3 Tips For Grocery Shopping

1-BEFORE SHOPPING

Check your pantry to see what you already have. Don't spend money on things you don't need.Plan your spending to avoid impulse buys.Grow it or Make it yourself and save!Make a price book, and frequently refer to it. Prepare your menu for the week around what you already have, and what's on sale.If your area has food co-ops, Join up! A food co-op can reduce your weekly food bill by as much as 50%.Shop for items BEFORE you run out of them.

If you run out of an item you'll have to pay whatever the store is charging that week.Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.Avoid trips to the "corner store".Make a grocery list during the week. Take it with you when you shop. Stick to it.If you go to the supermarket early in the morning (before 9am) you have a better chance of getting mark down items. Local stores in my area mark down fresh veggies and fruits, frozen items, milks, and meats.

2-WHILE SHOPPING

Stick to what's on your shopping list.Ask staff to help you rather than wasting time looking for items or better deals.Meat is a good source of protein but it's expensive. Cheese, poultry, eggs, peanut butter, dried peas, beans, lentils, and some fish are less expensive and excellent sources of protein.Buy whole chickens. If you want only breasts, save the dark quarters, freezing for later use. Buying breasts alone is very expensive.

Buy locally grown foods; they are fresher, more nutritious and ecologically smart.Shop the sales! Take advantage of each store's loss leaders.Most bargains are found on the higher and lower shelves. Most expensive brands are at eye level (to get your attention).

3-AFTER SHOPPING

Always return a product that is spoiled.Send off for rebates to get items free, or nearly free!Learn the sales cycles of your favorite stores, and know when to expect certain items to go on sale.Shop at bakery outlets. Breads and rolls freeze very well.Remember that no particular store has the lowest price on all items.Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other.