Salad Bar SavingsAt my grocery store, the cost for prewashed bagged spinach is an incredible $11.99 per pound. The salad bar just a few steps away has the same spinach or salad mix for only $4.99 a pound...
Buying Bread at the Discount BakeryWith 3 kids, we go through bread quickly. It can get expensive buying at the convenience store or the grocery store. I have started to buy bread in bulk at the discount bakery ...
Keeping a Master Grocery List on the ComputerAfter reviewing my grocery receipts and pantry for a month, I devised a shopping list on my computer that lists everything I use in my home, broken down into general categories like Produce/Fresh; Frozen; Pantry; Office; Toiletries/Household.
Friends of the Library Books SalesA great way to support your local library and find good deals on books is to go to library book sales. Most libraries have them multiple times each year and the prices are very reasonable.
Learn a Sense of Your SizeSizes don't matter in clothing - just the fit. So learn to develop a sense of your size no matter what the size markings are.
Buying Second Hand ClothingThe best way to buy clothing is to buy them second-hand. A lot of people will not shop second-hand because they prefer their clothing brand new, but guess what?
Buying Discounted Fruits and VegetablesYou can go to the fruit markets in your area and get cases of discounted fruits and vegetables for next to nothing.
Fish Buying TipsFish meat should be firm, not soft or mushy. Fish eyes should be shiny and protrude from the fish. If they are dull or sunken, the fish should be avoided. The fish should smell fresh and not overly fishy or musty.
Prices Are More at the End of the AislesWhile shopping recently, I noticed 2 different pricings for the same item, I was about to purchase (waxed paper). On the shelf, where it's always kept in the paper bag, plate and plastic bag aisle, this product was priced at $1.07 per box.
Using Coupons After Buying ItemsSave your grocery receipts for at least 3 weeks. Coupons often come up for something you have already purchased, some stores will accept them within a reasonable amount of time after the purchase.
Saving Money on Diet FoodsDieting can be expensive if you have to buy special foods or a wide variety of different foods. Eating one serving of a low calorie or low sugar cereal twice a day will not only take the weight off, but will allow you to save lots of money on the grocery bill.
July Best BuysApricots, Beans, Beets, Berries, Carrots, Celery, Cherries, Berries, Corn, Cucumbers, Fish, Grapes, Lemons, Limes, Melons, Nectarines, Onions, Peaches, Peas, Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Salmon, Summer squash, Tomatoes, and Watermelon.
Day Old Baked GoodsAlways check the day old baked goods at the store for a quick and cheap dessert. They are often just as fresh for half the price!
Buying in BulkBuy in bulk grocery items that you use on a daily or regular basis. Take it home and either down size it into smaller containers or a large bin. These items will be much cheaper than it would be for several smaller jars or containers.
Grocery Shopping at Salvage StoresShopping at salvage stores can save you big bucks on groceries. But when you're there, take note of the environment. Are there small bugs or tan colored moths flying around?
June's Best Food BuysApricots, Asparagus, Beans, Beef, Beets, Berries, Carrots, Celery, Cherries, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggs, Fish, Lemons, Melons, Onions, Peas, Plums, Potatoes, Radishes, Rhubarb, Salmon, Summer squash, and Tomatoes.
Three Pronged Method for Grocery SavingsI use a three-pronged method to saving money at the grocery store and it can work for you, too. First, always cut and use coupons.
Check the Date When Buying DairyWhen buying dairy at the grocery store, be sure to check the "use by" or "sell buy" date on the packaging. If the date is not to your liking, grab a carton of milk from the back of shelf. The same goes for any dairy products.
Buy Asian Spices and Products at an Asian MarketDon't buy your Asian spices and products (soy sauce, peanut or sesame oil, tofu, chile paste, etc.) at the grocery store. You'll pay anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 less by going to an Asian market.
May's Best Food BuysAsparagus, Beans, Beef, Broccoli, Carrots, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggs, Fish, Lamb, Lemons, Peas, Onions, Pineapple, Pork, Potatoes, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Summer Squash, and Tomatoes.
Shopping at Price Clubs and Discount StoresBeware of shopping at price clubs or shopping clubs. We got a membership last year and I don't think that I saved enough to justify it. Watch your unit prices there as well. I find that food isn't really a savings.
Saving Money with an Entertainment BookI invested in an Entertainment Book. I received it from work for a discounted rate of 13.00. With two for one fast food saving, $5.00 off a $10.00 purchase at the bread store (I really load up on that one!), and 4 coupons for $5.00 off a 50.00 gift certificate at a local grocery store.
Read ThriftyFun Before ShoppingJust before going grocery shopping, log on and read the latest ThriftyFun tips. You'll be inspired to keep your spending down, so you'll save lots of cash!
Check with the GrocerCheck with your grocer from time to time to see about any greatly reduced meats or fruits that he'd be getting rid of. You could put those fruits to good use making batches of homemade jams, jellies, preserves ...
Ask Stores About Specials Mailing ListsYou should ask your favorite stores about whether or not they have a mailing list that gives some notice about upcoming sales that are available. Some will have some for select customers so it pays to ask.
25% of Food Purchases Get Thrown OutDon't shop on impulse. Skip impulse food buys. Stop & consider the size of your family. Will this product go to waste by not getting eaten? I read recently where 25% of food purchases get thrown out.
Looking for BargainsWhen shopping, always remember to look high and look low. The higher priced items are usually right at eye level while the bargains are usually above or below. It's easy to miss these items when you don't see them readily.
Coupon Swap GroupsJoin a coupon swap group or start one of your own. Have regularly scheduled meetings with door prizes for the person who saved the most money that month using coupons
Grocery Shopping Tips for HusbandsMy tip for making grocery shopping easier. I bring my wife and follow her around while she picks the groceries. I find it to be a lot easier than going by myself.
Clearance RacksTake advantage of the clearance racks in buying for your child the next season's clothes. It will save a ton of money, and they can look like a million dollars. Sears, Children's Place provide a lot of additional coupons.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Save Money: Join a Food Co-opJoin your local food co-op to save on buying everyday items.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
