How to Save Money On Groceries by Shopping at Dollar Stores

If you're one of those people who think dollar stores are only good for finding inexpensive trinkets and knick-knacks than you don't know what you've been missing. Your local dollar store can be a great source for finding unexpected deals on common grocery items as well.

Things You'll Need

• shopping list
• desire to save money
• nearby dollar store

Instructions

1. 

   Make a shopping list and shop strategically.

2. Start at your local dollar store first and compare what is on your list with what is on their shelves. You should be able to find many food items, toiletries, cleaning products and other essentials needed to keep your household running smoothly.

3. 

   Don't be afraid to try obscure brands. In my opinion, a dollar store window cleaner or laundry soap performs just as well as the major brands you are paying much more for.

4. Most dollar stores will stock the same basic items week after week but they will also get overstocks of popular name brand items on occasion so be on the lookout for those displays.

5. 

   Bakery and bread items can be found at huge discounts. I often buy my kids' favorite brand of bread at the dollar store instead of paying $2.69 for it at the big grocery store within sight distance across the parking lot. The difference here is that the expiration date is usually only 2-3 days out so I freeze what I know we won't eat immediately and the bread defrosts wonderfully at a later date.

6. Buy your newspaper at the dollar store. If you don't get home delivery but occasionally want to pick up a newspaper you can get one at the dollar store cheaper than the cost of buying one at the dispensing machine in the parking lot outside. Go figure! And yes, they are today's current papers!

7. You can also get dirt cheap magazines at the dollar store. When the grocery stores get next months shipments in on your favorite mags they often ship what's left of the current months issue to the dollar stores. Magazines can cost over $5 these days so this is an awesome deal!

Tips & Warnings

• Know your prices. Try to commit to memory or keep a list of what items sell for at grocery stores. If an item normally costs less than a dollar in a grocery store you don't want to pay more than you have to at the dollar store. This rarely happens but it's nice to know for sure that you are getting the best price.

• Some dollar stores only accept cash and debit cards which keeps their expenses down so they can offer you the great bargains. So be prepared with the proper form of payment before you load up your cart.