What’s more effective than using
coupons? Strategic shopping or buying the things you use when they are on sale…You’ll
purchase these staple items in large enough quantities to last until the next
sale. [ii]
The key is really honing in on what
your high-impact items are…Some people approach grocery shopping as a quest (me
versus groceries)…Here are eleven ways to save money on groceries without
clipping coupons:
1.
Buy what’s on
sale - This is the
single best tip for most shoppers. Meat, bread, produce, condiments, coffee,
cereal, pet food, nearly everything goes on sale…at regular intervals…Try to
buy just enough until you can get the next discount.
2.
Buy what’s in season - This goes for both produce and nonperishable goods. Don’t
plan a dish that requires fresh mango in winter, when the fruit is more
expensive. Instead, focus on oranges because they’re actually in season.
3.
Use what you
buy - Many families
end up throwing away significant quantities of food…They [either] get tired of
leftovers, or they don’t use items before they go bad. You can repurpose
leftovers, or freeze most things not used immediately (including many fresh
fruits and vegetables).
4.
Don’t buy more
than you need - A
great sale is no deal if you end up throwing away half of what you bought. If
you find yourself routinely throwing out produce, bread and meat, then you are
buying too much…Not all items last forever (even if they’re unopened)…Cereal
and crackers won’t last long in humid climates, and family tastes may change as
well.
5.
Use store
loyalty programs -
Many stores require you to have a loyalty card to take advantage of sale
prices. The cards are free and usually issued on the spot. Some programs give
you bonuses, like discounts on gas, for using your card. Many allow you to “clip” coupons
online and store them on your card, giving you an automatic discount at
checkout.
6.
Shop at
discount groceries –
[Stores like] Aldi and Save-A-Lot are expanding to more cities, and those
no-frills stores can provide some good deals on [essentials like] produce… Some
of their store-brand products also are quite good…
7.
Try
alternatives to your usual store -
Most people have access to at least two grocery stores (as well as Wal-Mart,
Target and perhaps a discount grocery). Visit other stores from time to time to
see if they offer your favorite items at a price worth making an occasional
special trip…
8.
Learn the sale cycles of your favorite products -If you live in an area with multiple supermarkets, the same
products will go on sale (but not at the same time)…If [for example] your
family eats a lot of yogurt, pay attention to how often your favorite brand
goes on sale at the best price and stock up then.
9.
Ask about
markdowns - Talk to your
store’s department managers in meat, dairy, seafood, and baked goods to find
out if there is a time of day that unsold products are marked down.
10.
Find the store
clearance rack - Discontinued
products are often sold for half-price (or less) in sale bins…You can use
coupons for these items.
11.
Buy store
brands - of [items like] canned vegetables, cat food, paper products
and many others items [that are] often…the same products sold under brand
names. It’s unlikely that you’ll notice any difference in taste in one brand…over
another.[iii]
[i] The term "in the bag” refers to an item being virtually secured (as good as in one's possession). www.phrases.org.uk
[ii] Groceries for a family of four
cost an average of $727 to $1,303 a month (not including takeout and restaurant
meals) according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture…
[iii] Adapted
from the article, “11 Strategies for Saving on Groceries without Clipping
Coupons” by Teresa Mears
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