Tuesday, November 18, 2008

12 Tips to Save More at the Store!


There are a few things that I do to help cut back just a bit more on my shopping budget and I thought that I would share them with you this morning.   Maybe you could add to my list and give me some new things to do to save!

* Check your shopping cart before you check-out.  Take out any impulse items.  Ask yourself if there is anything in the cart you don't really need or could get for less somewhere else.

* Shop with a list.  Stick to it - unless you find free stuff!

* Take a week off from "sales shopping" every now and then.  You can either just save your grocery $ or sometimes I use those weeks to make a quick trip to Aldi and replenish staple items that rarely go on sale or that never have coupons.  Taking a week off  is also a good thing to do if you overspent the week before.

*Use less.  I just use a little less than the recommended amounts for laundry detergent and fabric softener.   I also use 1/2 lb to 3/4 lb of ground meat in recipes instead of 1 lb.  

*Take a calculator and pad of paper and add your spending as you shop.  This could be a great job for an older child to do for you.  Knowing what you are spending will curb impulse items.

*Use cash.  Leave your cards at home and you will have to stick to your budget!

* Have quick suppers in your freezer.  This will help you avoid eating out because you are too tired to cook.  Pre-cooked pizza crust,  soups and chili freeze well and cook up faster than you can hit the drive-thru.

*Shop alone.  Sometimes this is not possible, but it sure is easier to think when you don't have a cart full of little ones begging for the Cap'n Crunch!


At the Check-out...

* I like to use the self check -out.  That way I can check the price on each item as it scans into the register.

* Check as the coupons are subtracted.  Make sure double coupons actually double.

* Check the receipt before you leave the store.  It's hard to come back for a $3 mistake.  Fix it then!

* Politely but firmly ask for errors to be corrected.

If you have a tip to add to the list post it in the comments section!


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Another way I save money is check on the size or the amount of servings on the item with the coupons vs. the item without coupons but could buy cheap at say Aldi's. It's not really cheaper if you have to buy more to equal the same size at Aldi's. Sometimes, you can get something for next to nothing with coupons, and other times it isn't cheaper at all.
Love your site! Thanks for all the tips!
~Ann