Tricks That Every Shopper Must Know: In Four Years, After Four Children, I Have Only Had to Add Five Cents to My Grocery Bill

With each new addition to the family comes a new set of adjustments, and when my husband and I had our fourth child - nearly four years ago now - we had to make changes wherever we could find them in order to save money. The first place to change was our grocery list. We had to expand it. And I remember the state of angst I immediately fell into when I had to change the tight weekly shopping budget from $80.00 a week to $150.00. But it's now four years later, and I have not had to add more than five cents to that budget. With three out of those four children being healthy, growing boys, the job has not been easy, but I have learned that simple art of adjustment by using just 8 simple rules:

First, remember that the rules are generally unbreakable. Otherwise, you will fail like a bad diet, and you'll hate the way you are tossing your money away. This is especially true when gas prices promise to climb this summer. But don't fear. I will share some tips for splurging within the budget that won't leave your family begging for a Big Mac, because you've made the cupboards bare with $avings. Promise.

1) Shop the Aisles: If you have ever researched grocery store money saving tips before, you've heard this one. But the rule here is for a very good reason - Grocery stores always put the sale items where it will be easiest to spot them. If you begin getting your cereal without having to step into the aisle, you are going to save time along with money. Some estimates claim that you can save up to 40% on average by simply shopping the aisles.

2) Shop on Tuesday Mornings: Some shopping schedules cannot be changed for work or childcare reasons, but if yours can be changed at all, know this: Every grocery store in America has a day when they receive their items fresh, stock them, and when most people are still in bed and not clamoring for what's left. That day is always Tuesday. Trust me. This is the day you want to take your naughty potty trainer out in public. Very few people are making their produce rounds on this day. Besides, you will find that sale items will be more prominent and plentiful and the absolute Deepest on this day, because shoppers are usually anywhere but at the grocery store on Tuesday mornings. Many grocery stores also give seniors a fair discount on these days as well. If you cannot make a Tuesday date with the green grocer, then Sunday is your next best day.

3) Use Those Club Cards: If your grocery store offers club memberships with discounts, take it! And shop their brand when they suggest that you do. Stores in Pennsylvania, like Acme (Alberston's on the West Coast) and Giant have frequent Buy One Get One Free days. Go ahead and do it. But only if it is an item your family will eat. If they won't eat it, it's a waste of your money.

4) Discount Grocery Outlets Are the Best: If you can locate and ALDI near you, GET THERE! You will have to buy your own bags (at 10 cents a plastic bag, 5 cents a paper one), and you will have to bag the groceries yourself, too, but you will spend the absolute LOWEST state price for every item. No grocery store will save you more money that ALDI, and their store brand items are top-notch, high quality. Often times, when I have prepared a meal with ALDI items, a guest will ask me what gourmet grocery or farmer's market I have purchased my items from. They are shocked when I tell them where I got them. If you're a snob, shop in secret and save a ton of money doing it. The Tuesday rule applies for ALDI, and other discount grocers, as well. You are smart if you do all these tips, but you are hands-down brilliant if you shop at ALDI. Visit their website for a location near you. Click Here You can also check out Food For Less, Save-A-Lot, or if all else fails in your search, Print out coupons at Cool Savings. Again, only clip for the items your family will eat. To buy that great item on sale that no one wants, is a really stupid idea.

5) Bring Only Cash: This is very important. Having your debit card or credit card, or even a paper check if you still use them, handy will allow you the freedom to spend, spend, spend. Bringing a set amount of money with you each time you shop will allow the ongoing freedom to live outside the bondage of the guilt that often comes with a fudged budget. Parents and caregivers have lots to worry about already. Over-spending at the grocery counter should not be one of those things.

6) Buy the Same Thing Every Time: Purchasing the same like items every week, or every time you grocery shop, will help you to memorize that list. It will ultimately, and very quickly, save you money and that precious time we Americans covet so much. If you learn to make those items more ingredients-oriented rather than processed, already-cooked, meals, you will find that you can still create a very likable and varied menu each week.

7) Buy Only the Things Your Family Likes: Again, if they don't like it, they won't eat it, and you will have wasted your money. My family has Family Movie Night each Friday. We usually eat pizza or tacos or Chinese food. Something fun. I make certain that I add those items that can make a great homemade version of those meals. This way, we do not have to go out, the preparation can still be simple, and everyone is full and happy when the evening has ended. Get your kids those treats they enjoy. Just avoid the name brand versions or buy the cheaper competing brand for that week.

8) Treat Yourself: When I had my first child 12 years ago, my 80 year old grandmother insisted that I find a way to treat myself every day now that I was a parent. "I drink a mocha Java every day, no matter where I am," she insisted. "Responsibility is hard work. Find a way to honor yourself every day with something just for you." Every day at 3pm she looks forward to her rich, chocolate/creamy coffee. And every time I go to the grocery store, on grandma's orders, I make sure that I can swing by my favorite coffee grinder for a pound of the absolute best version of my morning cup of coffee. I have moved this into the budget without adding more than 5 cents to that $150.00 grocery budget that I began way back in 2004, and I am a coffee snob. I have learned that I do not like cheap coffee, so spending money on it will be a waste. No one will drink it. So I buy what I love of that one item, and I am better off for it. You give up a lot when you start running a family. Having one thing all your own is a nice way to remind yourself that you are someone special just for what you do for others all day long.

Follow all of these rules, and you will see dramatic changes. But you can ease into them, because if you follow even just one of these rules you will see an instant savings in your grocery bill. Guaranteed. Happy Shopping!