SAVING MONEY AT THE GROCERY STORE

    

ON SALE ITEMS TO AVOID The grocery store is professionally organized to get you to spend  as much money as possible.  Often, "on sale" items are displayed at the  front of the store or at the end of isles.  Don't assume that these items  are actually a bargain, since the manufacturers or distributors of those  products are actually paying to display their products.

BUY ONLY WHAT YOU NEED AND CAN AFFORD

Before grocery shopping, write a list of the items you need.   Then, when shopping, only buy those items.  Avoid putting other things in  your cart that catch your eye. Supermarkets want to take advantage of people  buying things they did not intend to purchase, so be a smart shopper and use a  shopping list.

 

Also, don't buy more than what you can afford.  You are  probably better off using cash than a credit card, if using a credit card puts  you into debt.  If you only bring the money you intend to spend, then you  can't spend any more.

 

 

AVOID CONVENIENCE ITEMS

Don't purchase items that are convenience items, such as prepared  vegetables or pre-made sandwiches.  These items are more costly, and you  are better off buying your own ingredients and making them yourself.

 

 

BUY ITEMS IN BULK?

Buying items in bulk used to be cheaper.  However, these  days stores figured out that they could actually charge more, without consumers  realizing it.  The bigger box of cereal may actually be more expensive than  the smaller box.  Therefore, the best bet is to comparison shop and see if  you are actually getting a better bargain.

 

 

CHECK THE ENTIRE SHELF

Grocery stores will often place the higher priced items at  eye-level.  Again, consumers choose more items to buy from eye level.   So look at the top and bottom of the shelf for potential better bargains.

 

Also, often the healthier (and less expensive) items are more  difficult to find.  Packaged, prepared foods are more costly and generate  bigger profits, so try to find the healthier items.

 

 

KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS

If after shopping you discover that the store or another store  that has products you purchased advertised at a lower price, keep your receipt  and go back to the store to ask for a discount.

 

 

TRACK PRICES

Keep track of the prices you are paying for items you often  purchase.  Then keep that list with you when you shop.  That way, if  something is "on sale" you will know if it is really a sale or not.  If you  find a good discount, then buy enough extras, if the item does not spoil.

 

 

HAPPINESS AND SHOPPING

Many people shop just to feel good.  Shopping helps make you  happy.  However, to save money, you need to keep your emotions in check --  always remember to stick to your budget and your shopping list.

 

 

DON'T SHOP ON AN EMPTY STOMACH

Don't shop when you are hungry.  People tend to buy more,  and a larger amount of the things they don't need when they are hungry, so  always shop with a full stomach.  Also, prepare to dress more warmly, since  supermarkets are often cold, because the cold temperatures actually makes you  hungry so you buy more!

 

 

BUY THE DEALS - AVOID THE REST

One shopping technique is to shop more often, and focus your  shopping on the special deals given by the store.  Then go visit other  stores to buy their special promotions.  Many stores rely on the fact that  you will buy more than the specials, to make their money and maximize profits.   However, you must remain disciplined and don't be tricked into spending more  than you plan when entering the store.

 

 

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

- Try to buy generic, no name brands when possible. Especially  for staples such as flour, salt, etc.