Save Money on Groceries

Want to save money on groceries without extreme couponing or having to buy a lifetime supply of paper towels?  Here are a few tips to help you make your money go as far as possible.

Make a grocery list.  If you have a meal plan in place and a list of items you need, you are much more likely to get what you need and spend less time at the store.  Having a list helps prevent you from impulse buys.  A study by the Wharton School found that up to 20% of your grocery bill can be from impulse buys.

If you are buying something pre packaged or pre made or pre cut, you are paying more for it.  Doing it yourself saves money and according to UCLA Center of Everyday Lives of Families, only adds about 10 percent more time to your prep time.

Know what things cost.  Often stores will say “Ten for $10”.  This encourages you, and sometimes even tricks you, into buying ten.  Often, they really cost $1 each and you can determine how many you buy.

Pay cash.  D&B research firm has said that those who shop with cash along spend an average of 12% to 18% less than those who pay with plastic.

Try generic.  Often they are made by the same manufacturers as the name brand and they can cost up to 20% less.

Try coupons.  You don’t have to go crazy with them, but spending 10 minutes a week can save you some cash.  Use sites like Coupon.com to search easily and print!

Shop around.  If you can, visit more than one store a week.  Often stores have items they specialize in and offer great deals on.  You may want to add a drugstore into your weekly mix of errands.

Watch out for small packages.  Items that come in tiny packages are  often more expensive.  While you don’t have to buy a year’s supply of something, you will often save money by buying a larger size.