Things You'll Need:
- calculator
- pen
- paper
- newspaper
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Step 1
Before you go to the store, first you need to do some prep work. Decide what meals you will be eating at home in the next week or two and make a menu. Keep the menu so you stick to it.
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Step 2
Make a list of the things you need to make the items on your menu. Also, make a list of other things you may need. Include some snacks but be wise in what you purchase (see my how to lose weight by being healthy article). Check your list against the coupons in the local paper. If there are coupons, clip them and bring them along. You can also check the internet for coupons. There are a number of sites that will help you save money.
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Step 3
When you are at the store, figure out the price per unit of each brand and size. Many grocery stores list this on the tags on the shelves. For example a 12 oz bottle of something costs $3.38. Using your calculator, divide $3.36 by 10 to find that the price per oz is $0.28. If another brand has a 16 oz bottle for $4.96, you can divide $4.96 by 16 and find the price per oz is $0.31. The first product is cheaper and a better buy. When looking at coupons, make sure to factor that in. Another example, you have a $1.00 off coupon for a $5 frozen pizza. The store is running a special on another brand of frozen pizza 3 for $9. The sizes are the same. The cost per pizza on the special is $3. The cost of the pizza with the coupon is $4. The store special is a better deal.
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Step 4
Finally, keep a list of items you buy commonly. Write down the brand you bought and the price per oz. Next time you shop, try another store. After you have shopped a couple stores, compare the prices to see where you are getting better deals. That is the store you should be shopping in.
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Step 5
Look at the tips for a couple of quick thoughts to help you alond.
