Saving More on Your Grocery Bill

With the economy the way it is, everyone is looking to cut back and put more change into their pockets. In looking over my last few trips to the grocery store, and big chain stores, it appears what takes a chunk out of our pocket money is paper goods. The things we need in our kitchen to help make life easier, like plastic wrap, foil, paper towels. I even tried the wholesale stores, but only ended up walking out with $100.00 more in items I did not need at the moment. While these stores may be great for larger families, for two people it does not work well, at least for our situation.

I found several websites that you can print your own coupons from, which has everything from food to paper items. I choose which coupons I want and print them. They are accepted everywhere I shop. Gas prices are making it harder now to shop at various places to save more money, so we plan out which stores are near one another and get all our supplies in one trip. I am fortunate to the point that my spouse works at a discount store where they sell everything except meat, so the majority of shopping gets done there.

At this store they have a clearance rack which damaged items go up for sale 50% off. Today we found 4 rolls of plastic wrap which the cartons were stuck together because they got wet. This wrap was 100 sq ft ( a name brand) sold for $1.25 each, attached was a .25 cent off coupon, besides the 50% off. I was able to purchase each roll for .50 cents. I bought all four that were stuck together getting 400 sq ft for $2.00. Also on the same rack was a opened box of garbage bags, which people open to feel the thickness and put back on shelf. None were missing out of it the box regularly sells for $3.50 for 30 tall kitchen bags, again I purchased for $1.75. Now I am stocked up with wrap for a few months , and a month for garbage bags. Foil is also available at times if one end is crushed, if you gently work the foil it will peel off with no trouble. Before I bought foil for $1.00 which normally sold for $2.00. Rarely will I find paper towel or toilet paper, but with the coupons and double coupons at grocery store you can get a great deal on that as well. Items on this clearance rack also have been diapers which we know can be costly. Open packages, damaged by consumers curiosity saves me money, even though it costs the store.

As for other grocery items, like cereal and canned vegetables, we purchase these at my spouses work as well. All generic but the taste is the same. As for Fresh vegetables and fruit, I stay away from grocery stores, I found one chain near where I live sells vegetables and fruit at a huge discount compared to retail grocers. For two people for less then $10.00 we can purchase potatoes, carrots, onions, sweet potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, oranges, apples etc. Here your local farmers market would be a great place to shop also, but they are only available in summer time when you live in northern states. Also the local Gardner who set up a stand on side of road is not a bad idea for vegetables.

The main problem I have is having to stick to a specific item for allergy reasons. Example Laundry soap. I used a different soap when I ran out and my spouse ended up in the Emergency Room needing a benadryl drip. A box of the laundry soap we use costs $6.50 at my spouses work. I do allot of laundry considering we don't have ample supply of towels or work clothes for him. I took the time to write the company about allergies and that I can only use their product. A week later I received in the mail a letter apologizing along with a $5.00 coupon off my next box. Also had generous coupons sent to me by other companies who understood allergy or medical reason needed to use certain products, some coupons included " good for a free box". Taking time to write companies may not be a bad idea, it worked for me. Even the pet food company sent me coupons for $2.00 off and free item coupons.

All and all , if you strategically plan out and shop at discount dollar stores, and take the time to write companies, you may very well be surprised at the overwhelming response in help they offer with coupons for not only dollar off but free items as well. Surf the Internet and if you do not have the Internet, it is free to use at public libraries. Good luck with future shopping, may it put more back into your pocket then out.