How to Save Money On Groceries

Saving money on groceries is one of the easiest ways to help out the family budget when money is tight. With just a little bit of planning, you can easily save hundreds of dollars each month.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The Sunday paper
• Paper
• Pen
• Scissors
• Grocery list
• Sales papers from local grocery stores

1. 
    

   Plan a menu for the next week and make a grocery list. Also, keep a running list on your fridge. This way, you can jot down an item when you notice you need it. These steps will prevent you from making extra trips to the grocery store, which almost always result in impulse buys. Take your list with you shopping and do not deviate from it.

2. 
    

   Pick up a Sunday paper and clip the coupons for items that you need or will need in the near future. You can organize coupons in a coupon holder, envelope, or baseball card holder. You can also leave the booklets together and only clip when you need a particular coupon.

3. 
    

   Check out sales at your local grocery and drug stores. Combine the sales prices with coupons. Doing this can result in paying only pennies and even getting some items free. You will be amazed at what shopping around can save you.

4. Never shop when hungry. This always results in a massive number of impulse buys. Eat first and don't forget to feed the kiddies too.

5. 
    

   Fresh produce is healthy, but can be quite expensive. Buy fruits and veggies that are in season. These cost much less. Try to plan your meals around these items. When possible, use frozen or canned veggies.

6. 
    

   Stockpile items that you can buy for cheap. This will keep you from having to pay full price for the item just because you have to have it. At one point I had so much toothpaste, deodorant, and dish detergent (it was next to free) that I just started giving it away. Being frugal gives you a chance to help those in need.

Tips & Warnings

• Join a site that does the work for you. Many sites will combine the coupons with your store's sales, so you don't have to.
• Share the wealth. When you have a stockpile of food and other household items, make a point of giving to those who are less fortunate than you.
• Check your receipt and don't be afraid to ask for your money back if you are short changed. I used to be afraid to do this, but now I know that every penny counts.
• Frugal shopping can be addictive. You may find that you refuse to pay for any item that is not at least 50% off. :)

Resources

• Here is a great site that will help you match coupons with sales!
• Free site that matches coupons with sales.

[hawaiianstyle]

on 2/20/2009 Good tip on keeping a running list of things you run out of. Also the produce being in season, that's one I had really forgotten about. Thanks!

[ShannaFuentes]

on 2/1/2009 Great article! Thanks for all the great tips!

[gessie]

on 1/30/2009 Great article and I have actually found when I sit
down and eat a decent meal. I actually purchase much
healthier food from the grocery store, like more veggies
whole grain bread and fruits not juices that are loaded
with sugar. And some lean meat. When I'm hungry I go buy
all the chocolate donuts, cakes, pie and icecream salty chips etc. 5 stars

[joshy22]

on 1/29/2009 good tips! 5 stars!

[Chef4HomeCooks]

on 1/27/2009 Could not agree with you more. Stay stocked, shop the sales, buy in bulk, shop wisely all great advice. Fruits and vegetables need not be expensive. It is the out of season ones that ding the pocketbook, so definitely shop in season and save. Shop farmers markets for the freshest and more local produce. 5*