Cutting Costs When Grocery Shopping
The USDA expects food prices to rise another 4% to 5% this year alone! Even with the rapidly rising cost of food, you can cut costs on your grocery bill. Here are some thrifty ideas:
• Review store circulars to identify sale itemswill help save you money.
• Make a list before you shop to ensure buying only what you and your family will eat before any fresh foods go bad.
• Buy locally grown produce generally costs less because the grower has a shorter distance to ship and their stock is usually in greater supply.
• Buy in bulk. This gives you the flexibility to buy the amount you need and reduces your costs toward the manufacturer's packaging and advertising--meaning savings for you in the long run.
Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips.
Food shopping
Check sizes and unit prices. Sometimes the larger size is not the best bargain. Also, try the generic brands. Especially with paper towels and napkins, or food stuffs that you mix with other ingredients, the cheaper version may be just a good/tasty!
Right AFTER a holiday, you can get great buys on foods that relate to the holiday. Canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy and stuffing are much cheaper right after Thanksgiving. Ditto for cookie mixes and baking goods right after Christmas.
Here are a few of my Tips
Here are a few of my tips:
Eat before you shop.
Go alone. You know you’ll spend more if the husband and kids are with you.
Use coupons.
Buy store brands.
Avoid buying check-out items.
Check the prices per pound on items.
Stay away from convenience foods. Prepared foods can be very costly.
Look below eye level. Usually the cheaper brands are on the lower shelves.
Buy meat when it’s on sale and store it in the freezer.
Get a raincheck for out-of-stock sale items.
Check out the dollar stores.
Shop during off-peak hours.
Check sales papers on-line if you don’t get the paper.
Try to buy your produce when it is in season.
Pay attention to the banners/signs above each aisle. Avoid aisles that don’t have something on your list.
Check your receipt before you leave.
Buy your candy and chocolate after a holiday when it’s really cheap.
Check to see if your favorite store offers price matching.
Look in the discontinued or reduced carts.
Freeze leftovers and use them for lunch.
Look for double and triple coupon sales.
Pay attention to expiration dates.
Buy store brand milk.
Stock up on paper items while they’re on sale.
Look your cart over before you leave to make sure you’re not being excessive with your purchases.
If you’re only shopping for a few items then get a basket and not a cart. It will be hard to overshop this way.
Plan your meals according to what’s on sale.
Plan your meals ahead.
Check the produce to see if it’s in good condition.
Store perishable foods properly to avoid them going bad faster.
Shop with cash.
Consider how you’re going to use the item.
Try not to shop when you’re tired.
Avoid pre-packaged snacks.
Look for reduced meat sales.
Get creative with leftovers. If you have corn left over, then mix it with green beans to have another night. If you have leftover grilled chicken, then have grilled chicken salads.
Saving at the grocery store
There are lots of ways to cut down on costs at the store, one way is to go online and check out coupons for items on your list