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How to Save 50% on Groceries Each Week

mommymommymommy | Jan 31, 2010 |

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In this economy, cutting your grocery bills by 50% can help you put money in your emergency fund, pay down your debt, and pay your bills on time. Everyone is trying to save as much money as they can, whether it be canceling cable, not going out to the movies, or cutting back on trips to the mall. One area where you can save significant amounts of money is on your grocery bill. It's a fact-everyone needs to eat. By changing your habits, you can shop in a way that not only saves you money when you buy groceries, but can fill your home with healthy food, too!

On average, I save 50% off my supermarket purchases each week, no matter how much I spend. And yes, that includes buying meat, fresh produce, and dairy!

Get Out the Scissors

More than any other strategy, cutting coupons is the habit you need to begin today in order to save significant sums of money at the supermarket. Delivered in your Sunday paper each weekend is several hundred dollars worth of savings. If there are two local newspapers, get both delivered to your house. The coupon savings alone more than pay for the second newspaper.

This is not a labor intensive activity. You can do it in front of the television, listening to music, or while you talk on the telephone. Simply cut out coupons for the products you know your family uses.

If you have friends and family nearby, create a coupon swap. Simply give them the circulars after you are finished cutting the coupons you use. They give you theirs.

Printable Coupons

You can also find printable coupons on-line. Websites such a Redplum.com and Coupons.com offer extra savings for you on groceries and other household items that you normally buy.

Stockpiling

Stockpiling is when you buy more than you need of an item that is on sale. For example, if your family loves to drink apple juice and there is a sale, buy enough to last until the next sale. It is cheaper to buy seven bottles of apples juice at 77 cents a bottle than to buy two a that price and then pay $2.19 every time you run out.

Stores typically run sales in cycles, so be observant, especially of the items you buy frequently.

Store Sales and Loss Leaders

This is where to get the maximum savings. Look at your favorite supermarket's circular. They have store coupons and loss leaders on the front page. Combine the store coupon with a manufacturer's coupon for greater savings. Many times I will get an item for free this way or pay a few cents.

As a rule, I typically only buy food that is on sale with a coupon.

Buy in Season

In order to save money on fruits and vegetables, you need to buy fruits and vegetables that are on sale that week. Typically, these are what is in season. My family always has plenty of fresh produce on hand, and the menu varies each week.

Quick Sales

Each department, from gourmet ready-made foods to produce, has items that are reduced for quick sale. You can buy meat and freeze it until you need to use it. If it is a name brand product, use a coupon for even greater savings.

Loyalty Cards

Be sure to use have a customer loyalty card for each store you shop at for savings without coupon clipping. By having a card, you will also get on their mailing list and receive special coupons and discounts to that store delivered right to your mailbox. Check the store's websites for special promotions that can get attached to your loyalty card.

By using the combined strategies, your family can eat healthy meals and save 50% off your groceries each week.