CowLady,
I can relate - I have a hungry husband, twin pre-teen sons who can eat a banquet hall out, and of course my new DS who is on an expensive formula. Then there is me - who likes to eat too! lol
I use to spend upward of $150 - $200 per week on groceries and was so surprised each weekend when the cupboards and fridge were bare again. I used to shoot for a 10% savings each week - and I thought that was good! It never occurred to me I could save 50% or more.
The key is to stockpile when the items are at their absolute lowest prices. Pay attention to your ads and compare from store to store. What may be $1 at one store may be $1.20 at another. But if the $1 store doesn't double Q's and the $1.20 store does, a $.50 Q will do you better at the seemingly 'expensive' store because you will pay $.20 instea of $.50 per item. If this is the lowest price, buy as many as you can with the Q's. Then in the next few weeks (before the next lowest price sale comes around) you will not only have the item on hand, you will not pay higher prices than you have to.
To grow your Q collection, find out what newspapers carry your area's Q inserts and buy multiples. Some people also ask friends and family for their leftover Qs (like me - my mom and dad both give me their inserts and my dad brings more home from work). You can also trade with others to get more of the Q's you are interested in.
Another last point is to consider what items you are brand specific on and what items you may be willing to try something new. We are brand specific on some items and I make it clear to family that these items will only be purchased when on sale and with Q. Sounds a little harsh, but I personally have troubles spending the money now that I know what I can really pay for it - to me it is wasting money and it is! I just buy alot when the price is right so by the time I need/want it again it is on sale again.
HTH!
Jen