How to Buy Cheap Groceries

Saving a dime here and there can add up quickly, and in a tough economy, those savings count, particularly when it comes to food. Everyone has to eat, and food prices are subject to increases in energy costs, crop losses, import tariffs and problems and the laws of supply and demand. There are some things you can do to make sure you're getting full value for your food dollar. By being a proactive shopper who expects value and recognizes flimflam when you see it, you can put food on the table and some money back in your pocket.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make a list. It seems like a no-brainer, but making a list will save you time and money. When you have a clear list of objectives, you'll do less dawdling and avoid buying items you don't need. You are also less likely to be tempted by enticing end caps with eye-popping displays of items that don't provide good value for the money. List your items in a way that will help you buy them efficiently. Place all the produce together on the list, and do the same for dairy, meat and canned goods. The easier and faster you can make the process, the better off you'll be.

2. Stick to your list. Although you may want to consider a great, unexpected bargain, avoid impulse purchases. If you're hungry, you'll typically buy more, so keep in mind that there are subliminal influences at work when you shop. Avoid shopping when you're in a hurry, too. When your resistance is low or you aren't paying attention, you'll buy more and buy the wrong items.

3. Check the receipt. Checkers and computers make mistakes, so always check the receipt before you leave the store. You're much more likely to get an error fixed while you're at the store than to go back and fix it later.

4. Check the unit price on the shelves. Unit pricing is the great equalizer and will tell you if an item is really a bargain. In an economic crunch, some manufacturers will reduce portion sizes while leaving prices the same. If you always track the unit pricing, you'll be comparing apples to apples.

5. Buy items in bulk if you know you'll use them. Bulk purchasing is a great way to save money if you know that you'll use the item before it spoils. One problem to watch out for is buying more and eating more. Just because you bought the jumbo bag of chips doesn't mean you can eat more.

6. Buy local and seasonal. Explore the farmer's market in your area and try getting seasonal, local produce. You will be broadening your dietary horizons and saving money. Food that doesn't have to travel to your market is typically cheaper and fresher.

7. Purchase ingredients and prepare your own meals. It's cheaper to buy rice and make a dish yourself than it is to buy a frozen entrée. You're paying for the convenience of not having to prepare the meal yourself. You may think your labor is worth more than the cost of the meal, but then again, when the cost of everything is going up, a few extra minutes in the kitchen may be worth the savings.

8. Buy store brands. Store brands are usually very similar to manufacturer's brands. Give different types of products a try and see how it goes. You may not like store brand peaches, but like their tomato sauce. You never know until you try.

9. Shop the no-frills stores. The first time you try shopping for groceries at a store where you have to supply your own bags, it can be culture shock, but you can save money. Lower overhead allows the no-frills grocery chains to pass those savings on to you. You probably won't like it for all your shopping needs, but for some items, like canned goods and some produce, it can be a great deal.

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[tracysmith159]

on 7/30/2009 Good ways to save money. We moved from Ohio to TN. I'm used to see more discount grocery stores.