Groceries: One of my biggest expenses is groceries. When you’re at home, you’ll have time to make more meals from scratch – at great savings. With the cost of groceries continuing to soar, I’ve found it a bit comforting to use coupons when I can. I look at the flyers to see what’s on sale and combine with coupons for extra value. Many times I have gotten $1 and $2 items free when having a manufacturer’s coupon for $1-$2 off an already sale priced item. I also regularly shop the clearance and reduced sections of the grocery store. One grocery store in my area has daily markdowns of 50% and greater in their dairy, produce, meat and misc. grocery sections. Don’t pass up these savings. Although some items are outdated, there are many still with a few days until their expiry dates. They are still good for eating and if you can’t use them now, pop them in your freezer till you can. Stockpile sale items. Check unit prices. Compare prices by also checking the unit prices. See which item is really the better buy. Don’t over shop so that you’re throwing out things later on. Use what you have that’s more perishable and near its end days. Go through your cupboards and fridge and use the old before buying the new. Buy generic. You can save a lot of money on generic items for which the brand name product is nearly the same as the store brand. Food and medicines are items where generic products are good deals. Some other places to look for greatly reduced items are dollar stores. These are great places to get the non-perishables. Buy fresh ingredients instead of pre-packaged foods. Learn to cook. You’ll save on food bills, and your body will thank you. This is especially good for those who have food allergies in the family. Find stores that double coupons: we have one store locally that does this every 5-6 weeks – not enough in my eyes, but I’ll take what I can get. Shop Loss Leaders: Every store flyer will have these – these are usually the bigger ads and on the main page. The stores want you to come there for these in hopes that you buy other items as well. If you have a coupon to go with them, better yet. Write a grocery list – you want to stay on track, and if you found the item in the sales flyer, write the price beside it – it will help you find that item much quicker. Visit "Stretching the One Income Dollar" |
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