Tips like these helped us pay off $127K in debt. You can read our story in Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.
Just last year, a new grocery store opened in our community. I made it my job to give it the once over and figure out the best ways to save money at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market. I was not disappointed in their selection and offerings. Here are my top tips!
Check the Ad
Our local Fresh Thyme sends ads through the mail every Wednesday. But I usually like to also check the ads online. Be sure you check your specific store (different stores might run different deals). If you want to make the most of your trip you’ll want to A) Shop on Thursday and B) Be sure to check the ad from the previous week, too (more on that next).
Shop on Double Ad Thursday
Every Thursday, Fresh Thyme features what it calls Double Ad Thursday. Double Ad Thursday means that you can get both the deals for the week ahead and the deals from the week prior. How amazing is that? If you can, budget to spend your grocery dollars on Thursday to maximize your savings.
Visit During the Morning Hours
When Fresh Thyme first opened in the Queendom, the store was SWAMPED during high traffic hours, especially lunch into the evening hours. Because of the fantastic salad bar and carry out options, many people took their lunch hour there to both shop and eat. This made it very difficult to navigate the store. In high traffic, you’re much more likely to lose focus, overspend, and become frustrated. Typically, I like to go early on a Thursday morning before things pick up and while I can still get those Double Ad deals. Your store may vary so pay attention to when the lot is full and find a time that isn’t as heavily trafficked.
Use Good Old Fashioned Shopping Sense
I’ll be honest, even with all of the great deals, I can easily overspend at Fresh Thyme. I have a theory about the speed of the music and the ambience making me slow down while I’m there. My grocery store ten commandments remain the same, no matter where I shop. Spending more time around the perimeter of the store (where the produce, dairy, and meats are), using cash, and putting back items before you check out will help anywhere you shop but I think ring especially true at Fresh Thyme. Interested in learning what my other grocery shopping “musts” are? Read Three Things Thursday: Grocery Store Commandments or Own the Aisles: Grocery Shopping Tips for REAL People.
In Store Promotions
Fresh Thyme regularly runs in store demonstrations and promotions. This past weekend, in honor of the Super Bowl, they were asking trivia questions and you could instantly win a gift card. Thank goodness the King of Free knows his football stuff. We won $5 as we were checking out.
Sign up for E-mail Newsletter
Head to Fresh Thyme’s homepage to sign up for the e-mail newsletter which promises news, great deals, coupons, product information, store event invitations and more! Registering with Fresh Thyme online has also resulted in receiving coupons at home via mail upon occasion.
Fresh Thyme Accepts Coupons
While I can’t locate a coupon policy anywhere on their site, I do have verification from the local Facebook page Fresh Thyme Farmers Market accepts coupons. I loved the fact that there were so many hard-to-find allergen free products at reasonable prices, the bulk bins of pantry staples, and some of my favorite brands of teas that are difficult to locate in other grocery stores. Some of the prices were much higher on name brand items than baselines of what I’ve observed in Target or Meijer so you may want to save those for another trip. I also love the made-to-order pizzas (yay for a gluten free option) that clock in at $4.99 for an 8 inch and allow you to choose a crust, sauce, meat, cheese, and plenty of veggies of course.
Coupons at the Register
When you check out, don’t miss the free coupon booklets available at the register. These coupons are typically for name brand products (not produce or meat). Maximize these coupons by pairing with a sale.
Never Ending Rain Checks
Thanks to Lady Kristi from the Queen of Free Facebook community for mentioning that if a a special sale item runs out of stock, you can request a rain check. Rain Checks at Fresh Thyme have no expiration date.
Fresh Thyme probably won’t ever be the only store I shop; however, I’m very thankful to have another weapon in my arsenal to save money and feed our family nutritious meals.
Do you shop at Fresh Thyme? What other savings tips would you recommend?
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
