Ways to save money at the grocery store are often over-looked when trying to trim some fat off the budget. Too often people assume that going without is the most effective way to lower a shopping budget. Another misconception is that the only people who save money are those who make a part time job out of clipping coupons. There are in fact some very simple ways to save money at the grocery store with a little planning ahead.
Plan ahead
The hardest "habit" to start but the easiest to maintain once it becomes routine. Planning ahead is what will allow you to perfect your shopping. You will be able to:
- recognize trends on the things you use the most
- know your meals ahead of time (this minimizes preparation stress)
- know your budget in advance
Make your budget
I am surprised how many people do NOT make a budget. Knowing how much you have in your pocket or your bank account is not making a budget. For a thorough list of suggestions on calculating a budget I recommend you read How to Make a Budget and Stick to It. You have to know how much you have available to spend so that you can learn how to control and minimize that.
Online Coupons
Now I know I shed a dim light on coupons but it really may be worth your while to check some online places to see what they have to offer. I know a lot of people don't get the Sunday paper any more but most of us do have the ability to go online or at least access to it. Below are some of the top sites for online coupons and other ways to save money at the grocery store. Coupons can either be printed or some can be applied directly to your store card.
Make a list
Shopping by way of a list helps to keep you from making a multitude of impulse buys. By planning your meals ahead of time and making a list to execute those meals, you won't be buying lots of product you don't really need only to turn around and have to go back to the store and buy what you really need and make some more impulse buys along the way. I know that last statement was a mouthful but it was stated that way intentionally. Basically, know what you are making so you know what to buy. By the way, while you are making your list, you may want to pick up eggs so you can do a home made face peel.
Eat before you shop
As comical as this one sounds, it really has more value to it than you might think. If you go into the store with an empty stomach, E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G is going to look delicious and you won't have a chance to stick to your list. Being hungry in the grocery store is a bit like being under the influence, and bad decisions often get made on the way to the checkout line. Just simply eat a little something before you do your grocery shopping.
Know what to buy where
During your shopping journeys, check the prices of everything you use on a regular basis and plan your subsequent purchases based around these items. For example, milk is cheaper at competitor "A", meats are preferred from competitor "B", and so forth. Knowing that you are going to need milk soon, make your list of the sale items you need from that store. This will help you reap the values from each store while keeping your productivity to a maximum.
Learn sale trends
Knowing when to buy what and where is easy to do if you pay attention. Competitor "A" offers your favorite brand of soda on sale weeks 1 and 3 while competitor "B" offers it on sale weeks 2 and 4. Either stock up this week or visit the competitor next week.
Look at product weight, not package size
If you have never done this, you will undoubtedly be surprised that the bigger package doesn't always contain the most product. Checking this, price per oz, price per each and any other ways of comparison will go a loooooong way in obtaining value in your purchase.
I hope these tips are ways to save money at the grocery store that you may not have thought about in the past. I know there are a mass of you out there that are much more shopper savvy than myself so I look forward to hearing some of your ideas as well. Please post or comment your thoughts and feelings as well as any tips you feel absolutely should have been listed as ways to save money at the grocery store.
-M@
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