Author: Jason B. Cox
For a growing family or a starving singleton, the growing cost
of groceries can make a huge dent in your monthly budget. But,
they don't have to. You can eat well without breaking the bank,
and we're going to show you how. Keep reading for 7 tips you can
use to save money at the grocery store every week.
1. Never shop hungry.
How many times have you headed into a grocery store and come
out with a number of food products you ordinarily seldom
purchase?
Numerous studies have shown that consumers who shop hungry
purchase up to 40 percent more on food than customers with full
stomachs. Before you head out to the grocery store, eat a snack
to help curb your appetite.
If you don't have time to get in a snack or you're stopping
into the store on your way home from work, then grab a fruit bar
or power bar from the health aisle and munch it down as you
shop. You can pay for it once you get up to the cashier; just
save the wrapper.
2. Always buy on sale.
Try to always buy staple items on sale and don't be afraid to
test store brands. If you come across a favorite item that's on
sale for a good price and isn't perishable, definitely stock up
on it for future use.
Additionally, people who are willing to take a little time to
clip coupons and make purchases accordingly can save several
hundreds of dollars in grocery costs over the course of a year.
3. Buy bulk.
Buying items in bulk quantity will save you money, as long as
you can use them before their expiration dates. For example,
purchasing a 48-roll package of toilet paper is typically going
to cost you almost a dollar less per paper foot than buying a
tiny 4-roll package. If you have a little extra storage room in
a closet or garage for larger quantity items, you will preserve
a lot of your hard-earned income.
4. Sign up for a rewards card.
Most grocers offer a rewards, a points program, or discounts
that are only available to card holders. To reap the benefits of
these programs, you'll have to sign up for the card. Admittedly
you sacrifice some of your privacy and may end up receiving
additional junk mail or email, but if you don't mind that
relatively minor inconvenience, you will save a lot of money.
5. Compare prices the right way.
Instead of comparing prices based on what's written on the tag,
look at the price per gallon or the price per gram (that is,
whatever its price per unit). You'll get a much more accurate
reflection of where the true savings are. Most stores print this
information on the price tag - but if your store doesn't, then
remember to bring along a calculator to do your own quick
apples-to-apples comparisons.
6. Buy local.
Whenever possible, try to buy locally produced products and
produce. If you have access to a local farmer's market, you'll
find that you can save almost double by buying your produce
direct from the farmer.
7. Buy produce in season.
Instead of trying to enjoy $8 strawberries in November, opt
instead for a tasty apple. Buying produce in season will save
you a ton of money. So, look for recipe ideas in the store or
online to make the most out of this season's fruits and veggies.
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