Save Money with Grocery Tips
One way to save is to clip coupons. Most of the newspapers provide money saving coupons at least once a week. For many people who already use coupons they save an average of ten or more dollars per visit. That is money saved that you can use to put gas in the car.
Other than buying prepared foods, buy more staples. Sure buying a box of macaroni and cheese is easier but, is it more economical? By buying a large box of macaroni and a block of cheese you will get more servings for your family than one box of prepared macaroni and cheese. Ask yourself the next time you go shopping and pick up a box or bag of an already prepared item, ask yourself if it can be made at home for less.
Buying in bulk is another great tip. Take an inventory of the food that you use most often. Cereals, meats, vegetables, condiments, juices, and paper products are usually available in bulk. Thee bulk products will be at a lower price at food warehouses like Costco, BJ's, and Walmart. A coupon can save you even more money if you have one for a particular product.
As a rule of thumb, never shop when you are hungry. This is a big no-no. When you shop on an empty stomach you will pick up more things than you need. That usually means more junk food.
Prepare a grocery list before you go shopping. This will protect you from picking up things that are too costly. Do a thorough search of your cabinets and the fridge and write down what you need. Remember to stick to the list as much as possible.
Do your shopping at the same stores. This will relieve your frustration. In a new store you will spend most of your time looking for the things on your list. This may cause you to forget an item or two. You will be more familiar with the prices by going to the same store. This will be helpful when you are estimating your bill as you write your grocery list.
The rising price of food doesn't mean that you have to skimp on the grocery list. There are many ways to make your food budget go further. By implementing the ideas listed above as well as some of your own, you'll see the savings start to add up every time you shop.
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