How to Lower Your Grocery Bills Today

Are you tired of high grocery bills? Would you like to lower your grocery bills? Even with grocery prices on the rise there are still some ways that you can lower your grocery expenses. But why have grocery bills gone up? With the rise in oil prices, shipping groceries across the country has become increasingly expensive. In an effort to maintain profits, some of the major food companies are beginning to get sneaky. Instead of raising the prices of their products (something consumers would undoubtedly notice), they have decided to shrink the package instead. Your favorite box of pasta might be 8 or 9 oz instead of 10 and for the same price. Some companies have even decided to use it as a marketing ploy claiming that they are simply " giving you smarter portion sizes". As if the food companies really care about the rising obesity epidemic in this country. So while their profits continue to rise in this sluggish economy, so will your grocery bills. But how can you lower your grocery bills? Here are a few helpful tips to help you combat the high food prices and lower your grocery bills today.

Lower your Grocery Bills Tip #1: Join a Wholesale Club

If you haven't already been to Sam's or Costco you should check it out. A smart shopper can find great deals on meats, frozen foods and snack items. JUST BE WARNED. Be sure you actually need a gallon of Mayo before buying it. Some items might seem like a great buy at first, but if you won't eat them, you waste money in the long run.

Lower your Grocery Bills Tip #2: Forget the Coupons

I know that this seems contrary to what you would think, but most coupons these days require that you buy 2-3 of their products to save the 50cents. If you don't need those products, it is a waste of money. You may also find that those products are actually more expensive than the brands your store already has on sale. When you factor in the time it takes to scour papers for coupons, the amount saved is usually negative.

Lower your Grocery Bills Tip #3: Make a Grocery List

Simple I know, but it actually does work. When you make out a list, AND STICK TO IT, you really eliminate the impulse buys. You probably don't need the marshmallow-coated graham crackers if you really think about it! If you try to base your weekly meals around meat that is already on sale or vegetables that are in season, you will lower your grocery bills and your savings will be substantial. Making a grocery list also enables you to take inventory of what you already have in your pantry before you go shopping and allows you to only buy the items you need. Buying what you need instead of what you "think" you need is the easiest way to lower your grocery bills.

Lower your Grocery Bills Tip #4: Never go shopping on an empty stomach

It has been proven over and over again. When you are hungry, you tend to buy more. The same is true for when you are thirsty. I once bought 4 bottles of juice, 3 bottles of soda, bottled water, milk (both white and chocolate) and lemonade mix when I was just thirsty. If I had a glass of water before I left the house, I would've probably only bought half of that. Try to eat and drink prior to grocery shopping.

Lower your Grocery Bills Tip #5: Buy Generic

Most generic items are as good as the more recognized name brand and can be half of the price. Chances are you won't notice that you are using generic pasta if your pasta sauce is exceptional. Who cares if your hamburger buns are generic if your hamburger is out of this world!! More often than not, we buy name brands because we grew up with them and our mothers bought them. If you haven't tried generic products, now just might be the time.

Lowering your grocery bills might seem like an uphill battle, but simple changes can make the biggest difference. You don't have to sacrifice quality or eat Ramen Noodles every night. Try these simple tips for lowering your grocery bills next month and you just might find that it's easier than you thought.