I am definitely trying to save money at the grocery store, but it can be difficult. Buying on impulse is easy to do, clipping coupons may seem like too much work and comparison shopping takes time. I recently came across an article in AARP Magazine about top ten tips for paying less at the supermarket.
Tip #1: Make Shopping A Job
When you get ready to grab your groceries, think of it as a job. You need to complete it on time and under budget.
Tip #2: Take Stock
Before I take a trip to the store, I try to take a peek in the pantry to see what I already have. According to the article, many people reported that they already had in the pantry, freezer or fridge 15 percent of the foods they bought at the store. Check your stash of food before you go shopping. Plan meals ahead of time and stick to them.
Tip #3: Bring a Calculator
Try to keep a tally of how much you are spending. This will help you save money and start really paying attention to prices.
Tip #4: Start at the Center
Phil Lempert, author of the article, suggests starting your shopping in the middle of the store with the boxes, cans and jars. A lot of the bargains can be found in this area.
Tip #5: Compare Aisles
Each department in the store operates differently. You can sometimes find the same product cheaper in a different location. For example, some cheese may be found on a fancy cheese table, but is often more expensive than what you find in the dairy case. Take a look at the freezer cases. Sometimes frozen items can still be just as good and cheaper. When it comes to ground beef, consider buying frozen in a vacuum-packed “chub.” It can save you 25 percent. Fresh refrigerated pasta is always nice, but dried Italian pasta is usually just as good and a lot cheaper.
Tip #6: Go Back to White Eggs
Brown eggs can cost 50 cents more per dozen than white.
Tip #7: Select “Select” Beef
There are three quality categories for beef. Prime is the highest and most expensive, Choice is the middle grade and Select is the least expensive and least fatty.
Tip #8: Try Store Brands
I used to buy mostly name brand items, but I have found that store brands are often just as good. Store brands can save you 20 to 30 percent.
Tip #9: Customize Your Cereal
Try buying a basic high-fiber store brand and save 20 percent instead of buying an expensive name brand cereal. When you buy the store brand, you can then add what you want such as fruits, nuts and sweeteners.
Tip #10: Skip Fake Convenience
Take a closer look at what looks like a great idea, but may not save you any money. For example, you can buy oatmeal in single serving packets, but they can be expensive. Try buying oats, add in your cinnamon and other ingredients and you’ll save money. Also, buying pre-washed salads may make more sense than a head of lettuce which can spoil quickly.