Subscribe Feed (RSS)During a down economy consumers look for any number of ways to save money. One significant expense that can be trimmed back is the purchase of groceries, so let’s examine ways that you can save the next time you head out to the supermarket:
Clip Coupons – Maybe you hate clipping coupons, but you really love saving money. This used to be a dilemma that many consumers faced until “clipless” coupons arrived on the scene. Instead of scouring through the ink-stained editions of the Sunday newspaper in search of savings, you can save money on purchases by using your favorite supermarket’s plastic “store card” which will automatically deduct discounts without coupons at the cash register. Just check their weekly four-color flyer to see which items are currently on sale; stock up and save on the best deals.
Buy Generic – Store brands are once again popular as shoppers look for savings apart from the national brands. Not every store product is of the same level of quality as a major brand, but with savings averaging 30% on store mix dark chocolate brownies v. Pillsbury, maybe you should consider the non brand?
Buy Specials – Just as you do when you use “clipless coupons” you can gain significant savings when you buy those items you need when they are offered at a discount. Most stores will limit your quantities to no more than four of any product per visit, which means that you can double or triple your savings via follow up trips to the market.
Shop Full – You’ll spend more on your groceries if you shop when you’re hungry. Your guard may be let down when you’re hungry, enticing you to make unneeded and costly purchases.
Reprioritize Purchases – Americans will often head to the market looking for the best cut of meat, without considering how much it will cost. Have your sirloin tips every now and then but also consider a cheaper side of beef too. Think about those things you buy and never finish – bags of Lay’s potato chips, cans of Coke or Pepsi, fruits and vegetables, etc. Unless you can find a new purpose for unused food, consider cutting back on the amount of food purchased.
Buy Big – The larger your family, the bigger the sized package you will need. Nearly across the board you will save money on purchases if you buy the larger sized version of the same item. Compare what you pay per ounce, pound or other measurement to see how you’re paying for all of your food.
Shop Elsewhere – Your favorite grocery store may be too expensive. Consider shopping private label stores such as Aldi’s or consider BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club for warehouse store savings. You may be able to afford shopping at Whole Foods, but only if you find some of what you need elsewhere.
There are many other ways you can save money on your grocery purchases including visiting farmer’s markets, co-ops, sharing purchases with family members or friends, etc. With a little effort you can save ten percent on your next shopping trip; as much as fifty percent if you use coupons and really watch your spending!
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Tags: generic, groceries, private label, savings, shopping, supermarket, warehouse stores
Though gasoline and food prices have retreated from last summer’s highs, there is something else that could threaten costs, possibly putting undue pressure on millions of families. Inflation, which hasn’t reared its ugly head in more than a generation, is poised to make a come back. The culprit? Government debt, including the $700 billion TARP bail out last fall, the proposed $900 billion “stimulus” bill and the likely multi-trillion dollars in additional expenditures coming our way.
It doesn’t take a genius to realize that the price of most consumer goods are rising and at a pace much higher than the rate of inflation. Thanks to oil prices which are now approaching $150 a barrel, consumers’ wallets are being picked at a rate not seen since the 1970s.
