Saving Money on Groceries

Just a few small things can save the $100 grocery-shopping trip. And before you blame the economy, the president, or your politicians for a money crisis, let’s take a look at how you can be a smart grocery shopper. While you’re at it, before you bring your list and head out the door to shop, have a snack. Simply shopping on an empty stomach will make you spend extra bucks at the grocery store. With a snack in your belly and a list in your hand, you won’t be inclined to buy the food, glorious food smiling at you. Now here’s a list of things you can do to save money at the grocery store.

1. Make a grocery list, and check to make sure that’s exactly what you want.

How many of you have gone to the grocery store and bought your produce, then come home to realize you forgot that romaine lettuce? Not only will making a grocery list help you save time at the store, it’ll also save time after you come back. Also by making a list, you have a clear goal of what to buy (and what not). Without a list, a grocery store can be filled with wonders and temptations of food. But with a clear list, you’re out on a mission and that’s all you really need to think about. By having a list, you are saving yourself from the impulses of food and spending too much money.

2. Buy healthy food and save money.

Studies show that buying healthy food can actually save you money. Those high-calories foods that make you gain fat also burn weight on your wallet. Eating healthy means smaller portion sizes and healthier choices like introducing more vegetables and fruits to the diet. These foods cost less than the high-calorie foods, including meat. The same things that bring on the weight – soda, chips, nachos, etc., are the same things that you don’t need to add to your shopping list.

3. Review your receipt.

This seems like common sense, but with so much shopping being done, many may forget that cashiers are human and they do make mistakes. Just this year, I’ve encountered three times where cashiers made mistakes (coincidentally – same store). When buying sale tofu at $2.50, the clerks charged each pack at $10 and just tofu resulted in $50. If I hadn’t caught that, I would have ended up with spending $50 on tofu. Cashiers do their work all day and you might just be the one shopper that gets ended up with a mistake bill. So check your receipt.

4. Check grocery ads and flyers.

If you receive the grocery ads every week, be sure to check them out. Stores in your area will compete with each other for low prices, and usually there’s that one product that’s really cheap. If it’s worth it and the store is close, make that extra run for something inexpensive with high quality. If you go to a grocery store that doesn’t mail you the ads, check the front. Most grocery stores keep their latest promotional flyers in the front, where you can check up on prices. You might just get a lucky deal.

5. Try substituting big-name brands for local brands and store brands.

Don’t just go for the brand because you know it well. Local brands and store brands are oftentimes just as good – sometimes better. Not only are national brands pricier, they are also less environmental. Support your local community and buy the food that is produced near you. Local = environmental, and also local = money saved.

6. Shop alone.

Don’t bring your kids or your friends to grocery shopping. Sure, you might have a better time, but they do add up to the bill. The little ones will beg you for things, and the friends will suggest unnecessary things to you. They’re nice to be around, just not during grocery shopping.


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