Grocery Shopping Tips

During this time of recession, it's important that we spend wise! So read these great shopping tips brought to you by The Frugal Shopper.

BEFORE SHOPPING

Check your pantry to see what you already have. Don't spend money on things you don't need.

Plan your spending to avoid impulse buys.

Grow it or Make it yourself and save!

Make a price book, and frequently refer to it. For more information about price books, click here.

Prepare your menu for the week around what you already have, and what's on sale.

If your area has food co-ops, Join up! A food co-op can reduce your weekly food bill by as much as 50%.

Shop for items BEFORE you run out of them. If you run out of an item you'll have to pay whatever the store is charging that week.

Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

Avoid trips to the "corner store".

Make a grocery list during the week. Take it with you when you shop. Stick to it.

If you go to the supermarket early in the morning (before 9am) you have a better chance of getting mark down items. Local stores in my area mark down fresh veggies and fruits, frozen items, milks, and meats.

Shop alone - this will save lots of money and frustration.

You have heard this before, but it is so true ... don't shop for groceries on an empty stomach.

Clean out your refrigerator, it will be much easier to put away groceries.

Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

More often than not, the best sales are on the front and back of your supermarket flyer.


WHILE SHOPPING

Stick to what's on your shopping list.

Ask staff to help you rather than wasting time looking for items or better deals.

Meat is a good source of protein but it's expensive. Cheese, poultry, eggs, peanut butter, dried peas, beans, lentils, and some fish are less expensive and excellent sources of protein.

Buy whole chickens. If you want only breasts, save the dark quarters, freezing for later use. Buying breasts alone is very expensive.

Buy locally grown foods; they are fresher, more nutritious and ecologically smart.

Shop the sales! Take advantage of each store's loss leaders.

Most bargains are found on the higher and lower shelves. Most expensive brands are at eye level (to get your attention).

Watch for unadvertised specials.

Shop for items that you use regularly at all times. If you run out, you will have to pay whatever the supermarket may be charging when you need it.

Stockpile, Stockpile, Stockpile! If a product you use is on sale, buy as much as you can afford and store to last you until the next sale. This is a BIG money saver!

Wait if you can until the item is on sale. If you know your products and stores, you can have enough to last until the item is discounted again.

Use your freezer to stock up when there is a sale on frozen or dairy items, such as cheese, butter and milk.

Buy in bulk when the unit price is less. Larger sizes do not always mean lower prices.

Just because an item has the word "SALE" on it, doesn't mean you are getting it for a lower than normal price. Know your prices. This is one way that a price book can help you.

Use store specific savings cards.

Don't be afraid to try generic or store brands. Most stores will refund your money if you are not satisfied.

Pretty packaging costs you money. You are not only paying for the product, but for the packaging (and advertising) as well.

Buy and use in season veggies and fruit.

Always check the expiration date on dairy products.

Avoid anything disposable.

Convenience foods are more expensive, you are trading money for time. Slice, season, mix, and cook it yourself.

Always check the day old bread basket, and the reduced merchandise cart.

Always ask for a raincheck if an advertised special is out of stock. While you are waiting for the product to come back in, look for more coupons for that product.


AFTER SHOPPING

Always return a product that is spoiled.

Send off for rebates to get items free, or nearly free!

Learn the sales cycles of your favorite stores, and know when to expect certain items to go on sale.

Shop at bakery outlets. Breads and rolls freeze very well.

Remember that no particular store has the lowest price on all items.

Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other.