Tuesday, May 20, 2008

10 Easy Tips To Save Money On Groceries

10 Easy Tips To Save Money On Groceries


 


Many people are looking for ways to save money.. But, have you noticed that with the price of gas increasing the price of groceries increases too? So how can you save money on groceries? It's easy when you use the tips below.


1. Save money on groceries - make a list. Before you ever walk through the door, make a list. I have found when I shop without a list, I will spend about 1/3 more than if I had a list. I will see an item and wonder if I already have it or not and usually I do have it. I just spent more than I needed on an item I already had.


2. Save money on groceries - use coupons. Using coupons can save money, but only when used right. If you use coupons for items or brands that you normally do not buy, then you really have not saved money. When using coupons, also pay attention to sales. Some times you can get a product for pennies or even free if the item is on sale and you use a coupon. Also check the store brand for that item to see if it is cheaper than the name brand item using the coupon. You may find that the store brand actually costs less.


3. Save money on groceries - use store brands. Many times store brands are as good as name brands. In some cases, I have found that my family prefers the store brand. Store brands can be priced much less than name brands and save a lot of money.


4. Save money on groceries - check store sales. Stores will reduce the price of an item as a "loss leader" sale to entice you into the store to spend money. Use these sales to your advantage and stock up on the basics when their on sale, but make sure to stick to just those items on sale.


5. Save money on groceries - avoid impulse buys. Stores love to put those unnecessary items right at the check out to make shoppers buy on impulse. Do you really need that candy bar or pack of gum? Chances are you answer is going to be no.


6. Save money on groceries - shop the outer aisles. The outer perimeter of the store is stocked with the basic necessities like vegetables, meats, and dairy products. The center aisles generally have the junk food, processed foods and pre-packaged foods. By staying away from the center aisles as much as possible and shopping the outer aisles, you will save money by buying "whole" foods like chicken, milk and tomatoes. Also, look higher and lower on the shelf for the less expensive items. The more costly items are usually at eye level.


7. Save money on groceries - make it yourself. A small fortune can be saved just by making your own meals and treats instead of buying the pre-packaged products. Making muffins from scratch instead of using a mix is much cheaper as well as healthier too. By making it yourself, you are not paying or the processing and packaging charged for those products.


8. Save money on groceries - buy produce in season. Produce is cheaper when bought in season. If you purchase in bulk, many of those items can be frozen to be used when it is no longer in season. If there is a farmer's market near you, produce can not only be bought cheaper but it will also be healthier since the produce is fresher and many times grown organically. If the produce you want to purchase are not in season, buy frozen instead of fresh for more savings.


9. Save money on groceries - shop less often. How many times have you gone to the store for "just one thing" and left with ten more items? Or maybe you went to buy just the items needed for dinner that night and had a bunch of impulse purchases added to the bill? Try to shop just once a week, or even better, once a month to help cut down those impulse buys. By making a list, this will make once a week shopping much easier.


10. Save money on groceries - shop alone. By leaving the kids at home, you will be able to eliminate several impulse purchases. How many times have you gone shopping and had one of the kids "just have to have" something? How much extra money do you think you could save by not bringing the kids? Some have estimated it to be several hundred dollars per month! If at all possible, shop alone to save money and as an added bonus, you get some "alone" time. Don't all moms wish for that?!? I know I do!


I'm sure you may have heard many of the tips to save money before, but some times it's helpful to have them repeated. Try these tips for saving money and see how much you can save. I think you might be surprised!


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If you would like more money saving tips, get my free report HERE!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Easy Ways To Save Money

Are you shocked about the prices of goods and need some tips for easy ways to save money? Prices are increasing for every product and service we use. How can you save money to afford even the most basic of necessities in today's economy? Read on to see these tried and true tips.

1.Groceries – Groceries are one of the largest expenses where you can save money. Always make a list and stick to it. Shop sales and use coupons only on the items you regularly use. Cut out the junk food and other unnecessary items. Buy in bulk when basic staples are on sale.

2.Utilities – Control your utility bills. Adjust your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting in the winter and the highest comfortable setting in the summer. Turn off all unused lights and appliances. Unplug unused appliances too as most appliances will still use a small amount of electricity. Conserve water when possible.

3.Entertainment – Try to eat out less often. You can make great meals at home cheaper. Rent movies and make popcorn instead of going to the theater. Go for a bike ride or take a walk and enjoy the scenery.

4.Clothing – Shop for clearance sales at the end of the season to get the cheapest prices for the next year. Look at second hand stores or thrift stores for even more savings.

5.Gasoline – Shop around for the lowest price in your area. Group errands together. Make sure your vehicle is tuned up and the tires are inflated properly. Drive a little slower.

Just by utilizing these tips for easy ways to save money, you will be able to spend less on items you regularly use. Try the tips and then see if you can save even more money. Make saving money a game to see how big you can win!

If you would like more money saving tips, get my free report HERE!

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