How to Grocery Shop Cheaply
Grocery shopping is one of the biggest household expenses. While there are times when shoppers can purchase whatever they need without worrying about price, a shopping trip can be much different during hard times. Getting everything you need on a budget may seem difficult. This is especially true if you have a large family. It doesn't have to be this way though. There are steps shoppers can take to ensure they are grocery shopping on the cheap. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Check unit prices. Prices can be misleading. This is especially true when it comes to sales. Instead of going by the item's purchase price, look at the unit price. There are often times when the sale item costs more per unit than a larger or smaller package.
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2
Buy in bulk. If you have a large family, buying in bulk can sometimes save you money. The important thing to remember is to follow Step 1. Not every bulk item is cheaper per unit. To get the best bulk deals, you may want to visit a warehouse store or large department store.
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3
Purchase frozen produce. When shopping on a budget, fresh produce may be out of the question. That doesn't mean you have to do without. Frozen produce costs less and is often more nutritious than fresh. Not to mention that frozen produce is healthier than canned.
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4
Think of ways to stretch expensive ingredients. Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to give up the things you love. Expensive ingredients such as meat can be stretched by combining them with less expensive items, such as pasta or rice.
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5
Try generic brands. Generic brands are often just as good as brand name products. The only real difference is the price. While not every generic brand will be as good, switching to a few generic brands will save money.
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6
Shop around. In order to grocery shop cheaply, you need to be willing to visit more than one store. Some stores will have better prices on meat, while other stores have better prices on dry goods.
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Cut back on trips to the grocery store. Grocery shopping often leads to impulse purchases. When you cut back on the number of times you visit the store, you also cut back on impulse purchases. The way to cut trips to the store is to plan meals in advance.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep a notepad to write down different store prices for your most purchased items.
Don't be fooled by sales. Sometimes the prices are raised and the store uses catchy sales, like 10 for $10, to entice the buyer.
