Flag as not acceptable?
We review flagged content and enforce our Terms of Use, in which content must never be:
- Profane or sexually explicit
- Disrespectful or abusive
- Infringing of copyright
- Son: Age 6
- Daughters: Ages 3 & 3
- Stay at home
- Group Co-Leader
- Grocery Savings Without Coupons
-
Although we're very focused on clipping coupons here in this group, there are so many other strategies that you can use while grocery shopping to save major dollars each month. Here's a photo of my $72 grocery trip last week. I went into the store without coupons (on purpose!) to see what strategies I could use instead:
Use the Store's Weekly Ad...
1) To plan meals before you shop. When I flipped through the sales flyer, I noticed some low sale prices that would lead to inexpensive meals for the week. Potatoes were on sale for $1.99 for a 5-lb. bag and eggs were .99 for an 18-ct carton. I planned two egg and potato meals as dinners for the week, Omelets with Rosemary Potatoes and Broccoli Pie.
2) For extra in-store savings. Inside the ad, I found several in-store coupons for additional deals which weren't advertised where the item was on the shelf. So many people enter the store without even picking up that ad and looking, spending more money than necessary. One of the coupons was for a bag of frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts for just $1.69/lb, which is a great stock-up price. It allowed for some chicken meals this week, plus extra for the following weeks.
Look for Unexpected Bargains...
3) Check the clearance sections. In the meat department, I found a package of boneless pork loin chops set to expire the next day, marked down by 30%. That made for an inexpensive dinner of Pineapple Pork Chops. Some stores keep a shelf or two of clearance items towards the back of the store -- ask your manager where to find them.
4) Pay attention to the shelf tags. In most cases, the store brands are less expensive, so without coupons, I would generally choose them. However, on this trip, I found that the name brand bag of flour was on sale for less than the store brand.
Stick to the Basics...
5) Shop the perimeter of the store. You've probably heard this before as a money-saving tip; it's also the key to eating healthier. By focusing on the perimeter of my grocery store and buying fresh produce, dairy, meat, etc., I keep my meals basic (chicken, baked potatoes, side vegetable), healthy, and less expensive.
6) Bake from scratch. That bag of flour is for making pancakes and waffles, either for breakfast or lunch, and served with fresh fruit. By making my own large batches and freezing them for busy mornings, I save a lot over buying processed, pre-made pancakes or waffles.
7) Use frugal alternatives. The bottle of white vinegar is not only for cooking but also for cleaning. I make a solution of part vinegar, part water, and use it to clean my floors, windows, and mirrors.
By combining the strategies above along with the couponing I do, I am able to keep my family of five at a grocery/household/toiletries budget of around $400 per month. That's for a family of five in a high cost-of-living area (Washington DC)! If you're finding couponing too complicated or time-consuming, start with the strategies I've mentioned, and see how it goes for you.
What other strategies are you using to save money on your grocery budget?
Not acceptable?
Showing
1-5 of 5
Replies to This Topic (5)
- Sort by:
- Newest first
- Newest last
- Daughters: Ages 34 & 32
- Grandsons: Ages 2, 2 & 17 months
- Work at home
- Group Leader
- FamilyHost_Annabelle - October 01, 2009
-
That's a great list of strategies. Often, my sister and I will split bulk items which she gets at a wholesale club at a great savings per unit compared to supermarket prices. If my split is still too much quantity, I either split it with the neighbors or bring the extra down to the local food pantry. So, buying cheaper bulk items and splitting the purchase is another strategy.
Not acceptable?
-
Go Green! Eat Lean! Live Clean! - Belle
-
- Not acceptable?
- Son: Age 3
- Stay at home
- AnnabelleMcB - November 01, 2009
-
I think your first strategy is the absolute best for saving money. If you already have a list of the things you need for the week, you're going to stay far more focused than idly wandering around the store and looking for inspirations.
Not acceptable?
- Sons: Ages 3 & 5 months
- Work at home
- Mom2SammyW - 2 weeks ago
-
We've started doing #5 - shopping the perimeter of the store. What a great money saver that is. Sometimes we have to go into the isles but most of our groceries are "on Also, #7 is great because it's not only less expensive than the comercial cleaners, it's better for the envirnoment as well. Thanks for the list!
Not acceptable?
-
Carpe Nap!
-
- Not acceptable?
- Sons: Ages 26 & 22
- New Jersey
- Work full-time outside home
- Pnkrosbsh - 2 weeks ago
-
i make a list..while i do buy whats on the list i will sometimes realize that i need other stuff that is on sale..only on sale items will i buy..i also pay close attention to the shelf tags and shop for beauty and cleaning items at the discount stores and not as often as you can get larger quatities.
Not acceptable?
-
Others see God in us when we show love to one another (1 John 4:12) - Love, Barbara
-
- Not acceptable?
Show Replies
(1)
- Daughters: Ages 34 & 32
- Grandsons: Ages 2, 2 & 17 months
- Work at home
- Group Leader
- FamilyHost_Annabelle - 2 weeks ago
-
i make a list..while i do buy whats on the list i will sometimes realize that i need other stuff that is on sale..only on sale items will i buy..i also pay close attention to the shelf tags and shop for beauty and cleaning items at the discount stores and not as often as you can get larger quatities.
- By Pnkrosbsh
-
Having a list is a great way to save money, especially when I bring hubby to the store. He asks for all sorts of stuff, and if I have a list, I can show him that the thing he's asking for isn't on the list. ;-)
Not acceptable?
-
Go Green! Eat Lean! Live Clean! - Belle
-
- Not acceptable?
Showing
1-5 of 5
