10 Ways to Save on Your Groceries
This is how I keep my grocery bill to a minimum. You can do it too if you use my strategy.
These are worthwhile tips that will save you money on your grocery bills.
If you are like me, you are willing to go the extra mile to save your hard earned money. I am going to tell you how I save money on groceries, and if you follow my example you will lower your grocery bills too. Some of my tips might be too extreme for your taste, but I am sure everybody can find ways to save, unless you are already as frugal as I am. My partner tells my friends that I squeeze every penny until it cries ouch and he is absolutely right. I will never spend two cents if I can get by with one.
- Cut coupons from the newspaper and magazines. Separate them into envelopes. One for eating out, one for groceries, one for skin care and cosmetics, and one for cleaning supplies.
Image via Wikipedia - Keep your coupons in your bag so you will always have them with you, just in case you run into any great bargains.
- Look at grocery ads for the stores in your area. Make a list of what each store has for sale that you need. You can buy extras of things that you use up quickly, or items that keep well for later use.
- If you have time you can make your grocery run in one day, or break it up in several trips.
Always keep your eyes open. Some things may have good prices that are not listed in the ads. - Try to go by yourself. Kids are a big distraction, and besides they want everything they see. If they must go, give them a short list, and let them choose one thing they can have.
Image via Wikipedia - Check out the store brands. Often they are cheaper than items you have coupons for. If so take advantage of the savings. Remember store brands are canned by the same companies that can the brand names. It is the same food.
- Look for items that are lower priced because the sell by date is near. These foods are still good, and are much cheaper.
- Look at the dollar stores and Dollar Tree for cleaning supplies. I use them all the time and they clean the same as the more expensive ones. Also look at the food. They have mustard, pickles, jellies, crackers, soaps, shampoos, cake mixes, brooms, mops, and other items cheaper than grocery stores. You will save big bucks.
- Be aware that larger packages are not always the most economical. Check the weight and compare prices. I use these strategies every day with all my purchases.
Image via Wikipedia - If you have an Aldi’s near you check it out. I have found they have the lowest prices for most basics. At this time they have one gallon of milk for $1.99, 5 lbs. of self rising flour for $1.89, 16 oz. olive for $3.89. 1 doz. eggs for $1.09. You can cut down on your grocery bill. Happy penny pinching.
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Published in: Personal Finance
xoxo | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Some helpful tips. Right on “larger packages are not always the most economical”. I was once a victim when I was buying diapers in packs by 24’s. Thought I was saving money but when I calculated it against packs by 4’s it was more expensive! Very disappointing.
amilia snow | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
cool~ I do that too
But sometimes due to convenience, we choose to go to the nearer shops which tend to be a little more expensive 
OhSugar | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Wow! Ruby, I enjoy coming to your site. I am never disappointed. Thanks for more great information. Pictures are great.
Nicholas Kenney | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Very good advice Ruby! Jan and I are doing all of these, she likes Aldis and I like Sav-A-Lot. I actually prefer their foods over the name-brand stuff. I passed through I-75 last week coming from Florida headed to Ohio. I waved as I went through…
Daisy Peasblossom | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
I do most of these things already, but good advice anyway. I might add that sometimes it pays to plan a big shopping trip for staples, and balance it with little ones for fresh stuff. There is a local store within walking distance of my home, so salad greens usually come from there. I consider the slightly higher price to be paid in gas not used and calories burned.
Christine Ramsay | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
I do as many of these as I can. It is a matter of needs must these days. Thank you for the tips.
Christine
Juhls | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Great article, and wonderful reminders, as always! Always enjoy reading your hints, Ruby.
Another tip: Don’t just look at eye-level on the shelfs. Often, the most expensive things are at that level. Even one level up or down may often a similar product for less! Same goes for end of the aisle caps. Sometimes clearance items are there, some sometimes a store deal is offered there that is actually more money than some of the other items on the regular shelves.
Darla Cooke | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Great tips! I’ve learned not to take my kids along when I go grocery shopping. I always end up spending more when I do.
Betty Carew | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Great tips Ruby , I pay $8.79 for a small bottle of olive oil but then I live in Canada. Your prices seem like really good deals to me lol.
jo oliver | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Great tips Ruby! You thrifty are a thrifty gal
PR Mace | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Great tips, Ruby , you are a wise women. I use a lot of your tips but I am lucky we can shop at the commissary. It is much cheaper. We make a run out there every 2 weeks and try to get everything we need for that time peroid. Can’t wait for your next outstanding article.
Read you later, Pam
Kate Smedley | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Great advice, you are right about not taking the kids with you! Aldi has been a great find for me too.
Christian M Archer | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
You have a knack for writing very useful articles. I always enjoy your work!
Lex92 | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Great article! we all need to save right now…
Joe Dorish | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Great tips! Especially about leaving the kids at home, they want Everything.
NA Staffieri | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the tips, Ruby. Unfortunately, the closest Aldis is a hassle of a drive to get to. but a Dollar Deals is right around the corner. (One of my wife’s favorite stores!)
rutherfranc | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Aldi`s… for me it is still 99cents store.. great tips, Ruby!
QueenZee | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Great Advice, once again! Thanks a lot!
Athlyn Green | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Good tips. Yes, I buy cleaning supplies at the Dollar Store. For about $40.00 you can stock up on a year’s worth of soup, shampoo, conditioner, dishsoap, cleanser, etc.
Eunice Tan | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
This article is extremely helpful. Sometime for great discount I consider between stocking the grocery or just buy a little that I need. And I consider also discount offered by credit card.
Chris Stonecipher | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Ruby
Thanks for the money savings tips. At this time, I need to pinch as many pennies as possible.
Elizabeth Abbott | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Great tips. thank you. I like it. E
Unofre Pili | Mar 24, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the very nice tips maam. These are invaluable.
CutestPrincess | Mar 24, 2009 | Reply
very timely, thanks for this helpful tips, it’s a big help, i considered my self as a wise consumer!
Ruby Hawk | Mar 25, 2009 | Reply
Thanks to all you guys. Yes, I do pinch a penny until it squeals.
Nick, I like Sav-a-lot too but we don’t live near one. I stop by when we are in the area.
Athlyn, I don’t have room to stock up like you do but I live very near the Dollar Tree.
Pam, I envy you if you can buy cheaper than Aldi’s.
Daisy, I am within walking distance of Aldi’s, Kroger and the dollar Tree so I’m well fixed in that department. If I was a little ambitious I could walk to publix and Walmart.
C A Johnson | Mar 26, 2009 | Reply
These tips are great, Ruby. I wish there were an Aldi’s in my neighborhood. There’s ShopRite, Stop&Shop, and Pathmark.
Toni Sellaro | Mar 31, 2009 | Reply
I love tips like these. Thanks for sharing. I will always keep these tips in mind.
orlando javier | Apr 1, 2009 | Reply
thanks for the tips, ruby! such practical suggestions to achieve economy while doing your shopping or marketing always work wherever you are. i will always remember your coupons suggestion.