GROCERY SHOPPING TIPS
1. CUP COUPONS! Never shop without them. Buying items on sale with your coupons saves you even more money.
2. BUY IN BULK! There are many stores or clubs were you can buy in bulk and save.
3. NEVER GROCERY SHOP HUNGRY! You've heard this many times before, I am sure. But it is so true.
4. PLAN YOUR MEALS BEFORE YOU SHOP. This will prevent you from buying things you don't need right now.
5. BUY YOUR PRODUCE AT A PRODUCE STAND OR STORE. Buying your product at a farmers market or produce store will save you money. I get 2-3x's more with the same amount of money.
6. CUT THOSE TAKE OUT TRIPS TO A MINIMUM! Having kids it's hard not to get take out but, we only order once a month for a special treat. If they want pizza, we have a pizza making party in the kitchen. It's fun and it brings the family together. Having meals like this is rewarding. And the cost is very low. 1 jar of sauce of sale with coupon cost only $1.00. We make our own dough. Maybe cost $2.00 at most. Cheese is $2.00 a bag for already shredded. So we can make about 2 large pizza pies for $5.00.
7. BUY STORE BRANDS! Buying store brands saves you a ton of money if you need the item in a pinch. If the item you need is not on sale or you don't have a coupon for it. Reach for the store brand.
8. MAKE YOUR OWN SOUP, SALAD, BREADS, AND DESSERTS! Being creative in the kitchen is very rewarding. I save so much money making my own soup, salads and such, just by searching for good simple recipes. Don't buy that salad in the bag. Get a nice head of lettuce, some cucumbers, carrots, and any ingredient you want and you'll be saving money especially if you bought everything from the produce store. Investing in a bread machine is well worth it too and most of them come with tons of recipes.
9. IN STORE SALES! There are unadvertized sales in your grocery store. So make sure you check them out weekly.
10. GROW A GARDEN! If you have some ground grow so vegetables and can them for the winter when they cost the most to purchase.