Money saving tips when shopping for grocery

Article: Money saving tips when shopping for grocery

Here are some tips on saving money when shopping for grocery:

Before you shop, make a list of what you would like to buy and how much you'll spend. Decide whether buying convenience food or cooking and preparing meals yourself if this is the matter of saving time or saving money.

Keep all grocery receipts, and at a certain date such as end
of a month, look at all the spending numbers - see what you
can reduce the next time you shop. Compare with previous
month's receipts to figure out what you can save.

Buy in-season produce at bargain prices that are
storable. Stock up, can or freeze for later use.

It's better to go shopping when you're not hungry. Some
people have tendency to buy large super-size food items
when they're hungry, but they couldn't consume all the
food after shopping, or they force themselves to eat
when they're full.

Check newspaper ads or 'junk mail' ads for grocery
on sale; clip and use coupons if available.
You'll save a bundle.

Compare grocery prices at all local stores to find the
best prices. Make sure the items you'll buy are still of
good quality. Cheapest items could become expensive
if they're not consumable after purchasing.

National-brand products usually cost more than
store-brand products. Check the prices and buy
store-brand items to save money.

During holidays or special occasions, many stores offer
huge discounts on many food items. You can buy more
grocery and save.

Your friends or relatives may find good deals on grocery.
Share grocery information and tips with each other.

Compare price per ounce or price per pound on food items to see
if buying in bulk is better than purchasing individual package.

Plan on how often you shop, and shop only when you have the
time to compare grocery prices and quality.

Pay your grocery by cash, not by debit or credit cards.

Ask your store manager for grocery discounts; he or she may give
you special prices on items you need. The secret is stores always
have their items on sale forever. Your store managers know what
are on sale now, this week, or this coming month.

Find ways to prepare and use all leftovers as soon
as you can; don't preserve them too long in your refrigerator.

Children can fill your shopping cart with items
they want real fast. Teach them how to shop, or leave
them at home if possible.

If you have time, buy a bread maker and make your
own bread. You'll have fresh bread and save money, too.

Make your own ice cream with an ice-scream maker.
It would be economical for a large family.

This is a little extreme - eat no meat once a week;
use tofu instead. Tofu is made of soy bean, contains
more than 90% protein, no saturated fat, no cholesterol.
Tofu has been used in many meals in many Asian countries.
Check with your doctor before going on this diet.

Article: Money saving tips when shopping for grocery
By John Nguyen and Associates
Developers of Savingsforyou.net and Orange County Business Directory, CA