This week’s challenge:
You may only put generic items into your cart. These can be store brands only or no-name products. At the end of the week we’re gonna see how much you saved from the products you normally purchase!
My results:
I have to admit: this week’s challenge was not much of a challenge for me. I buy generics 90% of the time. I am a huge price-comparer when I shop. I often don’t use coupons because I realize that I can get a better deal by buying the same thing as a full-priced generic. There are only a handful of items that I will almost always buy the brand-name version of, including Doritos, Best Foods/Hellmans mayonnaise, and Kleenex.
I have another confession: I did so well planning my shopping last week that I don’t have to shop at all this week. Is that a miracle, or what?! Talk about saving money on our grocery bill!
Here’s what my Budget Bootcamp mentors, Beth and Clair, had to say about buying generics:
Not everyone lives in the land of double coupons like me, so sometimes it’s not always cheaper to go with the brand name. When a $0.25 coupon is really only worth $0.25, sometimes it just doesn’t really make enough of a difference in your savings plan.
Of course, some shy away from generics, but do you realize most store brands are made by the brand names we love? And some are exactly the same or close enough that you won’t notice a different.
Read more about Clair’s, who has to struggle to save in the land of no doubles, thoughts on generic products from prescription drugs to food! Plus, enter the exciting giveaway from Hane’s.
What about you? Do you prefer brand-name products, or are you a fan of generics? Do you only get generics when you have to or are there some products that you will only buy the name brand version?
© 2010, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
There are certain brands that are a must because they are light years ahead of generic (mainly cleaning supplies) but everywhere else, generic all the way. BTW I came from blog frog comment loop.
I agree I had a 50cent coupon for a 3 pound box of Bisquick at Kroger and it would have been $5.00, but at Costco a 6 pound box of Bisquick was $4.99. I get 3 pounds more for the same price. Great job on saving so much you didn’t have to shop this week.
.-= Rana´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Lets Ride! =-.
I live in the land of double coupons, so I save so much on brand names that they usually are cheaper than generics! I rarely buy generics at all, so for me it is a challenge. But, way to go on not shopping! That’s the best money saver.
.-= Beth @ In Good Cents´s last blog ..FREE Tote Bag Just Pay Shipping =-.
We’re gonna get you yet girl! Although I’m so pumped that the meal planning is paying off!!! WOOOT WOOT!
.-= Clair´s last blog ..Ultra Food Deals Week of 7-22 – 7-28-10 =-.
I will buy some generics but I just can’t buy veggies generic. They don’t taste right to me. I just CAN’T do it! haha
.-= Brandie´s last blog ..Budget Boot Camp Challenge 3 =-.
I’m also primarily a generic kind of girl. I do probably 98% if my shopping at Aldi or a local discount grocer. Saves me tons!
I’m a generics girl all the way. Unless I have a really good coupon paired with a good sale.
.-= Allison @ Alli n Son´s last blog ..CSN Store 50 Giveaway =-.
It wouldn’t be much of a challenge for me, either, as, if I’m going to buy something pre-made, I will buy a generic brand ninety percent of the time. Mostly I just buy whole foods and products that can be used for more than one thing. Couponing has never worked for me for just this reason…either I just don’t need the products for which there are coupons, or there is a generic equivalent that, even with the coupon for the brand name, is the cheaper buy.
.-= Michele – The Professional Family Manager´s last blog ..Admitting “Defeat” in Order to Succeed =-.
I LOVE generic brands especially for diapers and formula. Just as good as the brand names and SO much cheaper.
.-= Jen´s last blog ..What Are We Going To Do This Summer =-.
Generics or store brands I always buy- taco seasoning, velveeta, goldfish, marshmallows, OTC drugs, and body lotion.
.-= Janelle´s last blog ..My kids never did THAT! =-.