Rules to Shop By

Saving money at the grocery store doesn't have to be difficult or leave you hungry. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when filling the cart so you don't empty your wallet at the register.

1. Buy Generic This is a rule many already employ, and it really does make a difference. I am not saying you have to buy the cheapest necessarily, or even to never buy name-brand products. Try out some generic brands on your next trip, you may be surprised to see the quality is just as good at a much lower price point. Of course, there will be some things that you just can't skimp on (I'll get to this next), and that is okay.
2. Use Coupons and Ads I am not saying you have to turn into a crazy-couponing-lady (although if you do I might envy you), just skim through the Sunday paper for coupons. I like to use them for things I just can't go generic on or if I want to try something new. Check with your local grocery store to see if they price match; if so, be sure to bring those ads with you to save even more money.
3. Want or Need? Your budget will quickly run out when you start adding "luxury" items. You don't have to eliminate all "wants" from the list, but it can drastically increase your savings if you lose some. Instead of hamburger, maybe you can use chicken as a cheaper alternative. Cheese is a yummy addition to many meals but it is often at a steep price. Of course, an easily recognized budget cut is junk food and sweets. It may take time to get used to, but you can learn to recognize the wants vs. needs in your cart and start saving.
4. Buy Produce in Season We love to eat fresh fruits and veggies in our house. Fortunately, we live very near a farmer's market so buying in-season isn't hard. If you aren't sure what is in season, just do a quick Google search. Where I live an avocado costs three times more off-season than in-season.
5. Shop Around Maybe the store you normally shop at doesn't price-match or maybe they simply don't have the item you want. At any rate, don't be afraid to make multiple stops on your shopping trip. I usually stop at Aldi's, Walmart, and the farmer's market. Don't go crazy with the driving around though, or you may spend more in gas than you saved at the register.
6. Buy Bulk Do you have to buy the 50-pound bags of flour and sugar? Not at all. If you have the space for it, by all means go for it, but if you are like me, you have limited pantry space. I usually shop for enough food to last a week, but there are some things that go further. Skip the individually packaged meals and meat for larger sizes that you can divide up when you get home. Some things we buy in "bulk" (read as more than one-time use): Sugar, chicken, hamburger, rice, tea bags, flour

These are some of the rules I follow to help my wallet stay a little fatter when I leave the register. Please feel free to share some of your own tips below!