Secrets to Grocery Savings
Hitting the grocery store for weekly food is a common activity. It can be challenging, but shopping for groceries does not need to empty your wallet as it fills your pantry. When you know a few secrets to grocery savings, you can save money and eat well at the same time.
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Loss Leaders
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Read weekly advertising circulars and make note of the weekly loss leaders. These are special discounts on an advertised item designed to get you in the door. Usually, the price of a loss leader item is so low the retailer will not make a profit from it, but the retailer expects you to buy enough other products to make it worth it. If you buy only the loss leaders at various stores, you can come out ahead.
Stock Up
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Know regular prices of the foods you buy consistently, and stock up when you find a sale. Keep a price notebook and, when you find a good deal on cereal or crackers, buy as much as you can. If you regularly shop to stock up, you can create a surplus of food at reduced prices.
Look Around
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Retailers put a lot of thought into the way they organize a grocery store. They know that items placed at eye-level are more likely to capture your attention than items higher or lower. Often, you may find a deal if you scan the shelves above and below eye level. Don't be too quick to throw items into the cart that you find on end caps and in special displays, either. Often, if you go to the regular spot where all similar items sit, you can find the same item at a cheaper price.
Do the Math
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Bring your calculator to check unit pricing. Manufacturers train consumers to think that buying in bulk is always the best price, but it may not be. Divide the total price by the total ounces to find the unit price. Buy the most economical item, based on unit price.
Use Coupons
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Coupons can save you money on manufacturer products. Use your coupons in conjunction with store sales and incentives. Many stores have a special day each week during which they double coupons. Become a member of savings clubs to different grocery stores, too, because you can often accrue points for discounts.
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References
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