How to Save Money on Groceries

The economy is tough, and it's clearly the time to be frugal. One of the places you probably spend a great deal of money is the grocery store.

As you are not going to entirely cut out supermarket spend from your budget, it's wise to employ tactics to decrease it. Below are a few easy tips on how to save money on groceries.

Do some price comparisons at a couple of grocery stores.

It's smart to create a list of the items you always buy: toothpaste, laundry detergent, milk, eggs and toilet paper. Then go to two grocery stores, and record the prices of these items at each store. Immediately, you know where to buy certain items at a lower price. You will likely need to shop at one store for some things, and another store for different things.

Make a list before you go.

One of the reasons your grocery bill gets so high is that you may grab whatever looks good. That's called impulse buying, and it can get you in trouble fast.

To avoid overspending, make a grocery list, just like your mother used to do. Go through your cupboards and determine what it is you need. Then go shop for it.

Review weekly circulars.

Major grocers publish weekly circulars. They also post these online on their websites. The circulars advertise specials for any given week. The specials tend to cover a wide variety of items, including fresh produce, meats, household products, frozen meals and condiments.

Find out when a store publishes its weekly specials, and do not shop before reviewing. Some stores offer buy one, get one free promotions. Check to see if you can get the discount on only one item, which would mean that you would only pay half price for it.

Be careful when looking at specials for two reasons. First, you do not want to buy things you would not normally buy just because they are on sale. Second, be aware that just because an item is on sale it one store does not mean that you cannot find this item at a lower price elsewhere. Refer to your price inventory to help you make good decision.

Clip coupons, and use them when items are at a low price.

There are a lot of coupons available in your Sunday newspaper. You can save with coupons, especially if stores double or triple them. First, clip coupons for items you would normally buy.

Then try to use the coupons when those items are on sale at a store, or purchase them at a store that offers the lowest price. That way, you are getting the best deal possible when purchasing that item.

Consider buying the store brand.

Some things are fine when generic. Other things are not so good. You may need to run some trial and error tests to determine which store brands work for you. A lower price is great, but only if the quality is sufficient.

Shop one day a week.

The more planning you do, the more likely you will lower your grocery bills. It's wise to shop only one day a week. Select that day, and plan for it. Again, this will lower the odds that you buy things you really do not need.

D o not shop when hungry.

Shopping when you are hungry is not smart! You will want to grab everything in sight. So, be sure to shop on a full, or at least satisfied, stomach.