How to Save Money on Food and Household Supplies when Shopping

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By Judy Cutler
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With the economy in the shape it is in most of us are in the same boat financially or we are very worried. Shopping has become a trial as every dollar must go as far as possible. For those of you who have never given much thought to where you shop, but must now, here is a system I have used for 40 years.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Knowledge of a variety of stores in your area

Step 1

The first step is to know the stores area in which you live, work or compute through. Some people only go to the supermarket and do not know that they can save about half their food budget by also shopping at smaller ethnic variety stores. In addition, there are big chain dollar stores which sell goods that are often name brands bought on closeouts from stores going out of business. Their are stores that buy in big lots and then resell cheap and fast to you. An example, is your favorite type of cereal for $1.80 a box instead of the $4 you are spending. Also, they carry cleaning supplies, toothpaste at a $1 a huge tube (name brands) and soap at 3-4 bars for a $1. There are far too many items to list here but a few examples that I regularly get is canned goods, condiments, olive oil, toothbrushes, tea, fruit, pasta (2 for a $1), canned fish, eggs, milk and a variety of veggies.
Step 2

Your local ethnic market may have vegetables at half the price of the supermarket. Mine does in Southern California. The limes are 20 for a $1 and broccoli with stems cut off is 69 cents a pound instead of $1.49 in the big market. They have oranges at 5 lbs for a $1. They also make inexpensive bread in their bakery and have a meat counter. Most of my neighbors, who I questioned, had never been in these stores that are two blocks away. They drive 2 miles to the name brand supermarket but not anymore after seeing what is being offered. They were put off by going in because the signs out front were not in English. All the workers inside the store speak English. Be brave and go to a store that you are not familiar with before. You can pretend you are a visitor to another country on vacation. It adds a touch of adventure.
Step 3

My system is to start at the $1 store with my list. The next step is the local ethnic market, next the big chain discount store. Once you are familiar with who sells what you will have a routine. I make it part of my walk exercise to take my 4 wheeled shopping cart once or twice a week and pick up the best buys in each location. Happy hunting.

Comments

Mackeybooks said

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on 11/18/2008 This is great advice that can save you a lot of money every week. My favorite ethnic store is an Indian grocery store where the spices and dried vegetables are fabulous.