There is nothing that can mess up the family budget quite like going grocery shopping. The problem many people have is spending too much money on items they don’t really need, but because they go to the store without a plan they have a hard time remembering what they need and tend to pick up extra things they already have.
The easiest way to solve this problem is to make a grocery list and once at the store do not stray from what’s on it. Probably the best way to build a shopping list for groceries is to first look in the refrigerator and pantry and see what you already have and what you are running out of or are completely out of. The only things that you need to put on your list are those things you need. There’s no point in buying more sugar when you have a big bag of it still full in the pantry.
The other thing you will need to do is make a menu for the upcoming week or two weeks, depending on how long you take between trips to the store. If you do this and buy only those things you need for your weekly menu you will find that you will no longer be picking up those extra items that you don’t need, saving you money. This will also help save you from making unplanned trips to the store for something you forgot, which can be a real pain when you’re making dinner and realize you don’t have an ingredient you need.
When you do go to the grocery store you might want to consider paying with cash. That’s right; keep an envelope with cash in it specifically for groceries. If you set aside a set amount of cash every month that you have budgeted for your food bill put it in an envelope and take it to the store with you and leave your check book, debit card, and credit cards at home. You’ll be amazed at how much less you spend because you will have to stick to your grocery list and keep track of what you intend to buy. When the envelope is empty your grocery budget is spent until the next month.
The way to save money on your grocery bill without ever going to the store is leftovers. By utilizing your leftovers either as a meal all on their own or with other meals you can stretch your food supply and therefore your grocery budget. It also gives the cook a break once or twice a week, leaving more time for family stuff.
And once last thing to remember; don’t go to the supermarket hungry. Eat a snack before you leave home to keep the temptation of buying snack foods to a minimum. So there you have, some simple ways to save money on your grocery bill.
Andrew Bicknell
http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-finance-articles/saving-money-at-the-grocery-store-747801.html
#1 by TDking on October 7th, 2009
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Does anyone have any good tips on saving money at the grocery store other than coupons?
I go to get groceries theese days and it feels like it just burns my money. There has to be ways of getting around spending so much for so little!
#2 by hottotrot1_usa on October 7th, 2009
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Buy store brand rather than national brand. Compare cost per unit rather than total cost of the container.
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#3 by smutz on October 7th, 2009
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You can shop at cheaper stores too. Most Walmarts have grocery sections now and the prices are VERY low. If you live in Texas HEB is the best.
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#4 by Donna W on October 7th, 2009
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Buy things in bigger packages and separate it at home… Those little packages of things add up quick. Watch for sales and buy extra when the price is low. Buy the house brand – it is way cheaper and just as good. I generally don’t shop with a list… I look at what is on sale and fix my meals based on what I get. Avoid junk food too – it is empty calories – and usually just a waste of money!
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#5 by A.Mercer on October 7th, 2009
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Buy the store brand on some of the stuff you get. Most of the time, it is just as good (there are exeptions of course). It is usually a lot cheaper.
Don’t fall for the card programs where you get a card and get a discount. Just go to a store that just has cheaper prices to begin with.
Cook more. Don’t buy prepared stuff if you can make it yourself. Buy a lot of chicken and ground beef and you can make a lot of different dishes, with some extra ingredients. The prepared stuff means that you are paying for the ingredients and also paying someone to put it all together for you. Besides, it is fun to do some cooking.
Plan your shopping. Some stores offer better deals than others. Also, pay attention to specials. Go online before you shop and check out the stores in your area. Many have specials listed online. Some stores are better for buying meat and some are better for buying vegetables. You need to try different stores and figure out which ones work better for you. Be careful not to waste your savings on gas going to all of the different stores.
Be careful buying stuff in bulk. Sometimes, you will end up paying more per item than if you had just bought them separate. Not always, but sometimes. You may need to bring a calculator with you. Just take the number of items in the package and divide that into the price. Choose the one that gives the lowest price per unit.
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#6 by CRAM1313 on October 7th, 2009
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shop lifitin!!!
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#7 by Britty on October 7th, 2009
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Get a membership. They are free at Fred Meyers, Carrs (safeway), Albertsons, and this one in Boston….
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#8 by Mommyof1 on October 7th, 2009
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Yes, i am a stay at home mom so i’m always looking for a way to budget.
Here’s something that helps me:
I make out a whole months dinner schedule. And then only buy the items necessary to cook those meals. Don’t forget snacks and desserts.
Watch out for sales. Buy things you run out of quickly in bulk. Like toilet paper, paper towels. Etc.
Make a list before you go and STICK TO IT!
Don’t be afraid to buy store brands. Not only are they much cheaper at times, but they often taste just like the pricer brands. The only exception I found is with off brand cereal. They seem to lack the taste found in originals.
When buying meats, search through the packages and find the cheaper ones. Sure the poundage is less but trust me you really can’t tell!
Hope this helps.
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#9 by J k on October 7th, 2009
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How about going to your local grocery store that is the cheapest? There are differences you know. Do you have a Food 4 Less nearby? They are the cheapest, or like a Costco? Or any wholesaler grocery store, where you can buy more for less and stock up. Buying in bulk can save, and it makes you get in your fridge and cook something rather than buy fresh all the time. Just when you buy bulk items to store in the freezer, have the stuff divi’ed up before you freeze it, so you can take out as you need to cook. Also, try going generic if you really want to save. Forget the brands, that’s where a chunk of your change goes for each branded item you buy, and it adds up. Check out your bill after a week or 2, you’ll see a difference. Hope this helps
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#10 by pooterilgatto on October 7th, 2009
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You do not say how many do you shop for? For buying in larger quantities Sam’s Club or Costco are good, and you can freeze some of the food for later use and theirs prices are very good. You do need to join the club, and sometimes you can shop with a friend that already belongs and see how you like it before getting your own membership. There are many benefits of the membership as well on other items they carry. Yes everything has gone up in price and always watch for specials. I should know I am a saver too.
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#11 by jenesuispasunnombre on October 7th, 2009
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Go to the cheapest stores for food, because seriously a banana is a banana! You look around for the best deals and bulk-buy the stuff you get regularly like oatmeal or rice, for example, – often Indian or Chinese shops do good deals. I once lasted a week on roughly 14 dollars which I spent on filling natural food. The fresh produce and canned fruit and veg tends to work out cheapest. Stay away from frozen food if you can, because it costs a lot.
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