Saving Money at the Grocery Store is Easy

Here are our Top 10 Ways to Save money at the Grocery Store.

Food is one of a households biggest expenses. With the increased cost of fuel impacting an increased cost of food delivery, grocery costs are going through the roof. But it is also one of the expenses that we can reduce if we become frugal and smart shoppers. There are ways of saving money at the grocery store, with a close look at what we are buying and how much we are paying for it, we can take a big bite (I couldn't resist) out of our monthly expenditure.  First, eat out less and cook your own food more, this will save an enormous amount of money right from the start. But frugal grocery shopping can be an art and with a little planning, can also be a lot of fun.  Here are 10 ways to save you money at the grocery store, some big money over the long term.

1. Make a List and Check it Twice. 

   Before you go shopping, check your pantry, fridge and freezer and write down what you need.  When you are at the store you will be less inclined to randomly browse the isles and give in to impulse buys.  Discipline yourself to buy only what's on your list

2. Eat, then Shop.

   We've all know what happens when we go food shopping when we are hungry. We buy lots of stuff we don't need, especially junk foods.  Have a small meal or light snack before hitting the store.  This way, you will be able to pass on that gigantic bag of salt and vinegar potato chips.

3. No More Groceries - No Less Groceries
   

   Set aside a budget of how much you can spend for groceries per month.  Then do your best to shop within your means.  Spend what you set aside for groceries.  If you come out ahead, treat yourself or kids to a few healthy items.

4. Be a Clipper

   Use coupons, check for specials in the store flyer, take advantage of sales.  Find out when stores get their new stocks in (ask the manager) and shop the specials beforehand. Let the store pay for the depreciation on their products! Like specials, buying produce in season will also save you from the high import costs of grocery products that need to produced overseas.

5.  Take the Pepsi Challenge

   9 times out of ten, generic brands are no different than name brand products.  Store brands are usually 20-30% less expensive than their brand name counterparts. Even better, purchase drink mixes and add you own water.

1. • With a 12 oz can of a chic drink costing upwards of $2.00, that equates to over $21.00 a gallon! Many drink mixes can get you up to 12 quarts for only $1.99, that's only $0.67 a gallon or 31 times less expensive.

   Nowadays, many grocery stores show you the "cost per", be it ounce, pound, gallon or serving. Many times the larger package is more expensive per ounce, serving or pound than the smaller ones. Marketing companies know that the typical consumer will gravitate towards the larger packing seeking value and intentionally price the larger items to me more expensive ounce for ounce.

6. Chill Out and Stock Up

   If you have a large freezer or separate deep freeze, buy in bulk and freeze, stocking up on meals you can prepare and/or store for a later date.  Soups, sauces, frozen vegetables, and meats will stay a long time in a freezer.  One night a week cook a big meal that can be frozen or refrigerated, and enjoyed a few times during the week.

7. Join the Club

   Big discounts can be found in wholesale clubs like Costco.  Buying in bulk can save you as much as 50% on most items for sale there.  Most clubs nowadays even carry a full array of fruits and vegetables as well.  Take advantage of this super produce market.  If no club is near you, join the shopper club at your local supermarket.  They'll even give you a cool key chain.

8. Trash the Junk Food

   Junk food is expensive and unhealthy. Spending a lot of money on food that makes you feel like garbage is twice the insult.  Ditch the Frozen dinners too. If you were to buy the same ingredients that go in one frozen dinner, you would have the equivalent of 3 healthy meals.  Same goes for sugar cereals- lots of money for no nutrition. Look for whole grain cereals with low sugar. Add fruit for better flavor.

9. Skip the Commercials
   

   Did you ever wonder why the supermarket has those lovely people offering free samples of new products? To sell you more food!  Resist stopping by the friendly lady with the white coat and the portable range top.  Also, don't run out to buy the newest 9 blade ultra high tech disposable razor you saw on tv.  The one you have worked for you so far.

10. Cash is King

    This one is a no brainer- don't use your credit cards to shop for groceries.  Food is expensive enough already adding finance charges to your grocery bill should never be considered. 

Saving money at the grocery store is smart and easy

With these simple guidelines, so the next time you go shopping follow these simple rules and see just how much money you can save.

Top 10 Ways to Save Money at the Grocery Store

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