Frugal Fridays

Let’s face it, times are getting tough all over the country and fuel prices are climbing all over the globe.  That also translates to higher prices on some supermarket items and as we all know, higher prices on foodstuffs can lead to a tightening of the belt.

Today I bring you thirteen ways that you can save money at the grocery store.  Use the savings as you see fit.  Put them in your fuel tank, buy a nice latte on the way home or heck, just save them up for the next shopping trip.  It’s up to you.  My job is just to find ways to help you save a buck or two. (Or ten, or twenty or…  Well, you get the point.)

Thirteen Ways to Save Money on Your Grocery Shopping

1. Never Shop Hungry: This may seem like a common sense thing to say, but doing so could save you up to 41% on your grocery bill because it helps curb impulse buying of the “Man that looks Good!” variety.
2. Shop Local: Hit your local farmer’s market this weekend.  There’s generally a significant savings in cost on locally available ingredients simply because they haven’t had to be shipped and handled.  Of course the other benefit is that you and your family get the freshest food available to you, and you can’t beat that for health consciousness.
3. Make a List and Stick to It: Just planning ahead for the week can save up to 19% on your weekly grocery bill because you already know what you need and you’ll be less tempted to buy what you don’t.
4. Look Up: As a rule, the highest markup items in your market will be at chest level.  Try looking higher and lower on the shelves to spot better buys.
5. Log On, Save More: Log on to your market’s website to get weekly coupons.  Some markets offer Internet only coupons as well. take advantage of coupons on items you normally buy and save a few dollars.
6. Then do a quick Google for: Online coupon codes sites.  These sites offer discount coupons and coupon codes for most national brands and chains.  You’ll save money, even if the site des require a small fee for membership.
7. Buy Fresh, not Processed: Processed foods are not only usually not as healthy as their fresh counterparts, but they’re also more expensive.  Save money by simply making a bit of extra food and freezing it for those busy nights, rather than turning to a boxed product. (There are exceptions to this, of course.)
8. You Own a Cheese Grater, Right?: Pre-shredded cheeses and vegetables will run you more money than block cheese or fresh veggies.  Buy whole and grate your own for instant savings.  As a plus, freshly grated cheese tastes better, too.
9. Shop Early: You’ll get through the store faster and you won’t get stuck in temptation aisle while you wait for that shopping basket traffic jam to abate.
10. Shop Weekly, Not Daily: Avoid the temptation of shopping every day for the evening meal.  It’s simple to run your food budget out of control this way.  Plan ahead, save money.
11. Always check your stores reduced meats, breads and perishables: They may not be as pretty, but they’re still just as good.  Use or freeze immediately and save up to 40%.
12. Don’t let that list stop you: Just because you have a list, don’t miss out on occasional great deals on items you use often.  If there’s a special, grab a few and freeze the items for later use.
13. More isn’t always better: Beware of buying perishable items in bulk if you’re not sure you can use all of it before it goes south.  If you do, you’re not really saving anything, you’re just throwing your money away.

There are a lot more tips out there, so stay tuned.  I’ll continue this series each thursday with more helpful hints on saving money!

Do you have any tips you would like to share?  if so, leave them in comments or shoot me an email, I’ll get them posted in a later installment.

Happy TT!

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