Save Money at the Grocery Store
Posted By :Elena Difiore
Posted At : Monday, Feb 21, 2011
There are dozens of ways to save money the next time you go to stock up on groceries for the week. Some methods are simpler than others. Read on to see which money-saving tips fit your lifestyle best…
Coupons
The idea may seem archaic but you’d be surprised the deals you can find nowadays with coupons. You don’t have to go crazy and clip every coupon you come across. When scouring through the weekly ads, make sure to keep in mind what you or your family needs or uses the most. Don’t waste your time on coupons for random, unnecessary items simply because they’re “buy one, get one free.” Focus on the essential things you get a lot of use out of.
Never Go Shopping On an Empty Stomach
This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised the effect it can have on your purchase total. Going shopping while hungry will lead you to be tempted to purchase a plethora of items that you might not normally want/need. Your body’s cravings for food could lead you to stock up on certain items simply because they sound appetizing at the time. Go shopping on a full stomach and avoid these impulse buys!
Have a List Prepared
Having a list ready before going to the grocery store will help you stay in line when it comes to making purchases. Make a list with the understanding that you are not allowed to purchase anything not on that list. This will help hold you accountable for your purchases and keep you from selecting items on a whim.
Keep Track of the Register
Just like people aren’t always perfect, neither are machines. Keep your eye on the register when your groceries are being rung up to make sure you’re getting the advertised specials. Sometimes, registers aren’t up-to-date with the current discounts or simply skip over a few. By keeping a watchful eye on the price total you can make sure you’re not being swindled out of your hard-earned cash.
Avoid Shopping with Emotion
Just like shopping when hungry, shopping when you’re emotional can lead to meaningless purchases made on a whim. When you’re tired or angry you’re more likely to go for sweets or junk foods high in carbohydrates.
Keep these tips and tricks in mind the next time you visit your local grocery store and see if you don’t end up saving a few bucks in the process.