How to Save Money on Groceries

This article will help you save money on groceries.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Try to shop without the kids if possible. You know how every single time they will "NEED" something and in order to keep them quiet, you might be tempted to get it. That can add up quickly.

2. Cut out the junk food. You are actually paying more money for bad health - the benefits of healthy foods are tremendous. They might seem more expensive at first, but if you buy some frozen vegetables instead of a bag of chips you will see how long they last. They are also almost as healthy as fresh veggies, so give them a try!

3. If you have a membership to a warehouse (Sam's, Costco, etc), use it!! The membership is usually $50 or less, and you will save at least that within the first month.
   
   When something is on sale, stock up! If your favorite body wash is usually $4.99 and it's on sale for $1.99, buy enough to last several months! The same goes with food - nonperishable items, of course.

4. Don't waste leftovers! Make one night a week leftover night. Add a fresh, new dessert (strawberry shortcake sounds good!) to entice your family to eat the leftovers. You can even save chicken bones to make chicken stock (which can be frozen) - don't waste anything and you will see how far it goes when you really need to stretch it!

5. Don't buy frozen meals! If you are buying them for convenience, make up your own dinners and freeze them. They can end up being about a 10th of the price!

6. Never, ever shop without coupons!! This is a big deal, folks! You can buy the Sunday paper for $1.50 and end up saving $50 at the grocery store with the coupons you clip! There are many websites online that offer free printable coupons, or you can bid on coupons on an auction site for pennies on the dollar.

7. Plan out a weekly (or monthly) menu. This will not only save time, but LOTS of money. You (and your family) will know ahead of time what's for dinner - so you won't end up calling out for pizza when you realize there's "nothing to eat"!

8. Buy frozen vegetables, or grow your own. Both will save you money.

Tips & Warnings

• Always shop with a list.
• Don't shop while hungry.
• Stick to your budget, even if that means buying store brands.

[PegH]

on 10/7/2009 great article, great tips!!

[mattsaboy]

on 10/4/2009 5 stars and a recommendation on a great article on how to save on groceries.

[pixiemama]

on 10/9/2008 very helpful

[amandals20]

on 9/29/2008 I love your ideas and the way you tell it like it is.