Smart Shopping - Tips For Saving Money On Groceries
During a time of high gas prices and an unstable economy, families are working even harder to figure out effective ways to save money. With careful planning, money conscious consumers can get the best deal for their money.
Before you go to the grocery store, plan your trip:
- Check your pantry to see what you can make with what you already have. Many people have cabinets full of food that they never use. Take a quick look to see what ingredients you have, and then try to plan some meals using those ingredients.
- Write a shopping list based off of what meals you are going to prepare that week. Develop a meal schedule of what you will eat each day that week, and then write down the groceries you will need. This will help you remember what you need, so you do not need to make multiple trips to the grocery store.
- Check the newspaper regularly for coupons. The major coupon day is Sunday, so it is worth it to buy a newspaper each Sunday. You may find coupons for many products you already use, and it is not unusual to find coupons for as much as $1 off some of your favorite products.
- Save gas by planning ahead. Combine your trip to the grocery store with other errands you may need to do (just save the grocery shopping for last!).
- Before you get to the grocery store, review the store’s weekly ad. Oftentimes, you will receive it in the mail or you can check the grocery store’s website. In their ads, grocery stores list some or all of their best sales. Use this ad to make your grocery list, keeping an eye out for buy-one-get-one-free offers!
These tips will help you while you are at the store:
- Make sure to look around while shopping, and don’t just focus on the products that are at eye level. The shelves at eye level and end caps are like prime real estate. Products are strategically placed there so that you will be more likely to purchase them.
- Don’t be afraid to take your time. If you rush, you will miss good deals and may end up spending a lot more than you need to. If you take your time, you can compare prices on products to get the best price possible.
- Be aware of price per unit (ounce, pound, liter, etc). Bring a calculator to the store with you to compare the cost of different brands by calculating the price per unit. If you are looking to buy coffee, for example, you can find the cost per ounce by punching in the price and dividing it by the number of ounces that are in the container of coffee.
- Don’t assume that everything on “sale” is a good price or the best deal. Compare the “on sale” item to a comparable brand or buy the generic store brand.
- Try out generic or store brands. Quite often, the store brand or generic of a product is just as good as the name brand. It may be worth it to try out some store brand versions of your favorite products.
© Everest Life Coach Inc.
Coach Holly is a life coach with Everest Life Coach, Inc.
If you would like additional help with your personal finances, or if you think you would like to work with a life coach, visit Everest Life Coach for your FREE initial coaching session.
Tags: coupons, goal, goal-oriented, groceries, Save, tips