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Meals With Maria

How To Shop The Sales Flyer The RIGHT WAY

Published about 2 months ago • 2 min read

To be honest, I tend to scroll the grocery store sales flyers before bed. I really really like them and enjoy them. (total geek, I admit it!)

But there was a time when they really stressed me out.

I had to find the right balance of need and want when it came to using them properly and to get the best deals.

And I get, it's not for everyone, which is why especially on busy weeks, I only pick one store to shop and I really only focus on the first page of the flyer. That's where the best deals are anyway.

Why Shop the First Page of the Sales Flyer?

Understanding Loss Leaders

  • First Page Focus: The first page of a sales flyer features items called "loss leaders" – these are products sold at cost or even at a loss to attract customers.
  • Best Prices: By shopping these items, you’re accessing the absolute best prices available.

Beware of Marketing Gimmicks

  • Subsequent Pages: Items on later pages might not be on sale; they are often labeled with slogans like "Great value" or "Compare and save!" which don't necessarily indicate a discount.
  • Smart Shopping: Focus on the first page to avoid falling for these marketing tactics.

According to my grocery shopping strategy- Each week you want to pick 3 dinners from your fridge, freezer, or pantry (see yesterday's email) and 3 from the sales flyer. More details here:

  • One Store Strategy: Limit your shopping to one store to save time and reduce the temptation to buy unnecessary items. This makes just shopping 1 flyer a breeze!
  • Sales-Based Meals: If chicken is on sale, plan meals like grilled chicken or chicken stir-fry. If beef is on sale, consider beef stew or burgers. The same goes for vegetables – if zucchini is on sale, make zucchini lasagna.
  • Inspiration: If you need ideas, visit my website Meals With Maria and search for recipes by ingredient. You can also find inspiration on Pinterest, Google, Instagram, or TikTok.

Next: Organize Your Recipes

  • Google Sheets Framework: I use Google Sheets to keep track of all my favorite and seasonal recipes. This allows me to quickly search by ingredient and find recipes my family loves. (you get my google sheets framework when you enroll in my Smart Spend Bootcamp!)
  • Never Forget a Recipe: This system ensures I never forget a recipe and always have access to meals my family enjoys.

To Finish it off: Shop Smart

  • Stick to the List: Once you have your meal plan and know what's on sale, make a shopping list and stick to it (I also use my google sheets framework for this- It makes it SO EASY). This helps avoid impulse buys and keeps your budget in check.

You're well on your way to so much savings! I seriously hope these strategies are helping you save this week!

Dedicated to helping save you money on groceries,

Maria Ronan

Meals With Maria

P.S. Did you know the most successful moms don’t just settle for basic tips—they get my 4-Week Smart Spend Bootcamp and Monthly Meal Plan.

If you’re serious about making your life easier and mastering grocery savings, this is your must-have resource. Click below and get started today!

​I'm Ready To Make My Life Easier and Save Even More!​

Meals With Maria

I’m Maria, a passionate home cook with a mission to help you create delicious meals on a budget. As a wife and mom of three boys, I know how important it is to make every dollar count without sacrificing taste or quality. With my background in financial analysis and my love for cooking, I’ve developed a unique approach to meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking that will inspire you to save money while still enjoying gourmet meals at home.

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