How to Save Money on Groceries

The first thing you'll need to do to save money on groceries is make a short list of items you purchase frequently. Think about the items you use weekly (bread, milk, pasta) or need to buy periodically (toilet paper, toothpaste, salt). Write all of these grocery items on your list. As you shop following your normal habits, take a moment to jot prices down next to each item. You don't need to stand in the grocery store with a pencil in your hand to do this - just consult your receipt when you get home. You'll want to use a pencil so you can erase and rewrite the amount as you discover new sources to save money on groceries. It may take between one and four shopping cycles before you have a complete list, and feel free to add or remove items as your needs or wants change.

Once you have your master list (which you should keep in your purse or wallet for handy reference), you'll be equipped with everything you'll need to save money on groceries. Most grocery stores print a weekly flyer and distribute it in newspapers, via weekly mailings, or online. Consult these flyers to see if any of the items on your master list are on sale and buy as much as you feel you can comfortably store and use at home. Some items have a long shelf life (toilet paper, toothbrushes) but you'll want to be careful not to overbuy perishables that will spoil before you can use them. No matter what the cost, you aren't saving money on groceries if you have to throw them away!

This is the basic method to save money on groceries. However, there are other places to shop which can save you even more money on your groceries.

How to Save Money on Groceries at the Butcher Shop

Your local butcher shop can be a wonderful place to find all kinds of cheap groceries - not just meat items. Most butchers also carry a selection of fresh vegetables, luncheon meats, cheeses, and other dairy products. If you aren't sure if you have a butcher near you, check the yellow pages. Even if you need to travel a few miles out of the way to a butcher shop, the amount of money you can save on groceries there can make it well worth the trouble.

How to Save Money on Groceries at Ethnic Markets

Ethnic Markets aren't limited to big cities these days, so keep your eyes open or ask around to see if there may be one in your area. Ethnic markets can be a fantastic source for grains (pasta and rice), seasonings, and spices. This can be an infrequent stop on your search to save money on groceries since most of the items purchased here will have a long shelf life.

How to Save Money on Groceries at Discount/Dollar Stores

This isn't the kind of store that comes immediately to mind when you are thinking about how to save money on groceries, but it is another place you should visit once in a while to find inexpensive personal items (toilet paper, soap), cleaning supplies, and cheap seasonings and spices.

How to Save Money on Groceries at Farmer's Markets/Farm Stands

This may be seasonal in your area or you may be fortunate enough to live in a region that has a year round growing season. Either way, that little farm stand on the side of the road can help you save money on groceries. You'll often find fresh-picked produce at a fraction of the cost of prices you'd pay in most grocery stores.

If you find these tips helpful, or have more tips of your own on how to save money on groceries, please speak up in the comments section of this article!