Saving money at the grocery store doesn’t require switching to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches three meals a day.
Try these ways to cut the financial fat from your supermarket list:
Create weekly menus
Planning meals in advance allows you to know how much flexibility (or not) you have in your budget before you shop. By selecting recipes, you’re able to create a firm list of what you need before you set foot in the grocery store.
Do a quick sweep of your fridge
Are there any items that you can or should eat—frozen chicken, leftover stir fry, a jar of sauce that’s near its expiration date—that you can use as a basis for a new meal or to recreate something different? If so, look for simple recipes with what you have first.
Shop your pantry
Once you’ve got your list together, double check your kitchen for products or substitutions you may already have. This will prevent you from wasting money on items you’ve got tucked away already.
Lose the coupon stigma
These days it pays to clip (or click) coupons. Redeeming the savings can be as easy as a click of the mouse. For instance, online sites like couponsurfer.com offer two ways to save: online coupons for Web sites like buy.com or printable coupons that can be used at your supermarket.
Visit multiple stores
Brand loyalty won’t get you far in a struggling economy. To get the best deals you need to shop around. Know who has the best prices on the items your family uses, particularly higher-priced goods like detergents, fresh produce and meats. A little extra leg work can translate into big savings.
