Money Saving Grocery Tips for a Tight Economy
With the tight economy, it seems like every time you turn around you’re paying higher prices than you used to. From gas to groceries, our hard-earned dollars are being challenged to stretch further than ever before. It can be tough to find ways to spend less on groceries while still getting the things that we need to feed ourselves and our families. Here are six money saving tips to keep in mind the next time you go grocery shopping.
1. Clip coupons. They put those in the newspaper for a reason. If there is a new item you want to try, use a coupon to get it at a discount. If you like it, you have saved some money. On the other hand, if you don’t take a liking to it, you didn’t pay full price. You can also use coupons to save on your favorite items that can’t be replaced by a generic substitute. One of my favorite coupon resources is www.thegrocerygame.com It’s not free but it saves me lots of time and helps me get the best use out of my coupons.
2. Buy more staples than prepared foods. It is easier to buy a box of macaroni and cheese, but is it more economical? A large box of macaroni and a block of cheese will make more servings for your family than one box of prepared macaroni and cheese. The next time you go shopping and pick up a box or bag of a pre-prepared item, ask yourself if you can make that at home for less. If you can, then consider buying the less expensive staple ingredients and make it yourself.
3. Buy in bulk. Make a list of the food items that you use most often. Cereals, meats, vegetables, condiments, juices, and paper products can be bought in bulk usually at a lower price at food warehouses like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club. Although you will have to pay an annual membership fee, the amount you save on your grocery bill can make it worth your while.
4. Don’t shop when you are hungry. You’ve heard this for years and it’s still a great tip to follow. Shopping on an empty stomach means that you will pick up more things than you need. You are also more likely to pick up that bag of chocolate chip cookies or that box of donuts when the growling gets underway.
5. Take a grocery list with you. If you don’t know what you’re planning to buy, you’ll buy things you don’t need and things that aren’t on sale. Also, how many times have you gotten to the store and in all the commotion of shopping forgotten something you intended to buy? Check your cabinets and the fridge to see what you need and write everything down. Remember, the goal is to stick to the list as much as possible.
6. Shop at the same stores. This can save you a lot of frustration. In a new store, you spend most of your time looking for things and walking up and down every aisle, which can lead to forgetting an item or two. Going to the same store each time also makes you more familiar with the prices so you can estimate your bill as you write your grocery list.
Rising prices don’t have to mean a lean dinner table. Always be on the lookout for new ways to make your food dollar go further. If you take the time to implement the ideas listed above as well as others of your own, you’ll see savings each and every time you shop.
