So What's New with the Grocery Dilemma?

If you read in an earlier post, my grocery store (which doubled 99c coupons to 1.98) closed. I am a die-hard couponer, so this hurt. Other stores around here double 50c coupons, but that's it. I've been looking for a new grocery store.

While I haven't found one single store to shop at, I have found a way to help lessen the grocery bill. I've been mystery shopping! (If you are interested in mystery shopping, check out Volition's website.)

For those of you who haven't heard about mystery shopping, it's basically evaluating a store without revealing that you're doing so. When I've done mystery grocery shops, I've had to go to a number of departments in the grocery store and ask questions, evaluate service, etc. etc.

Mystery shopping does not rake in the big bucks. Far from it...but it does help a little with my groceries. You see, the company I shop for pays around $10 reimbursement for the groceries I buy when performing the shop. This is great for me because:

1) I'm already out there grocery shopping. No extra driving (good for the environment and $$).

2) I am looking around for a new grocery store anyway and get to see some I may not have known about (I have an Aldi's shop soon, so I am eager to check it out!)

3) I get $10-12 free groceries for my evaluations

4) The "reimbursement" payment for the groceries is not taxable. If they paid me a fee for the evaluations, it would be taxed.

So this has been one way I've been putting a dent in the grocery bill. Pretty soon our local farmer's market will be up and running, so that will help too!