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How To Cut Down On Grocery Costs

Updated on August 22, 2012


30+ TIPS ON HOW TO TRIM MONEY OFF YOUR FOOD BILL


There are a million and one ways to save money in many areas of our lives but sometimes we seem to be so busy we don't spend a lot of time thinking about ways to save on food.

Since it seems to be so easy for us to spend our money, I think it's wise from time to time to evaluate our spending habits.

Food consumes a lot of our paychecks every week, twice monthly or once a month, depending upon what our shopping pattern is.

Let's take a look at some easy skills that will help you save money and get the most for your money at the supermarket.


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BEST WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON GROCERY BILLS


  • Make up meal plans for the period you're shopping for and stick to them
  • Never shop hungry - you'll buy too many useless items on impulse
  • Bring a calculator with you...if you can't do calculations in your head it saves time
  • Keep a running list of everything you buy regularly and where you get the best price
  • Print out a specific list before you shop and where you'll shop...stick to it!
  • Check the papers weekly for specials and coupons - use them to cut costs


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MONEY SAVING TIPS ON TRIMMING THE FAT FROM YOUR FOOD BILL


  • Keep a running list of things as you run out of them - add to the appropriate list
  • Make the list store specific when you go - itemize what you need where
  • Buy in bulk if you possibly can and even split with a friend or family member
  • Invest in a chest freezer or any freezer so you can stock up
  • Figure out what items go on sale in the cycle when at what store - then buy up
  • Go generic - name brands aren't any different than generic or store brands
  • Try shopping alone if your kids are a distraction - or without your spouse!
  • Have a grocery budget and do not exceed it! Keep leftover money for next time
  • Use store rewards cards whenever possible - every bit helps
  • Don't be afraid to ask a store to match another store's price!
  • Check out double value coupon days and shop then
  • If you see a great sale, don't pass it up - stock up and grab the savings.
  • Grow your own - you can grow potatoes in garbage cans, veggies in containers
  • Eat smaller portions of fish and meat and more vegetables - you'll be healthier
  • Plan at least 1 or 2 meatless meals per week and eat more fish


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THE TRICK TO SAVING MONEY ON GROCERIES


  • Skip the snack and pop aisle altogether and save, save, save!
  • Consume more water and drink less of everything else including coffee and alcohol
  • Buy vegetables and fruits in season - freeze or dehydrate for when they're not
  • Cook things from scratch - you will save tons of money
  • Bake and cook in large batches and freeze for other meals
  • Leftovers are fantastic for another meal, lunch or snacks
  • If someone has diced it, chopped it or removed the skin or bones, you'll pay more
  • Anything that is processed will cost you more money and give you more chemicals
  • Get a rain check if a sale item is out - make sure you use it!
  • Buy toiletries and paper products at stores that offer them for less
  • Look for rebates and send them in right away before you forget
  • Always check your receipt and check item prices as they're scanned
  • Look for instant savings coupons at the check stand
  • Check the price per pound on all meats and buy accordingly - cut up your own to save money


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BEST WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR FOOD BILLS


There really are no "right" or "wrong ways" to save on grocery bills every month.  Saving money can become an addiction too but if you know how to trim unnecessary costs off your grocery bill, you'll be surprised at how good it makes you feel. 

There's also nothing more frustrating than having bought an item just a day ago and then seeing it for way less money somewhere else. 

While for most of us, store hopping isn't always an option or spending our time trying to save a few pennies is probably more frustrating than it's worth, there are folks out there (and I know a couple) who coupon like their life depended on it and shop smart.  They save a ton of money and their example has spurred me on to try and be more frugal about my own shopping habits.

Make less trips...save gas....and again, the best way to save money on food is budgeting, meal planning, cooking from scratch and buying in bulk. 

Save electricity by cooking several meals at the same time and preparing them for freezing. 

With a little organization, the sky's the limit on how much you can save!

If you have more suggestions on how to cut the high cost of food bills, please share them with all of us below!


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