1. Use a list when shopping.
|
| Put anything you want on the list, but don't add to
the list once you get to the store. Using a list will help plan for your needs in advance,
so take advantage of sale prices and avoid impulse purchases. "Go alone after a
meal". If you go shopping hungry or with another, you're shopping for more than one
appetite and the result is always increased spending. |
|
2. Watch for store ads in the newspapers, your mail box and flyers distributed at
the stores.
|
| Check for sale prices on the items you regularly purchase. Compare prices with
other stores, especially those you don't normally visit. Pay special attention to the days
of the week the sale prices are in effect. For example some stores have no sale prices in
effect on Mondays, traditionally a busy shopping day. Carefully plan purchases, noting on
the list which items are sale priced and items where a coupon can be used. |
|
|
3. Always spend cash.
|
| Take time to get cash before going to the store. Nothing
impacts our mind like taking cash from our wallet or purse. Many people who use credit
cards rarely know how much was actually spent - until the statement comes. Many people who
write checks simply do not take the time to calculate the balance and have no idea what is
left over. Paying cash causes us to think ahead. |
|
|
4. Take advantage of coupons and rebates, they do add up.
|
| Shop at stores that
doubles coupons and take the time to watch the papers for grocery coupons. Look for items
on the shelf which also have coupons included inside the packages. |
|
|
5. Always shop by the unit price at the stores.
|
| In most states it's the law that
retailers post the unit cost on the shelves. It used to be the larger the pack the better
the price, but not always so these days. For example a 50 cent coupon, doubled on any size
of soap detergent could make the smallest size the most economical in terms of least cash
spent. |
|
|
6. Avoid buying plastic bags for food storage or garbage disposal.
|
| The stores give
these away free. There are plastic bags available in the produce and meat sections.
Separately bag each item and save them for reuse. When asked if you want either a paper or
plastic bag ask for paper inside of a plastic bag and you have an ample supply of
ready-made garbage bags. |
|
|
7. Cleaning aids, cleansers etc. are very costly and prices vary greatly with the
brands.
|
| Some companies market a cleanser (and now specialty wipes - what a waste) for
virtually every type of household project. The best cleanser in the kitchen, aside from
powder is ammonia. No need to buy a brand name, ammonia is ammonia, if you want it soapy,
then add some detergent. Another valueless item is dish soap promoted to be more gentle to
hands or cuts grease better. If your hands are that sensitive, use the longer lasting
rubber gloves and save money on detergent by using generic brands. Hot water and any
detergent will cut grease. |
|
|
8. Plan meals in advance.
|
| Keep in mind wise use of leftovers or freezing for later
use when purchasing meats, etc. and making pasta dishes for example. Consider buying meat
items you use regularly in bigger quantity, freezing for later use the portions not needed
the week you buy them. This can save you up to 20 percent. |
|
|
9. Avoid prepackaged items.
|
| Cereals, breads, desserts, juices, beverages etc., mixed and prepared at home
are always a better value than prepackaged items. The same is true for pet foods and many
experts agree dry pet food mixed with water is better than canned food. |
|
|
10. Be cautious about adding non-food items to the grocery list.
|
| These include
health and beauty items, paper and plastics, utensils, brooms, brushes, film, etc. These
items have the highest profit margin for most grocers, which is exactly why they are
prominently displayed in the stores. Usually a better value can be obtained at discount
drug stores. |
|
|
11. When shopping stick to the list and plan in advance all purchases to take full
advantage of sale items and 2 for 1 deals (if the price isn't inflated to compensate.)
|
|
When possible shop the outside walls and stay out of the aisles. Most food stores situate
the four basics (produce, meats, dairy and breads) on the walls. They most often place all
the cookies, cereals, beverages, canned goods and the nice-to-haves on the aisles. |
|
|
12. Finally, check the checker.
|
| Note the prices as you select items and then make
sure the same price is posted at the check-out. Check the register tape again after
leaving the store, often unintentional mistakes are uncovered, especially with large
purchases. Many times a sale price is listed in the store, but not reflected at the
check-out. Also, the shorter the time spent in the store, the less money spent. |
Our 
