Going to a grocery store can be quite the challenge. Whether you are shopping alone or with a shopping cart full of young children, the task can be daunting and will easily test the stress level of even the most avid shopper.
But there are some simple ways to save money while grocery shopping. There are 24 in all, but I’ll offer the first twelve today and the balance will be published on Monday.
Best of luck and happy shopping!
Tip #1 – Do not, I repeat, DO NOT shop without a list for exactly what you need! Then do your best to stick to it and get out as quickly as you can!
Tip #2 – As you go through the store pay attention to the helpful aisle banners above each row… avoid any row that doesn’t have something on your list!
Tip #3 – This should really be RULE #1, do not shop while you’re hungry! As a busy person, its easy make this mistake! It’s just not good for the waist line (because you’ll buy foods you shouldn’t!), or the family budget. So don’t do it!
Tip #4 – Avoid last minute impulse purchases at the checkout for things like magazines and candy bars, and whatever else they’re trying to sell you… including nail clippers, camera film and batteries. Unless they’re on sale, you’ll always do better at the discount stores for those items!
Tip #5 – And if you have a magazine you tend to keep picking up each month (while you’re at the GROCERY story), just subscribe to the darn thing and save yourself $20! (Try to limit yourself to just one or two subscriptions per year.)
Tip #6 – Do NOT be brand loyal, and try to buy only what’s on sale. Sometimes a name brand can even be on sale for the same price as the store brand, or less… so read those price labels!
Tip #7 – Bigger does not always equal better! Be careful of big “value size” packages. Maybe it’s because of sale items, but I often find that a smaller size product can be more cost effective than the larger size of the same product. Sometimes they are packaged for price value, but often they are simply packaged only for convenience. The store manufacturers must be thinking we’d rather save a trip to the store than save money… WRONG!!
Tip #8 – There is no need to make a special trip (especially with gas prices being so high), but as you’re shopping around town pay attention to the prices of items you buy on a regular basis. Do this everywhere you go! You’ll be amazed at the different prices you see.
Tip #9 – Make a note! If you’re a busy working mom, and don’t have time to keep a price log, then make a mental note of items that are much cheaper at particular stores. It’s become such a habit that when we run out of something I know exactly which store I need to purchase it at for the best price. That is of course, if it’s not on sale somewhere else!
Tip #10 – Grocery stores are becoming harder and harder to get out of quickly. With the addition of greeting cards, books, hardware, pet supplies and even fancy gifts to purchase! This tip goes along with my Tip #1 – shopping with a list and getting out quickly. If you KNOW before you even get there, that every non-food item the grocery store has can be purchased much cheaper elsewhere, then don’t even look at those items! Just shop for the foods that are on your list and then get out!!! (Of course stopping at the checkout to pay for your groceries first! 
Tip #11 – Many people have their lists planned down to the ounce, but they often put little extras in the cart as they shop. Big no no! To avoid buying things that are not necessities, always stop and survey your cart before proceeding to the check out. Does your family really need chips and pretzels this week? Three types of candy? Try to allow a treat or two every time you go to the grocery, but don’t get carried away if things are on sale. By reviewing what is in your cart before you get to the check out, you can easily eliminate items that are ‘wants’ rather than ‘needs.’ (As a courtesy, please return items to their proper place in the store.) This tip would probably help beginners rather than the experienced grocery budgeter, but it will save everybody a lot!
Tip #12 – Be careful when shopping at grocery stores that require a membership card to get items for their special ‘SALE’ price, which is just about most of them these days. Look out and ask the cashier to refigure your bill if your card didn’t go through and they charge you full price for everything! And yes, it is inconvenient to ask for the refunds and wait for the total to be figured. Don’t be afraid to ask the clerk to check the receipt because you saw an item wring up at full price. When you get home, and put the groceries away, take another look at the receipt. I you see an error, go back to the store and get a refund. Try and to never leave a particular grocery store without checking the receipt first, but better late than never.
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