Seven Tips to Save on the Grocery Bill
submitted: Aug 15th 2008 |
by: WilliamBlake |
Total views: 2 |
Word Count: 496 |
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No matter how many people there may be in your family, your grocery bill can be one of the most expensive items you have to pay for. But with a little planning and some creativity, there are at least seven ways you can cut your spending at the grocery store.
* First and foremost, make a grocery budget and stick to it. Consider the amount of money that you have been spending over the last few months at the grocery store and then calculate an average that you can use for your budget. As you get better at finding bargains, you will eventually be able to lower this amount and save even more.
* Discuss and establish a menu that lasts two weeks with the entire family. This will help you to use the same menu items more than once will maintaining a variety in meals. At the same time you will be wasting less time and still keeping everyone in the family satisfied.
* Use the menu (and the recipes for the different items) to develop your grocery list. Be sure to check your pantry, fridge and freezer first so you don't buy too much of an item. It can be helpful to put the grocery list in the order that you will find the items in the store (bakery, deli, dairy, freezer, and meat). Jot down your estimate for the cost and total it up. If you don't come in under budget, you may have to do some adjusting or cutting.
* Go through the paper or search the internet for any coupons that might be available for the items you need. You can ask your friends and family to save coupons for you as well. Match your coupons to the list (and note on the list that you have a coupon and what it is for two for one, off of three, or whatever the discount may be).
* Make a coupon club with friends and family. Have everyone involved bring coupons that they are not going to use and share. You can also form a club on the Internet.
* Keep an eye on flyers and advertisements announcing special discounts or sales at stores that you frequent. Even in small communities there should be opportunities to maximize savings in this way.
* Buy in bulk when possible (and when cheaper). Compare the prices on the individual items and the bulk products. When it costs less, purchase your non-perishables in bulk (paper products, cleaning supplies, and pet or baby needs). Meat and chicken can also be bought in bulk for good discounts, but be sure you package them individually before you put them in the freezer.
These seven tips will help you reduce the money you spend on groceries, letting you put it to good use in some other way.
About the Author
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