How to Spend Less on Groceries and Clothes

No matter how much of it we have, we always want (and need) more. When it comes to spending money, perhaps the paycheck could be stretched a little further. This article will share some tips on how to save money on groceries and even cuts costs on clothing.

How to Save Money on Groceries
Did you know that saving money on groceries starts at home?

Eat before you shop: You spend 17% more when you shop while hungry!

Make a list: Control impulse buying by sticking to your list

Plan meals: If you plan ahead for weekly meals and incorporate a left-over night your list-making will be easier! Also, if you plan meals, you are less likely to buy prepared, convenient foods, which add up

Go Meatless: Not saying to become a vegetarian, but plan a few meals per week without meat. Meat is getting pricey. Try dishes like tuna casserole, pasta with cheese sauce, rice dishes, bean burritos and others.

Check inventory: Don't put things on your shopping list that you already have at home.

Check sale ads: While making your list, check the sales ads and for coupons

Use Coupons Wisely: Don't use a coupon just to use it! If you buy something to save .30, but don't really need it, you didn't really save! This reported once was shopping and grabbed a box of cereal. When she went to grab a second box, she told her fiance, "We save a dollar if we get two." He responded, "We'll save $6.00 if we don't get either!"

Store Brands: Save money by buying quality store brand products instead of name brand items. DID YOU KNOW that many store brand products are made by the same companies? It's true!

Farmer's Markets: You can get produce much cheaper from roadside stands and at farmer's markets. Plus, it's fresh and locally grown!

DON'T BUY IN BULK unless you really need to. On average, most people throw away 50% of the food they buy, whether too much is cooked and leftovers are tossed or things go bad or get freeze burn before they are used. If you spend $400 a month on groceries, you probably throw away $200 per month! WOW!

---

How to Save Money on Clothing
We need to wear clothes, yes. But spending a fortune on clothing is something we don't have to do. Here are some tips on how to save money and how to get the most value for your wardrobe.

Avoid the Mall! Trendy mall stores are overpriced. Try discount stores, outlets, online retailers (SmartBargains.com and Overstock.com are good), consignment shops and if you must do the mall, stick to the bigger department store sale rack over those smaller fashion botiques and chain retailers.

Go for Natural Fibers: Items made of cotton are likely to be cheaper, plus they will last longer. Also, they are easier to care for. Plus, items of cotton and linen are always in style.

Pay Attention to Labels: If it says "Dry Clean Only" chances are this item will cost you A LOT in the long run.

Try it On: This is important for two reasons. If you do not try it on, and you get home only to find it doesn't fit-how likely are you to REALLY exchange it? Also, if you find something that fits you right, you won't have to spend money later to get it hemmed or altered.

Coordinate Clothes: A piece of great advice is to pick a color palette for yourself. Then, choose separates that can be mixed and matched. So, a new shirt that you buy can already go with several pairs of pants. Fill your wardrobe with blacks, whites, tans and a few select colors. If you buy too many wild patterns, you will find that you wear those items less.

BEWARE OF SALES!
Those "Buy One, Get One 50% Off" sales are really just a way to get you to save 25% on two items. You aren't getting a great deal on a lot of sales. So, don't buy something extra to save some money because you are really spending more than you planned!

Follow one or more of the tips above and find some extra green at the end of the month!