by: Kelly Kennedy
The grocery store is full of delicious items that may all seem tempting to buy however use these tips to keep your costs down and not purchase more than you need.
Before Heading to the Grocery Store
Check to see what you already have so you don't buy more than you need.
Plan your spending to avoid impulse buys like candy bars at the checkout or unnecessary snacks.
Grow your own fruits, nuts, and veggies or make it yourself to save!
Prepare a menu list of items for the week based on the week's breakfast, lunch and dinners, around what you already have, and what's on sale.
If your local area has food co-ops, sign up! A food co-op can greatly reduce your weekly food bill by as much as 50%.
Shop for products before you run out of them. If you run out of an item the price might increase the next time you go to purchase it so buy it when the price is down.
Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones so shop there for non-perishable items.
Avoid trips to the convenience store because prices are raised up.
Keep an ongoing grocery list during the week and take it when you go shopping and stick to it!
If you go to the supermarket early in the morning you might have a better chance of getting marked down items like fresh produce.
Shop alone so you get done fast and wont buy any additional items.
Don't shop for groceries on an empty stomach because you'll want to buy everything you are craving.
Clean out your refrigerator, so you can easily put your groceries away.
The best sales are on the front and back of your supermarket flyer so be sure to check it out.
While Shopping
Stick to your shopping list.
Ask for help rather than wasting time looking for items or better deals.
Meat is a good source of protein but it's costly. Cheese, poultry, eggs, peanut butter, dried peas, beans, lentils, and some fish are some great alternatives for less.
Buy whole chickens instead of just the breasts. Buying breasts separate is very expensive.
Buy locally grown foods