Save on Groceries Without Coupons

In recent hard economic times, we are all trying to stretch our dollar as far as possible. Learning new ways to cut costs can mean the difference between making it from one paycheck to another; or running out of money and not knowing where to turn.

Think of unconvential ways to begin saving money at the grocery store. While coupons may be of use to some as a means of saving money on groceries, they are often hard to come by or are for higher priced items that you were really not looking to purchase in the first place.

Remember, lowest price does not always mean it is a better bargain. Try buying in bulk. Look at the net weight of an item and compare prices. Often, buying a bigger size will save you money in the long run. You will run out of the item less often and spend less money in gas going back and forth to the grocery store.

Buy generic. Generic or store brands, have to pass the same quality standards as other food items and are most often similar in value and taste. When you are buying brand name items, you are paying for fancy packaging, not improved value. Buy generic or store-brand items and put the extra money back in your pocket.

You may also save some money by not buying all your items at one place. With the advent of superstores such as Wal-Mart, people often buy everything on their list at one location. While this is convenient, you may be spending more by doing this. Do not discount your local dollar store for great deals on non-grocery items such as cleaners and health and beauty items. Dollar stores also have great deals on some grocery items as well.

Shop the specials and clearance items. Stores publish weekly fliers showing specials for the week. You can often find great deals in these local grocery store fliers. Be aware that some items do have special conditions, such as "limit 5 per customer." Clearance items are items with a slight dent in a can or a bent box, or possibly repackaged items. Unless the product is obviously damaged, you can save a lot of money buying these clearance items. This is money you can put in the bank or use to fill up your gas tank. We all could use a little more gas money!