Alternative Places to Shop for GroceriesHere are some ideas on alternative places to shop for your
groceries, rather than the sometimes high-priced grocery store
chains. Check your area to see if there are any year-round farmers'
markets, and food terminals or "cash and carry" stores that
usually sell to restaurants that are open to the public.
Saving Money in the Meat SectionWhen shopping in the meat section, I only look at the loss-leader meat featured that week, and then only that which has been marked down due to discoloration.
Locating Local Flower ShopsYou can find a local flower shop or florist, free, from their national directory of 50,000+ florists. This site includes phone numbers, delivery information, and more. Eliminate the middlemen, service charges, and commissions. Great for sending last minute flower orders.
Why Do Some Brands Cost More?When staring at the numerous different brands of products and their prices on shelves at the supermarket, you have to ask yourself: Is one product really better than another? The truth is, in many cases, you are paying for advertising and packaging.
Saving Money on VeggiesVisit fruit and vegetable markets and check out their marked down bins for slightly bruised and immediate use items at discount prices!
Shop at Local Farmer's MarketAll the tasty, fresh, summer fruits and vegetables are available now at your local farmers' markets. I think it's a great idea for us to shop at these markets and support our local farmers.
Car Repair TipsThe best time to locate and check out a repair shop is when you don't need one! Don't wait until you have a serious problem and are in a panic, that can make you a prime candidate for making a costly mistake.
Start a Coupon Swap at the LibraryAsk at the local library if you can start a coupon exchange. Coupons are kept in subject envelopes. When you bring yours in, underline or highlight the expiration date. Once a month try to go through all the envelopes and discard the expired coupons.
Use Newspaper to Dry the Inside of Wet BootsNow that it is boot season, many people in our family have wet insides of the boots after being outside. To make them dry faster overnight, stuff them with crumpled newspaper. It absorbs the moisture away from the lining. Works every time!
Prevent Sliding Car RampsTo prevent your car ramps from sliding across the concrete garage floor while trying to drive up the ramps (to change the oil, etc.), try drilling a half inch hole in the concrete in front of each ramp and inserting a large nail; no more sliding ramps!
Convenience FoodsI cook from scratch, which is a big money saver. I rarely buy convenience foods. Once in a while I will find a tremendous deal on something, only then do I buy it.
Biodegradable Laundry SoapI have found an excellent biodegradable laundry product that is non allergenic and inexpensive. It is called Orvus. It comes in paste form and you only need a tablespoon per wash load.
It can be found in your local feed store for about $27 for 120 OZ ( 7.5 lb).
Save Money: Join a Food Co-opJoin your local food co-op to save on buying everyday items.
Leave Unused Coupons for Another ShopperWhen shopping with coupons, if I decide not to buy the designated product. I leave the coupon for the next buyer. I'm just paying back for what others have done for me.
Nancy
Check Soda Cartons for CouponsWhile consuming a 24 pack of soda, be sure to check the underside of the cardboard insert between the top & bottom layers of cans. You will frequently find coupons (still valid) associated with previous promotions.
Angela
Buy Bulk Salsa and Freeze Some for LaterOne of the best deals I've found is buying salsa or taco sauce in bulk containers. Freeze in recycled plastic containers.
Buying Garbage BagsBuy the cheapest garbage bags. You don't necessarily need the thickest bag. Quite often a thinner bag does the trick. It will save money and be less harmful to the environment.
Effects on Food Prices Due to Longshoreman LockoutRight now because of the Longshoreman's lock out on the West Coast, ships are lining up off shore. Containers can't be unloaded and shipments going out are stuck either on the docks or back at their source.
"Drivers urged to hunt for cheaper gas"We have noticed a wide range of gas prices in our area. Up to 10 cents difference for the same grade at different gas stations. Be sure to shop around...
Daylight Saving TimeIf you are in a state that has Daylight Saving Time, on Saturday, April 5th when you go to bed, set your clocks ahead one hour; spring ahead, fall back.
Also it's a great time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.
Use a Shopping ListAvoid buying food that is not on your shopping list. People buy an average of one unplanned item per aisle at the supermarket.
Spend Less On ClothingI am always purchasing my clothes the opposite of the season. I purchase my winter clothes in the summer and my summer clothes in the winter, this also goes for my shoes. Going to yard sales in the summer you can purchase both at very cheap prices.
Watch for Walgreen's RebatesIf you are not fussy about the brands of personal care products
you use, it would be a good idea to watch the Walgreen's rebates.
This month I saved over $14 on 4 different products that I won't
have to buy. Some months it's a waste of time, but other months
it isn't.
By Mmgarren
Fill Up the Tank EarlyFill your gas tank in the morning or when it is the coolest. The gas doesn't expand as much when it is cool so you get more gas per gallon. That's why they say don't 'top off' your tank especially on hot days or it will come out of the gas cap if you fill up and just park the car.
By CSINBAD
Watch the Scanner when ShoppingAlways watch the cash register as your purchases are rung up for scanner errors. Then, if an error occurs, know what the stores policy is, many stores will give you the item free or a credit of several dollars off your total.
Grocery List TipsI use the back of an envelope affixed to the refrigerator with a magnet to write my ongoing grocery list. Then when I'm ready to go to the store, I select the coupons I need and put them right in the envelope.
By Nancy Wall
Helping Out: Set up a Coupon FileIf you have the extra time, and want to do something for your community, set up a coupon file for a local laundromat (with the owner's approval) or retirement home.
Bulk Food BuyingBuying food products in bulk can save you time and money. You can buy in bulk through the supermarket, food cooperatives, buying clubs, farmers' markets, and warehouses.
Dyeing Clothing with TeaI needed a tan bolero jacket to wear over a dress. I didn't have any extra money to buy one, so I had a white one that I very seldom wore. I took an 8 qt. stainless steel pot, put in 10 iced-tea sized tea bags and water, then let it boil.
What Other People are Paying for GasOur fuel prices are high, but check these out. These are prices paid in some other countries (and these do not include recent increases due to world-wide demand). It could be worse...
Plan Meals Around Sale ItemsShop your favorite grocery stores often and stock up on each one of the sale items. Plan your meals around these items.
Ask for 800 NumbersWhen an out-of-state company you are dealing with starts to give you their regular phone number stop them and ask for their 800 number.
Watching the ScannerWhen checking out at the grocery store, make sure to pay attention to the scan price of each item. I have caught plenty of overpriced items simply because the store did not change them to the proper price in the computer system.
Buy at AuctionsWatch your local paper for estate auctions. Furniture, appliances and many other items can often be purchased well below the cost of the same item new.
Wait a Week to Use Your CouponsWhen you get your coupons, in your local weekend paper (Sat./Sun.), don't use them that week. Nine times out of ten, the coupon item will go on sale 1-2 weeks after the coupon appears in your local paper. This will allow you to save even more money, when you use your coupons.
By LM in NY
Saving Gas with One TripI live a distance from the town where I shop, have a part time job, work out, and do other errands. To save time and gas money, I accomplish everything with one trip. Sometimes this means I have to buy my groceries first to fit into my time allotment, so I always carry an ice chest or two in the back of my van or in the trunk of my car.
It's Cool to Clip CouponsClip coupons! You may think it's "nerdy", but when you look at the savings you won't mind being a nerd. I look in recycling bins, and the best place, around the newspaper printing place.
Leave Coupons for the Next ShopperWhen shopping with coupons, if I decide not to buy the designated product. I leave the coupon for the next buyer. I'm just paying back for what others have done for me.
Frugal and Nutritious Breads and GrainLook for bargains on day-old bread and bakery products. Buy regular rice, oatmeal, and grits instead of the instant and flavored types. Try whole-grain bread and brown rice to add nutrients and variety to family meals.
Cleaning Bugs Off Car FinishMy Air Force buddy came to visit me from Oregon and the front of his car just covered with bugs. His wife said can you give me a little baking soda?
Frugal Deli Fried ChickenOften, grocery stores will drastically lower the price of deli fried chicken towards closing time (most times you have to ask). They are usually a little dry by then.
Caring for VHS TapesAlways rewind your VCR tapes. If you forget to rewind a video tape before storing, it may develop a permanent static line where the tape was stopped.
Keeping Kitchen Food Staples StockedIf you are tired of running out of kitchen staples, buy two and instead of putting it on your grocery list when you run out, put it on your list when the first one is gone.
Prescription Drug Assistance ProgramsSome links for pharmaceutical drug assistance.
Free Information on Product WebsiteI see so many people asking for tips and recipes for using name brand products. Most of these have great consumer web sites with all kinds of info.
Clip Your Shopping List to the Shopping CartStart your shopping list down an inch or two on the paper, then fold it over the front of the supermarket trolley and clip with a spring hair grip. Then you can see at a glance what's on your list.
By Lizaixi
Save Money At The Grocery Store With Loss LeadersTake advantage of a store's "loss leaders." These are sale items the store is selling at such a low cost they may even be losing money on them. These items are priced so low to get you into the store, with the hope that you will keep shopping for regularly priced items.
Sample Time at Warehouse StoresAre you a member of B.J.'S, Costco or Sams Club? If so, try to do your shopping at about 11:30 AM. In the food section, they give out samples of all kinds of interesting new products.
Menu Plan and Grocery ListsTo help save money on groceries, start by making out a menu plan for the upcoming week. Once the menus are made, check your cupboards for the necessary ingredients. Make a list of what you need to buy and stick to this list.
Removing Political Bumper StickersSeasonal or political stickers on your car windows after the election can easily be removed with a single edge razor blade. Just slide the blade along under the sticker and it'll peel right off. Razor blades won't scratch the glass. Work carefully!
By Linda
Rebates at StoresTake advantage of rebates at Rite Aid, Walgreens, Office Max, Auto Zone, CVS and the grocery store.
Spend Time on Your Grocery List and Save Extra TripsWhen getting ready to go grocery shopping I always need to make sure I have a list. We live 30 miles from Canon City, Co in the mountains and can't run to the store every time I need something.
Video Gaming For Less!Video games are an expensive past time ($50.00 average per game), you can get the most out of this hobby for a lot less money by doing 4 things:
Removing Paint Stains from CarsThose new 'eraser' sponges also work on cars. Last summer I backed into the garage and got too close, the result was brown paint on a white car! Yikes! Only minimal elbow grease required.
Buying a Used CarBuying a used car - don't overlook the private seller. I've bought two used cars, with 60,000 miles on them, paid $200 each time and drove them another 80,000 miles with no major repairs. They were not pretty cars, but very dependable transportation.
By Betty G.
Discount Grocery StoresSearch out the Bent N Dent grocery stores or salvage grocery stores. I've bought a whole grocery cart full of food, no meat, for $40 which included cosmetics, pantyhose, paper products and food.
By Betty G.
Keep Reflector Tape In Your CarLets hope this doesn't happen, but if you become stranded at night and need to make your car seen. Put a large X of reflector tape across the inside of the trunk lid and on the inside of your hood. Lift the trunk and hood, and your car can be seen from a distance.
By Tracey
Keeping your Palm Pilot and Nintendo DS like new!To keep your touch screens on your Palm Pilot and Nintendo DS new and clean, use a Q-tip or cotton swab instead of the stylus! Not only is it gentler on the touch screens, but it will also clean up any oils and dust that may have already accumulated!
By Fahpoo of Kansas City
Using the Correct OctaneUse the gasoline octane rating recommended in your owner's manual. Using too high of an octane can cause pinging in the engine, which can be annoying and can also be a sign of engine problems.
Keep to the Outside AislesWhen shopping the grocery store, keep to the outside aisles. They put the sales on end caps. The farther you delve into the store the more money you'll spend.
By Laura
Make Them Buckle UpWhen people get in your auto, make sure they buckle up. If they don't do it automatically, remind them by saying to them, "My car won't start until everyone is buckled up.
Comfortable Seat Belt For Short PeopleI am a short person and when I buckle up, the seat belt cuts into my neck. I saw an ad for an item that would help the situation, it was $3.99. Being frugal I thought there must be something as good and less expensive.
Shop at Grocery Stores after Thanksgiving and ChristmasRemember to shop at grocery stores after the holidays. They will sell the seasonal foods for cheap. -- breads, cakes, cookies, meats, etc. (and of course seasonal candy.)
Buy Bagged Cereal Rather Than BoxedI always buy bagged cereal instead of boxed. Much cheaper and they taste great! Save the box from cocoa puffs and buy the bagged malt-o-meal cereal just like it. open it, pour it in the box! You will be surprised at the ones who can't tell the difference!
By Chell
Think Safety! Don't Be a Target When ShoppingDon't carry a purse when you shop, wear jeans or pants with deep pockets and only carry your wallet and keys in your pockets.
You will find that you really don't need all that excess stuff you collect in your purse.
By Syd
Shoe Dye Can Do Wonders for Sale ShoesOut of season shoes may be on sale super cheap, but not the color you want. Dye them another color! I bought several pairs of white shoes and dyed them!
Getting All the Motor OilMake sure to get all the motor oil out of the containers used in oil changes buy letting them drip upside down in a funnel back into one of the containers, letting each one drain for a couple of days.
By Melanie
Keeping Bags from Rolling Around in the TruckI use a small truck to shop at stores. In the past all the packages used to tip over and roll out of reach.
Watch Package Dates at the Grocery StoreLook at meat package date. If the expired date is the day you're in the store, ask the manager for a discount. They usually will mark it down, otherwise, they have to throw the package away & pay for the loss.
Emergency UmbrellaKeep a small folding umbrella and a plastic bag (for when you have a wet umbrella) in your car so that if the weather changes, you are prepared. Its easy to slip into a purse or pocket.
A Heavy Duty Battery For Cold WeatherA tiny spare tire isn't the only way in which car manufacturers are sneaking weight and raw material from new models. Puny batteries are another concession to mileage improvement and cost cutting.
Is It A Safe Car? Call and check before you buy.Before you buy a car, new or used, you might benefit from a call to the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Suction Cup TipsThe suction cups with a clip that are used to hold Christmas lights to windows can also be used as a holder for the flag stick on a 12"x18" flag. They can also be used to hang sun catchers, ornaments or other decorative items on a window, on a refrigerator or on any smooth surface.
By Jo Ann
After Holiday "Marked Down" TurkeyBuy a fresh turkey that has been "marked down" after the holiday and cut it up like you would a chicken. Vacuum seal in Food Saver bags in separate meals and freeze. Cook later in the slow cooker.
By Syd
Keep Boots or Sneakers In Your TrunkLadies, be sure to carry a pair of boots or sneakers in your trunk in case you should breakdown. Dress shoes are not good for walking in an emergency situation. An old warm coat and gloves left in the trunk is also handy to have.
Make Pantyhose LastWhen I open a new package, I put the pantyhose immediately in the freezer overnight which sets the mesh and resists snags and tears. When removed and warmed to room temperature, I spray the pantyhose lightly with hairspray.
Wash The Car In Flip FlopsI wash my car frequently in the summer months at the small car wash in my town. Sometimes when I am in town running errands and need to wash the car, I don't always want to because I may be wearing the wrong shoes. (I hate to get splatter on nice shoes). I keep a pair of old flip flops in the trunk, slip them on and wash away!
Alica
Use A Toothpick For Car Touch UpsPaint chips and minor scratches can be repainted using a toothpick for a brush. First, use a typewriter eraser to clean away the rust from the damaged spot.
Write The Check EarlyWhen I am shopping at a store that I know I will be making a purchase (grocery shopping) and not just browsing, I fill out most of my check information in the car as well as adding the info to my check register. Then when I am checking out, I can watch the prices being rung up.
Ask Sales Reps for CouponsEveryone knows to use coupons to save money at the grocery store, but the real trick is how to acquire a variety of coupons to use. Many manufacturers have their sales reps visit grocery stores on a regular basis to ensure that their products are on the store shelf.
Saving Money on Newspapers Bought for CouponsI don't know about everywhere else, but where I live it costs a dollar for the Sunday paper. It may not seem like a lot to the everyday person, but when you're buying it for the coupons, so you can save money, every penny counts.
Canadian Scanner CodeHere in the Great White North life is not always easier. But one area that helps out is the scanner "code". When I go grocery shopping - I check every receipt - every time.
Save Coupons for Free ItemsHere is a really good tip. When you get any kind of coupons for free items, save them for times when you really need them. Times like these would be when you are low on money and/or when there is no triple coupon sales going on at that time, for those who have stores near them that participate.
Making Shoes Last LongerTo make your shoes last longer, put a thin piece of rubber on the bottom of the soles. You can have a shoe repair person do this.
Grocery Receipt CouponsMy grocery store (Safeway) offers a strip of coupons with the register receipt. Sometimes the cashiers forget to give the coupons to customers so the strips can get pretty long. ]
Shop At Discount Grocery StoresAs far as the person who wrote in about eating healthy for less, I have a suggestion. We have started eating healthier and I am the "coupon queen". I thought it was cheaper to eat fat too, until I switched. For one thing fruit is much more filling, where chips actually cause you to be hungrier.
Keeping a Piano in TuneIf you dread the high cost of tuning your piano there is one simple solution. Just play it! Many people think that if you just leave your piano to set that it will not lose its tune, but the opposite is actually true. It is better to play the piano to keep it in tune!
Adding Weight To Your Truck For Winter DrivingWhen snow and ice are on the ground, you see a lot of people loading the bed of their pickup truck with heavy stuff to help with traction on the slippery roads. Please remember that whatever you have in the back of the truck can go flying if you are involved in a crash.
Sharing Our Sam's Club MembershipI have a family of six, have two parents and my brother and his wife are another pair. We love to save wherever we can and found a thrifty way to use our Sam's Club membership. We have found that we can save a lot by buying in bulk, however, perishables do not always get eaten fast enough.
High Temperature SpatulasIf you haven't bought a new spatula in awhile, go get yourself a new one. They make them now out of a high temperature material - you can now use them while cooking, where previously they were batter-only.
By Brenda Cole
Double Coupon DaysWhen using coupons, find out if the store you shop at has a double coupon day. I went shopping a couple weeks ago on a double coupon day when it was also a 2 for 1 sale. Instead of paying $3.30 for 1 item, I paid $1.30 for 2 items. (One of the best deals yet.) I have also picked up a sale item on a double coupon day once and only had to pay the tax.
By Marlene
Check Twist Ties For FreshnessWhen buying bread, look at the twist tie and it will tell you how old it is ... Each day has a different color, as follows: Monday = Blue, Tuesday = Green, Thursday = Red, Friday = White, Saturday = Yellow
By Brenda Cole
Forgot Your Extra Savings Coupon - No Problem, Just Tell the CashierMany stores send out extra savings coupons to holders of their credit cards or loyal customers on their mailing list. Sometimes, however, customers get to the register only to realize that they forgot to bring their Extra Savings Coupons with them. If this happens to you, no problem, since most stores have a policy granting the discount to the customer anyway just by telling the cashier that you forgot your savings coupon.
By Jona Kessans
WD-40 For Frozen LocksI spray a little WD40 in my locks when the weather man say it's going to be freezing and it will keep all locks from freezing. But if you do have a frozen lock, spray the WD40 in your keyhole and it will unthaw it quickly.
Ultimate Coupon ShopperI am also a coupon queen, there was a store in my area that would double any size coupons! Oh mercy! I had finally found coupon heaven, as not many stores in our area have double coupons of any kind.
Tips for Finding a Good MechanicThe best time to locate and check out a repair shop is when
you don't need one! Don't wait until you have a serious
problem and are in a panic ... that can make you a prime
candidate for making a costly mistake.
Buying a New Car? Take Your Time!One way that car sales people try to rope you into a quick sell is by creating the impression that you NEED to buy now to take advantage of some deal. Or if you wait a day, the car won't be available. Dealerships and salespeople are out to make a profit off your purchase, not find you the best deal.
Remembering to Turn Your Lights OffIf you're anything like me, my memory fails me quite often. On a rainy day I choose to drive with my headlights on but often forget to turn them off. On older model cars you do not get a reminder bell, so I simply turn the lights on and immediately lock my driver's door.
Avoid The Drive ThroughDo not wait in a drive-through line for food to go, you will save money on gas lost waiting in line, and also get exercise by parking your car and walking inside to order!
Using Rain-X On Your WindshieldI highly recommend using Rainx on your windshield. The first time it rained after I had applied the rainx I was able to see so clearly it looked as if wasn't even raining.
Review of The Dodge Grand CaravanThis tip is to sing the praises of our Dodge Grand Caravan. This is the second Dodge van we have had and we just have to say that we LOVE them! There is nothing more comfortable to ride in.
First Aid Kit for the CarAn old purse can make a great first aid kit for the car.
By imaqt1962
