I've been working on a project, the past few months. I wanted to see how much money I can save by shopping at Aldi's, Save-A-Lot, the local Dollar Stores and the Salvation Army Thrift Store. As opposed to using Coupons at our Local Grocery Stores, which can mark up products to about 300%, the ones that I have mentioned above in the second sentence, only mark prices up to 15%, over retail value.

Now, most think you can save money by couponing on major Grocery Store sales, you can, but they still make a huge profit on the margin of mark ups.

You can't use coupons at Aldi's or the Dollar Store, but you can use them at Save-A-Lot and the Thrift Store. Let me explain...

I went to Aldi's and Save-A-Lot and bought groceries, same as the amount of what I get at the major Stores. Even without the use of coupons, I scored comparable groceries for a lot less than what I would at the major Grocery stores, with their sales and coupon use.

I do want to let you know that most of all the off brand products that they sell, are made by the same companies. They are just packaged differently and priced lower, for people to buy at a lower price. The food is still just as good, if not better tasting. Cheaper always tastes better!!!

Also, I wanted to see what I can get at the Dollar Store, for a cheaper price than our bigger Stores. There are several $ stores that stock up on Major Brands and also products that Hardware and some Retail stores sell. Amazing, you but the products for $1, as opposed to a few more bucks on a sale and use of coupons.

The local Thrift store, as most of you know, sells what people donate for a tax deduction or just out of the Goodness of their Hearts. The kids and I always donate at least twice a year, but never shopped there. We walked in and I was thoroughly impressed. It was like a Giant Garage sale. All the product were in new or gently used condition. Many of us have gone to Garage and Yard sales, but at the thrift store, all the money goes to a Good Cause. A big Bonus is, for every $50 you spend there, you get a $5 off coupon for your next shopping Visit.

I did save a lot of money, not buying several papers weekly for my coupon booklets and also saved on Gas, not running to several stores using Coupons hitting all the Major Grocery Store Chain sales.

Now, I'm not trying to knock down my own blog, but I do want to find deals for all of my readers. I still want you to shop where you feel most comfortable and save money, but I want to pose a CHALLENGE to all my readers....

My CHALLENGE is: for 1-3 months, I want you to shop at Aldi's, Save-A-Lot, the Local $1 Store and local Thrift Stores. I want to read your posts on here and share with other readers, your savings. I want a comparable Price from place to place and let us all know your savings. Good luck Shopping!!!

Are you up to the Challenge?

This will be posted on Face Book as well, so if you're more comfortable Posting on there, Your more than Welcome!!!