How to Grocery Shop at 99 Cent Only Stores

There are over 200 99 Cents Only Stores in the United States. These stores tend to be in Texas, Arizona, Nevada & California. However, most dollar stores throughout the country have a grocery section. During the recession, you can save a lot of money by doing some of your grocery stopping at these stores.

Instructions

1. Do your homework. Check out your favorite frugal forum before you leave the house. They often have a section for 99 Cents Only Stores or dollar stores. Since these stores are often full of people & picked over merchandise, it helps you be able to create a shopping list of sorts. Plus, it helps you keep your eyes open for your favorite bargains.

2. Do more homework. That pasta may seem like a great deal. However, check the flier of your local grocery store. Read the find print of the ad, including the size of the package. It may be cheaper per ounce to buy a bigger package at the grocers. The 99 Cents Only Stores have an online weekly flier, but most regular dollar stores don't.

3. Check the expiration dates. Many of the groceries at the 99 Cents Only Stores will expire in a few days or weeks. Plan your menu to use the items that expire first. Check the fridge section of your 99 Cents Only Stores to see if they have cheese. Even if you have to use it in a few days, it can be a luxury if you're a college student or on a tight food budget.

4. When you see something you like, buy in bulk. If the 99 Cents Only Store has your favorite granola bar, get them while you can. These stores sometimes carry major brands. Just buy as many as you think that you'll use before the food expires. These items tend to go fast & aren't always in stock.

5. Set limits. The great thing about the dollar store is that you don't have to check price tags. It's easy to get carried away buying tons of things that you don't need. Instead, decide how much you want to spend before you go into the store & stick to your budget.

6. Make it gourmet. Just because you are shopping & eating on a budget doesn't mean that you can't have great food. There are gourmet blogs dedicated to shopping in the 99 Cents Only Stores. (Check out the link in the resource section of this article.) You can still eat healthy & pinch pennies at the same time, it just takes a little more planning & preparation.

Resources

• 99 Cent Chef