How to Save Money on GROCERIES

Member

By Rhonda Browning White
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (21 Ratings)

Save Money on GROCERIES

Tired of handing over your paycheck for groceries at the local supermarket ? Use these simple tips to lower your grocery bill and keep more money in your pocket!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

CLIP GROCERY COUPONS -- Oh, stop groaning. If someone put a dollar bill in your newspaper, you'd use it, right? Then why not use those grocery coupons, coupons and restaurant coupons that appear in your Sunday paper? Money is money!
Frequent a site that will do the toughest grocery coupon work for you, such as www.couponmom.com, where grocery coupons, food coupons, and store coupons are cross-referenced with stores offering special sales in your own neighborhood. In addition, there's an alphatical list of coupons, along with the paper's date in which the coupons appear. And don't forget about online coupons and internet coupons! Simply use one of these coupon sites, or search for the product you need to purchase with the word "coupon." All you'll have to do then is clip and save money!
Step 2

EAT OUT CHEAPER. - Take advantage of the extra savings you can get when you buy gift certificates. Many restaurants will offer a $25 gift card for $20. Purchase these gift cards and use them to treat your own family. Also, visit www.restaurants.com to purchase restaurant gift certificates at 50% off, or more! Too, be sure to ask if your favorite restaurant has a frequent customer reward plan, where you can sign up and receive restaurant coupons either in the mail or online.
Step 3

BUY IN BULK. It goes without saying that it's smart to stock up on items you frequently use, when they go on sale. Non-perishables like toilet tissue, shampoo, toothpaste, paper towels, and dish soap typically go on sale at major grocery stores once each month. Watch for sale ads, purchase these items by using corresponding grocery coupons, and save money!
Step 4

BUDDY UP! -- Shop with a friend at bulk centers, such as Sam's Club, Costco, and BJ's Warehouse. You'll find that warehouse membership is a one of the best investments you can make--if you use it! Discuss which items you and your shopping partner both need and frequently use, in advance. Purchase these items in bulk, then take turns meeting at each other's house to sort and separate the bill and the booty. Be sure to have plastic wrap and zipper bags on hand to split meat packages, fresh veggies, or other bulk products that are not separately packaged.
Step 5

SHOP WITH A LIST. -- You'll save money and avoid impulse purchases, if you go to the grocery store armed with a list and corresponding grocery coupons.
Step 6

BUY GROCERY AT THE PHARMACY. -- It may sound odd, but larger mass-market pharmacies such as CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreen's often have great specials on canned foods, mixes, and soft drinks. Peruse the store flyers in your newspaper for deals (some with cash-back bonuses) and grocery coupons that can help you save over typical grocery store and supermarket prices. Again, sign up for your favorite store's online coupons to be directly delivered to your inbox.
Step 7

SAVE MONEY BY PAYING WITH CASH! -- If you have $100 in your wallet with which to buy groceries, you'll be less tempted to splurge on last-minute impulse items. Paying this way will help you stick with your budget, as it's harder to part with cash than it is to hand over your check card.