Food Prices Soaring: How to Saving Money at the Checkout

Many of us are feeling it in our wallets when we go to the grocery store. It is not easy forking out your last $20 and coming home with just a bag or two from the grocery store. According to the Associated Press, food prices are rising at the fastest rate in 17 years.

There are some simple easy ways to save a little at the check out and bring home a little more:

Check the current circulars. Checking the grocery store ads allows you to see what is on sale and you can compare that to the things you need. You may find that you need to go to more than one store. I recommend this if you are in close proximity to the stores. Be sure to make a complete list of items you need and what store you will find them at. By doing this, you will be more organized, and can get in and out quickly. If the store is out of an item you were going to buy on sale, be sure to ask for a rain check. With the rain check, you are guaranteed the sale price when the item is available again.

Do not forget your coupons! Presenting coupons at the check out could save you quit a bit. Often, grocery stores double manufacture coupons up to fifty cents. However, you may find that your grocery store will double up to ninety-nine cents, on rare occasions you may get lucky and get the coupons tripled!

Take your grocery store card with you. Most stores also have cards that you need to have to get the sale prices. I recommend being prepared and presenting the card to receive the discounts. The sale prices will not be given without the card. If you forget your card, the store may be able to look up the information for you, but not all will do that.

Shop the discounted section. You may find items that you need that have been marked down simply because they are no longer going to carry them, the box is a little crushed, or the item is close to the sale by date. This is great when you looking at meats that you are planning on making that day, or maybe freezing. You can also use coupons for the items that are discounted which will be an extra savings.

Most importantly, do not go to the grocery store hungry. If you are hungry you will find yourself putting stuff in your cart that is not on your list. My suggestion is to eat before you leave or prepare a snack to have before you go into the grocery store. Something as simple as a granola bar can help curb your appetite.

Rarely, I get to go to the store by myself. I give my children simple jobs like help me find the stuff on my list, and hold the coupons for the items we find. This keeps their little hands busy and their minds focused on the task at had.

I check my circulars, make a list, get my coupons, make sure I have my card, and grab a snack for my trip. By implementing some simple ideas could save you money at the check out. Give it a try and see how much you can save.