Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Saving money these days is difficult - especially with the prices of groceries going up each day. To save more, think about when you shop, where you shop and how you use what you buy. Here are some ways to get going in the right direction:

• Shop Alone. Taking children along distracts you from the job at hand - and little voices saying, "Can I have this?" could just coerce you into buying more than you want to.
• Avoid Single Serving Packages. Cookies, crackers and juice in single serving packs are convenient, but if you buy a lot of them, they're no bargain. Plus, it's much healthier to put together your own snacks with fresh fruits and vegetables included.
• Try Using Generic-Labeled Products. In many cases, generic and store-label food and household items are identical or as good as name-brand products. Cereals, crackers, chips, napkins and paper towels are good choices for generic use. You may notice a difference in the taste of items like catsup or pasta sauce.
• Compare cost-per-pound or cost-per-unit. Be sure to check the unit cost. The "economy size" is not always the best bargain.
• Use a freezer. You can save quite a bit of money by purchasing meat when they are on sale and freezing them.
• Think About Leftovers when shopping. Chicken, roast beef or turkey can be used in casseroles or sandwiches.
• Check Out your Local Drugstore. Sometimes you can find canned goods "on sale" in pharmacies...and at lower prices than at supermarkets. Things like toothpaste, soap and shampoo typically cost less at a large drugstore chain.
• Buy bread at thrift bakeries. Many nation-wide bakeries have outlet stores for day-old or damaged product. Wrap bread or rolls in freezer storage bags and freeze them for long-term storage.
• Always Shop With a List. It helps you avoid impulse buying and allows you to focus on the best deals
• Write Down Unplanned Purchases.  Write them on your list so you can keep tabs on how much those extra items add to the total cost.
• Group Your List by category or aisle. You're less likely to backtrack and make impulse buys.
• See What's On Sale. Instead of making up your weekly menu and then going shopping, look at what's on sale in order of meats, vegetables, soups, etc. he Wednesday newspaper, in many localities, include a food section where supermarkets advertise their sales. Save money by planning your meals around these special items.
• Don't go from store to store to get better deals. Figure out the items you buy frequently and check out their prices at different stores, online or in the newspaper. Pick the supermarket you'll shop at each week based on what you need and its sales.
• Get a preferred shopper card. You'll get automatic in-store discounts and coupon mailings.
• Try the house brands. They often cost 10 to 30 percent less than name brands.
• Don't buy better quality than you need. Low-cost cuts of meat are better than expensive cuts of steak for casseroles and crockpot meals.
• Read the unit price stickers on the shelf below each item. Or use a calculator to figure the price per ounce or pound.
• Compare prices of different forms of the same food (fresh, frozen, canned) and different styles (whole, sliced, chopped). Buy what saves the most.
• Boxes or jars that are the same size don't always cost the same. compare weights to see which is the better buy.
• Use the scale when buying produce. One head of lettuce might look larger but weigh less than the next. Bagged potatoes or onions can vary by as much as half a pound.
• Check the price of cold cuts in the deli section. They are often cheaper by the pound than the prepackaged versions. Even better, bake a ham or turkey breast and slice it yourself.
• Buy frozen vegetables in bags rather than 4-serving boxes. If you season them yourself, you'll save even more. For example, green peas with butter or sauce can cost twice as much as plain.
• Use Coupons. Coupons CAN save you money. You can get coupons online for almost everything you need.

And these tips are just a start. There are many more things you can do to lower your grocery bill.