Grocery Tips from Mom
My mom compiled a list of things she does to savemoney whengrocery shopping. I'm going to share this list with you. :-)
GROCERY SAVINGS
(food items only)
1) LEARN YOUR PRICES. This is something I believe can and will say you a great deal, however, I am in the process of learning this skill.
Since it's almost impossible to remember the prices for each and every items you buy - especially if it is an item that you don't buy that often - for example...let's say laundry soap.
And since I am in the process of learning this myself I am going to try to come up with an easy way to do this...I think it may be easier to should start with the items you shop for on a weekly basis and even monthly as you purchase them. When you get a sale flyer look for the items you regularly purchase - compare the "sale" price on the flyer to the price in your price book. Also here's an idea: if you go into that store check during the sale days, check the regular price for the sale item(s). You can skip this process if you have already purchased the item(s) and made note of the regular price. Keep doing this until you have the prices for all the things you buy. Also, since places like Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Family Dollar and the Dollar Tree do not really send out weekly flyers...check their prices while you are in the store/area.
2) DON'T BE STORE LOYAL. Shop and compare. The dollar stores such as those mentioned above along with Big Lots also carry canned goods, condiments, dry goods and snacks. But again and see #1...KNOW YOUR PRICES! Just because it seems like a good deal doesn't mean it is...always check expiration dates and the unit size.
3) ONLY USE COUPONS ON ITEMS YOU WOULD NORMALLY BUY. For examply: If you normally buy a store brand or a no name cereal buy you get a coupon for X amount off the regular price of a name brand cereal you only save if the price after coupon beats the regular store brand/no name price.
4) MEAL PLANNING. I have tried this and it really was very helpful when I followed through. I think it works best when you see what is on sale that week...work with what is in your "storehouse" (pantry/freezer/fridge). Once you have a list of already purchased food items and a list of on sale food items - then pair them up. Make a list of what you need to purchase that is both on sale and not on sale.
5) LEFTOVERS. I am learing to freeze leftovers and using them for nights where time is tight. This saves time and money especially when you have to get dressed and run into town to the local greasy food joint. It is helpful to pull the items from the freezer in the morning so you don't have to waste time thawing them.
6) COOK FROM SCRATCH. This saves money. It is also healthier than buying processed food items. Oh and the taste is far superior to process foods as well. Sure it may take time, especially to learn the skill...but be sure it truly is a skill worth learning.
7) GARDEN AND PRESERVE. Okay I don't really do this one. But even if you don't or can't for whatever reason. Make sure to become friends with people who just happen to grow fruits and vegetables. They will be more than happy to give you their surplus especially when you volunteer to help weed and/or harvest. Just make sure not to take advantage of those generous "gardeners".
8) MAKE YOUR OWN GROCERIES. Yes, it is possible to make you own marshmallows, croutons, bacon bits, bread crumbs, icy pops, milk shakes, hamburger helper, shake and bake, chicken broth and even pasta...just to name a few!
9) DON'T WASTE. Before those bananas attracts those little flying insects...make banana smoothies, banana cake/bread. That was just an example...but tomatoes can be frozen and although you can't use them to make a BLT, you can toss them into a soup/stew. Use a rubber spatula to scrape out the last bit of mayonnaise. Be creative and you'll save!
10) DON'T GO GROCERY SHOPPING WHILE HUNGRY. This seems simple/silly but when you are hungry even things you don't normally like to eat suddenly look delicious! Also don't food shop while sad/lonely/depressed...you'll end up with nothing but over-processed junk food.
11) DON'T WASTE GAS. What does gas have to do with food? Alot if you are driving miles out of the way just to save a few cents!
12) LIMIT SOFT DRINKS. Instead save money keeping cold water, tea, juice, milk, and kool-aid on hand to quench that thirst. Also try to limit the amount of milk and juice you drink...it is good for you but only in moderation.
13) STOCK UP AND SAVE. Save money on meats by stocking up while on sale. when it isn't on sale...well...frankly...it is just tooooo expensive! Also most times whole meats beat the price of cut up. What I mean is...a whole boneless pork loin on sale will beat the price of pork chops. Also when buying the whole ask the butcher to cut it for you most will for no extra charge.
14) DON'T BE A PICKY EATER. Don't teach your children to be picky eaters. Don't force food on them but likely they will follow your lead. If you're picky chances are they will be also.
15) DON'T BE AFRAID TO SUBSTITUTE.
16) MIX YOUR OWN MILK. Especially when baking. It also works well in mashed potatoes. But make sure you are actually saving.
17) BUY CONCENTRATED AND MIX WITH WATER. For example: concentrated juices.
18) DON'T BE AFRAID TO EAT/USE STOREBRANDS. And even generics.
19) BUYING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN SEASON. This will save you along with locally grown.
20) LIMIT MINDLESS EATING.
21) When you are traveling or know that you'll be away from home when your family will want to eat. Pack a cooler with either premade sandwiches or take along quick fix "fast" food like bread, condiments, chips, sliced ham, peanut butter, pretzels, tortillas less messy than loaf bread.
22)Keep bottled water in the freezer. When you leave home grab and bottle and go! As it melts you will have something healthy - cold - and refreshing. If you wash and refill the bottle - you'll save even more.
23) For special occasions, such as birthdays, make your own cakes and other party foods. Also limit big birthday parties...however, do make a big deal by preparing a special meal and use festive dinnerware and decorations.
24) Block cheese is normally cheaper per pound than shredded/sliced. It doesn't take that long to do it yourself. Also if you know it will go bad before you use it all, flash freeze on a cookie sheet and put it all in a freezer container/baggie. When you need some take out what you need and put the rest back into the freezer.
25) Oh and by the way...by a whole boneless ham. Slice and use as you would deli-sliced ham...or cube it for casseroles/salads.
26) Grow herbs and learn to harvest and preserve them.
GROCERY SAVINGS
(food items only)
1) LEARN YOUR PRICES. This is something I believe can and will say you a great deal, however, I am in the process of learning this skill.
Since it's almost impossible to remember the prices for each and every items you buy - especially if it is an item that you don't buy that often - for example...let's say laundry soap.
And since I am in the process of learning this myself I am going to try to come up with an easy way to do this...I think it may be easier to should start with the items you shop for on a weekly basis and even monthly as you purchase them. When you get a sale flyer look for the items you regularly purchase - compare the "sale" price on the flyer to the price in your price book. Also here's an idea: if you go into that store check during the sale days, check the regular price for the sale item(s). You can skip this process if you have already purchased the item(s) and made note of the regular price. Keep doing this until you have the prices for all the things you buy. Also, since places like Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Family Dollar and the Dollar Tree do not really send out weekly flyers...check their prices while you are in the store/area.
2) DON'T BE STORE LOYAL. Shop and compare. The dollar stores such as those mentioned above along with Big Lots also carry canned goods, condiments, dry goods and snacks. But again and see #1...KNOW YOUR PRICES! Just because it seems like a good deal doesn't mean it is...always check expiration dates and the unit size.
3) ONLY USE COUPONS ON ITEMS YOU WOULD NORMALLY BUY. For examply: If you normally buy a store brand or a no name cereal buy you get a coupon for X amount off the regular price of a name brand cereal you only save if the price after coupon beats the regular store brand/no name price.
4) MEAL PLANNING. I have tried this and it really was very helpful when I followed through. I think it works best when you see what is on sale that week...work with what is in your "storehouse" (pantry/freezer/fridge). Once you have a list of already purchased food items and a list of on sale food items - then pair them up. Make a list of what you need to purchase that is both on sale and not on sale.
5) LEFTOVERS. I am learing to freeze leftovers and using them for nights where time is tight. This saves time and money especially when you have to get dressed and run into town to the local greasy food joint. It is helpful to pull the items from the freezer in the morning so you don't have to waste time thawing them.
6) COOK FROM SCRATCH. This saves money. It is also healthier than buying processed food items. Oh and the taste is far superior to process foods as well. Sure it may take time, especially to learn the skill...but be sure it truly is a skill worth learning.
7) GARDEN AND PRESERVE. Okay I don't really do this one. But even if you don't or can't for whatever reason. Make sure to become friends with people who just happen to grow fruits and vegetables. They will be more than happy to give you their surplus especially when you volunteer to help weed and/or harvest. Just make sure not to take advantage of those generous "gardeners".
8) MAKE YOUR OWN GROCERIES. Yes, it is possible to make you own marshmallows, croutons, bacon bits, bread crumbs, icy pops, milk shakes, hamburger helper, shake and bake, chicken broth and even pasta...just to name a few!
9) DON'T WASTE. Before those bananas attracts those little flying insects...make banana smoothies, banana cake/bread. That was just an example...but tomatoes can be frozen and although you can't use them to make a BLT, you can toss them into a soup/stew. Use a rubber spatula to scrape out the last bit of mayonnaise. Be creative and you'll save!
10) DON'T GO GROCERY SHOPPING WHILE HUNGRY. This seems simple/silly but when you are hungry even things you don't normally like to eat suddenly look delicious! Also don't food shop while sad/lonely/depressed...you'll end up with nothing but over-processed junk food.
11) DON'T WASTE GAS. What does gas have to do with food? Alot if you are driving miles out of the way just to save a few cents!
12) LIMIT SOFT DRINKS. Instead save money keeping cold water, tea, juice, milk, and kool-aid on hand to quench that thirst. Also try to limit the amount of milk and juice you drink...it is good for you but only in moderation.
13) STOCK UP AND SAVE. Save money on meats by stocking up while on sale. when it isn't on sale...well...frankly...it is just tooooo expensive! Also most times whole meats beat the price of cut up. What I mean is...a whole boneless pork loin on sale will beat the price of pork chops. Also when buying the whole ask the butcher to cut it for you most will for no extra charge.
14) DON'T BE A PICKY EATER. Don't teach your children to be picky eaters. Don't force food on them but likely they will follow your lead. If you're picky chances are they will be also.
15) DON'T BE AFRAID TO SUBSTITUTE.
16) MIX YOUR OWN MILK. Especially when baking. It also works well in mashed potatoes. But make sure you are actually saving.
17) BUY CONCENTRATED AND MIX WITH WATER. For example: concentrated juices.
18) DON'T BE AFRAID TO EAT/USE STOREBRANDS. And even generics.
19) BUYING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN SEASON. This will save you along with locally grown.
20) LIMIT MINDLESS EATING.
21) When you are traveling or know that you'll be away from home when your family will want to eat. Pack a cooler with either premade sandwiches or take along quick fix "fast" food like bread, condiments, chips, sliced ham, peanut butter, pretzels, tortillas less messy than loaf bread.
22)Keep bottled water in the freezer. When you leave home grab and bottle and go! As it melts you will have something healthy - cold - and refreshing. If you wash and refill the bottle - you'll save even more.
23) For special occasions, such as birthdays, make your own cakes and other party foods. Also limit big birthday parties...however, do make a big deal by preparing a special meal and use festive dinnerware and decorations.
24) Block cheese is normally cheaper per pound than shredded/sliced. It doesn't take that long to do it yourself. Also if you know it will go bad before you use it all, flash freeze on a cookie sheet and put it all in a freezer container/baggie. When you need some take out what you need and put the rest back into the freezer.
25) Oh and by the way...by a whole boneless ham. Slice and use as you would deli-sliced ham...or cube it for casseroles/salads.
26) Grow herbs and learn to harvest and preserve them.
Keep up the good work » » »
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1:25 PM