Save On Groceries

by mom3girls1boy
(Northwest Ohio)

Here are some tips on what I do to save on groceries.

1) Always, always shop from a list. Take that a step further and plan a monthly or weekly menu.

I have found that there are a couple of advantages to doing this. First, I am more likely to buy what I need and not what I want. Second, it saves me extra trips to the grocery store for last minute items I need for lunch, dinner,ans so on.

Not to mention saving me from impulse buying each time I shop. Lastly, it provides me flexibility to change our menu according to our schedule.

I am less likely to buy fast food if I already have something on hand that would be quick meal prep.


2) Know your store prices. I can't tell you how many times I have found errors on my receipt with regard to prices. Additionally, one store I shop has a price-right guarantee which means that if an item is priced incorrectly, I receive it free!


3) Coupons are money-savers but only if you buy the product anyway. I don't use coupons just to use them, and I don't use them on items I normally wouldn't buy, unless the item is free or close to free (within $.25) after using the coupon.


4) Check around for "discount" stores that offer groceries. Aldi is a wonderful resource as is Big Lots. Check for discount bread stores in your area. I have found these products to be as good as those in the supermarket. Plus, if you are not satisfied, you can usually return the item with your receipt.


5) Budget your groceries for the month and then, pay with cash using a cash envelope system. For example, my monthly grocery budget for my family of 6 is $360.

I pay cash only (or use a debit card) and deduct my grocery bill from my budget. When it's gone, it's gone. This has helped me to evaluate what I really need and what is a better nutritional choice.

For example, do I really want to spend $2-$3 on a bag of chips or would I rather be able to purchase a loaf of bread, a bag of carrot sticks and a bag of lettuce?


6) Using the list I have suggested, look through grocery circulars for the best price for your items.

I personally, shop at Aldi first and then finish my list using the best prices from the circulars that I receive. Also, pay attention to the loss leaders. These are the items that usually appear on the front page of a circular that help to "lure" customers to their store.

Do not be tempted to shop for all of your grocery items from one particular store just because of its loss leaders.

Pick up the loss leaders that you want and then do your other grocery shopping where the prices of what you buy are lower.


7) Know your prices. I have heard it suggested to make a price book which is simply a notebook with lists of prices you normally pay for items you usually buy. While I don't use a price book, I do know the prices I typically pay from memory.