When I get the urge to shop and don't want to spend a lot of money, I go to the dollar store. It's a great way to squelch the urge and I can get a few inexpensive items that I usually need.
By Kim from Franklin Park, IL
I really don't think this is a tip. It's more of a suggestion for all of us to help where we can. I was at Walmart yesterday. I've made it a habit to pick up a shopping cart that's wandering around, and loose in the park lot, to use in the store.
To help save money when grocery shopping or shopping for multiple items anywhere, use a tally counter to keep track of your spending and don't be surprised when you get to the register. Calculators never work for me because I always end up zeroing by mistake...
Tips to consider when you go shopping. Post your ideas.
- Don't Shop Hungry -
# 1 rule! Always eat before you go shopping! You will buy less junk and save lots of money even without coupons.
- Shop Healthy -
To shop for healthy foods try shopping only around the perimeter of the store - - one big square. You'll get fruits and veggies, dairy and meats that way and you will avoid the very costly processed foods
- Grocery Shopping Online -
I've just recently started grocery shopping online. If this convenience is available in your area, give it a try. I've found myself actually spending LESS because I do not impulse buy. It takes me about an hour online to place an order. In 1-2 days, a friendly young man actually CARRIES all my groceries into my kitchen for me! And, I've gained my weekend back, because I used to waste my entire Saturday shopping from store to store.
Debbie
Avoid buying food that is not on your shopping list. People
buy an average of one unplanned item per aisle at the
supermarket.
Marta - Chicago
we set a monthly budget. i make a menu and a list from it. know whats on sale. combine with coupons. stock up on sale items, especially meat, but only if you already get it regularly. buy family packs and divide them, put in zip bags or wrap in saran type wrap and freeze. freeze bread--buy the day old stuff. freeze in season produce or buy frozen--often healthier and cheaper!make the right size portions and do not overbuy unfreezable perishables.. remember dehydration saves stuff too.
We find a lot of shopping tips bouncing around the net. "Don't shop hungry. Shop alone. Befriend your butcher. Use coupons." Below you will find a few tips that I haven't seen published as often.
Here are a few shopping tips.
Before you go to the grocery story, clean out your fridge to make room for the new groceries. It makes it easier to rotate your food and avoid nasty leftovers.
Anytime you walk into any store, see if they have a flyer available. Often you can get coupons inside the store or at least find out what's on sale.
Grocery stores try to put the items they would like you to buy at eye level on the shelves. Look up and down and try to avoid buying items from the end of the isles unless you know it's a good deal.
When you buy an item don't use it right away. Wait a week or so because in a week the item will be cheaper and you can take it back to get the discounted price!
By Mareshah Chappell
When you need food and are on a low income, try shopping at a Dollar Store, Cost U Less, or other discount stores.
By Ginger Morris
If you live near a bakery outlet store, such as Pepperidge Farm, buy bread in bulk and freeze it. Many of the items are not even outdated and cost much less than buying at the grocery store.
My first tip is to shop at the day old bakery - especially for like snack cakes and that type of things for school lunches. Much cheaper. The ones around here even have like the pudding 4-packs, chips and of course different kinds of breads.
I also shop at Dollar Stores and we have Just a Buck stores around here where everything is $1.00. GREAT!! I try to stock up on my snacks for a week for work so I am not so tempted to buy out of vending machine and such.
some deli counters in grocery stores, like Meijer for example sells all sliced deli meat and cheeze for half off when the deli closes. Meijer's is around 9-9:15.
This week we're conducting an experiment in our house. Each weekend, we reluctantly run errands that total $200 or more. It's depressing. They're not meaningless, bored shopping trips; they're planned trips for essential items.
I purchased a special pen which attaches to a lanyard around my neck. I bring it with me when I go shopping to make sure I (a.) cross everything off my list and therefore do not miss anything, and (b.) never lose my pen.
There is a time when things aren't on sale-no matter what the store sign says, what's written on the price tag, or how much the cashier actually charges. When is this? When you pay with your charge card.
I always spend less money if I use cash instead of my debit card or check book. An excellent tip that I have used for years is so easy. When I shop...
Despite what they say in their advertisements, stores aren't out to save shoppers money. Their business is to make money, and the better they are at doing just that the more profitable the franchise.
If you get a carryout meal, only to get home and it's not exactly what you ordered, by all means, keep your sales receipt. Stop back in and tell the management about your purchase. They'll most likely make it to your liking.
Write down which items are in which aisle numbers in your grocery store. Then order your shopping list accordingly and you won't find yourself re-tracing your steps a million times.
Watch for False Advertising. Try to look at your receipt when you buy big-ticket items like a flat screen T.V. My husband was alert enough to see that Best Buy advertised a high definition T.V.
Before going shopping, go online first and check out that store's website. If you You might find some printable discount coupons to take with you to save you some money.
