Shop Smaller Retail Stores and Save

Want to save money on basic groceries and items your family needs? Then walk away from the big box stores and giant retailers like Wal-Mart and visit the smaller retailers near you. If you do, you'll save money and enjoy the shopping experience more.

Although the Wal-Mart chain offers what are supposed to be discount groceries in their huge Wal-Mart Super Centers and Neighborhood Markets, they are not always the cheapest when it comes to feeding your family. Opt for a store that offers low prices and less frills. Some of the most popular national chains are Save-A-Lot, Aldi's, and ALPS. These stores are simple and although they do offer same national brands as specials, most of the brands are not ones most Americans know. But buying these products won't compromise on quality because insiders know that most of them are made by major American manufacturers. Cake mix may be made by Duncan Hines but consumers pay a much cheaper price. Same goes for ketchup, mustard, and many other products throughout these stores.

At most of the budget grocery stores, customers will bag their own groceries. This is just one of the many ways that the stores save on overhead because they don't have to pay carry out employees or sackers.

They also save because they don't have the big national advertising bills to pay and many don't even advertise locally. If they do, it's a small, inexpensive flyer.

None of these stores are fancy. They don't have a fresh deli or an in-store bakery or a floral department or a gourmet section. But most Americans don't need those things and the lack of them saves the company money so they can pass more savings along to you.

For those who don't believe, shop at a large chain supermarket then go buy the identical items at a budget supermarket. Most will be surprised, even shocked because they will buy the same amount of food, the same quality of food, for half as much or even less.

Most Save-A-Lot stores currently offer many ideas for a complete family meal for $5 or less as well as meat specials, five specially marked packages of meat for just $19.99. At about $4 a package, it's cheap eats and selections vary but often include round steak, pork chops, chicken, and more.

When it's time to buy toothpaste, shampoo, paper towels, laundry soap and other necessities of life, again, don't think big (as in big box stores), think small.

A number of small but growing discount stores have gained a firm toehold in the market and gain a lot of K-Mart and Wal-Mart customers. Family Dollar, Dollar General Stores, and Dollar Tree are just a few of these small discount chains that offer big savings. Compare prices and see. Most will also offer their own brands as well as the name brands that are familiar.

If consumers make their lists, shop small first, they will save.