grandmother never worried about coupons. Apps weren't even around and even today she doesn't use them.

She has her preferred brands and her weekly list. She has her favorite stores, and her budget.

Simple.

Now that my children are out of baby and toddler items and we've all settled into what our preferred foods and brands are, shopping is more simple.

Many times I can just run into Aldi and get what I need for the week.

To be honest, I was mostly disappointed when I did all the couponing and bargain match-ups. Half the time the items were out, or the coupons weren't accepted, or the store had limits. Many times I just ended up with items I didn't like, need, or use. I just donated two bottles of shampoo because I got three for the price of one and I tried one bottle and hated it. I have boxes of crackers I got cheap sitting in my cupboard uneaten because weren't not really a cracker-eating family. Worst of all, I ended up blowing my budget every week!

I also simply don't have room for stock piles in my house.

So, I stick with what we know and love.

In doing so, little gets wasted, and I have even managed to stay below budget some weeks.