How to Save Money on Groceries

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The price of commodities is seemingly always on the rise. Unfortunately this results in much higher food prices every year. Not too long ago, you could buy a box of cereal for less than $2. Now you would be lucky to find one for less than $4 a box. Here are a few things that will help you to save money on groceries the next time you go shopping.

Things You Will Need

To save money on groceries, you will need a well planned list, your weekly sales ads and some common sense.

Step 1

Make a List - The first thing you need to do each week is prepare your shopping list. Determine exactly what you are going to eat at every meal. Write your list down on paper! Shopping with a list will help to avoid impulse purchases and will help you save money on groceries.

Step 2

Do Not Buy Prepared Foods - Since you will be planning your meals in advance it will not be necessary to buy prepared foods. Not only are they extremely expensive, they are typically very high in sodium, saturated fat and utterly lacking in any nutritional value.

My wife typically makes an extra serving or two for our dinner. If we do not eat it, she freezes it, or packs it for my lunch the next day. Eating leftovers prevents me from grabbing a quick hamburger and fries when I run out of time during my busy day.

Step 3

Buy Store Brands - The child in me used to cringe at the thought of buying store brands. Typically you can expect to pay an additional 30% for the right to buy the national brand. It may come as a surprise to you that many times the store brands are actually manufactured by the national brand and are simply packaged appropriately.

The adult side of me likes to save money on groceries, so we buy store brands whenever possible.

Step 4

Buy Things On Sale - Always check the newspaper to see what is on sale that week. Even if you do not need a certain product this week, if it is something that you use on a regular basis, it may be worth buying it while it is on sale. If you forget your sales flyer at home, make sure you grab one at the door. Often stores will honor the grocery coupons from competitors simply to keep you happy.

Stocking up on things such as toothpaste and toilet paper makes sense if you can buy them on sale. They never expire (or almost never) and you will need them eventually.

Step 5

Visit The Farmer's Market - During the spring and summer, my wife and I go to the farmer's market every Saturday morning. Not only can you buy the freshest fruits and vegetables very inexpensively, you are also helping to support your local farmers and community.

There is nothing better than Heirloom Tomatoes that were picked less than 24 hours ago. Simply fantastic!

Step 6

Use Coupons - I used to hate spending the time to clip coupons. Now I challenge myself to save even more money every week. While we do not buy processed foods very often, by searching the internet, in conjunction with your local newspaper, you can sometimes find amazing grocery coupons on organic food.

Don't forget that just because the coupon is from Bi-Lo, that does not mean the Publix won't except it. Use the only leverage you have - your money!

Step 7

Check Your Receipts - It would be great if every cashier was perfect, but to be honest with you, they simply are not. It is always in your best interest to double check your receipt BEFORE you leave the store.

I cannot tell you how many times the cashier accidentally ran up two cans of sweat peas instead of one. You should also always count your change. You will be surprised how many times you will not get the pennies that you are owed.

Learning how to save money on groceries is not difficult. Take the time to make a list, stick to it and use a bit of common sense. Using these tip you will be able to save on groceries the next time you go shopping!