August 2007 Archives
Everyone is trying to save money these days. In fact, with the explosion of superstores such as Wal-Mart and Target, shopping for grocery deals has become the fashionable thing among upscale people everywhere.
If you're like me, though, saving money is a necessity, especially when it comes to grocery bills. It took some practice, but I've found a lot of ways to keep my grocery bills down to reasonable amounts, and I no longer dread trips to grocery stores because I know the bills will be huge.
So if you're looking for ways to cut down on your grocery bills, here are some tips to help.
1. Have a plan. This doesn't only include making a menu plan, but it also means shopping for the deal before you ever leave home. GroceryGuide.com is an excellent source for finding the best grocery deals at grocery stores and drug stores in your area. Talk about a time saver! You can find who has the best grocery sales and grocery coupons, then plan not only your grocery list, but your entire trip if you plan on going to more than one grocery store.
2. Make that grocery list. You never want to go to a grocery store without a list. First of all, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices, and you may, like I have been known to do, end up buying a lot of stuff, but nothing that you can actually make a meal with. So make your list, check it twice - then use it!
3. Check your budget. It's amazing how many people have no idea how much they spend on groceries and have no budget set aside just for groceries. Making a budget doesn't have to be difficult or extensive, but should be realistic in what you can truly afford to spend in the grocery store each week. So if you don’t have a grocery budget, you want to make one as soon as possible.
4. Leave the debit and credit cards at home. In other words, use the green stuff when shopping for groceries. When you have only a certain amount of funds available, you won't be able to overspend. Take the amount of money you've set aside in your budget (you did make that budget, right?) and if you have any left over, put it in your vacation or home remodeling fund. When you start saving money at the grocery stores, you'll be astonished to realize how quickly those savings add up and can be used for other things your family and home need or want.
5. Don’t give into the "bulk" urge. Buying grocery items in bulk seems like a great idea. It's certainly made Costco and Sam’s Clubs tons of money. The truth is, however, that many times you end up with way more than your family needs and the grocery items may go bad or remain unused. So only buy items in bulk that you are certain you and your family members will use.
6. Eat first. Going to the grocery store when you're hungry is like waving the proverbial red flag in front of a bull. Everything looks good - whether it's on your list or not, or whether it's a great grocery deal or not. So you never want to go to the grocery hungry.
7. Shop alone. Taking family members along, especially young children, is never a good idea. Not only is it nerve-wracking to take them, but it will certainly mean an ugly end to all your good intentions for saving money in the grocery store because everyone will have to have something you can be sure isn't on your list - or in your budget.
8. Give grocery store brands a whirl. I used to think store brands were low-rent items and of poor quality. That may have been true once upon a time, but it isn't any longer. Why? Grocery stores want you to keep coming back, so they aren't likely to put their name on anything that would jeopardize that. So try the store brands when you can. You'll save a lot of money this way, and it's very unlikely that anyone will know the difference (you might hide the packaging though, just to be sure).
9. Avoid peak times. Going to grocery stores when other people are out doing other things means you will have the luxury of being able to take your time. You can shop for the best in-store grocery deals and grocery sales this way. The shelves are also more likely to be well-stocked, so you'll be able to find what you're looking for. The grocery store checkout clerk is also more likely not to mind the three hundred and fifty coupons you're using.
10. Coupons. As in, be sure you have them with you when you go to the grocery store or drug store. Coupons are fabulous items - but only if you have them when you need them. Many experts recommend purchasing a coupon organizer and keeping it in your purse or car. An envelope will work just as well. You'll also want to go through your coupons fairly often and discard any that are outdated - because the only thing worse than not having coupons with you is to have ones you can't use because the offer is no longer valid.
Using these tips will ensure you are a savvy grocery shopper who knows the art of saving money on groceries. With practice, who knows, you may even save enough money to take your family on the vacation of their dreams (or pay for your trip to a great spa - after all, you've earned it!).
