How to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half
My wife didn’t notice much of a difference in our grocery costs until just recently. But from all the news sources, we can expect higher prices in the coming months. Regardless of whether prices are going up or not, it’s always a good idea to save money where you can. Recently, Money magazine came out with three easy ways to cut your grocery bill in half.
(1)Forget coupons – use the CouponMom
“Stephanie Nelson, a mother of two, says cutting your grocery bill in half is easy. She launched www.couponmom.com seven years ago to show other shoppers what weekly sales and savings are available – saving them time, and of course, money.
“The Web site's database tracks what's on sale at your local grocery store and matches it with what coupons are available.
“For example, New Jersey shoppers can use a $1 coupon in the RedPlum circular when All brand laundry detergent goes on sale at Pathmark, and save 50% off the retail price.
“Nelson says that shoppers who match up weekly specials with coupons from newspaper circulars can easily take 50% off their entire bill, if not more. That's what she calls ‘strategic shopping.’ And it's catching on, Nelson has seen a huge uptick in interest in her site, which lists grocery bargains at 41 retailers in 50 states. Since January, traffic has tripled, she said.
“‘You can't do much about your mortgage payment or car payment,’ Nelson said. ‘Grocery shopping is where you have the most opportunity to save money.’”
(2) Take a few shortcuts.com
“If sifting through the newspaper for savings is not your bag, more stores are offering electronic coupons, which can be printed at home, or loaded right on to your store loyalty card.
“Kroger customers can go to Shortcuts.com, enter their loyalty card information, click on coupons they want, and have the savings automatically applied to their bill at checkout.
“And Shortcuts.com is currently in discussions with other national chains to roll out similar programs soon.
“Other sites, such as coupons.com and eversave.com, offer a slew of printable coupons as well as coupon codes that can be used for online shopping.”
(3) Shop online and buy in bulk
“Shopping online is another way to score great deals on groceries. Although the prices aren't always better, comparison shopping is definitely easier. And the savings of time – and gas – can be substantial…
“Amazon.com's grocery service, which launched two years ago, sells nonperishable items in bulk (no milk, fresh meat, or produce) at relatively low cost…
“On top of that, Amazon orders over $25 qualify for free shipping, and additional savings are available when shoppers sign up to have deliveries made regularly.”
Also consider when you buy certain items. Consumer advocate Clark Howard recommends buying perishables weekly, but stocking up on non-perishables every six weeks. And buy those at the warehouse stores (Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, etc.).
Taking some time to shop smart can save a lot money. The only downside is you’ll need a little storage space to store all the bulk items you buy.
– Steve Kroening
(Source: Jessica Dickler, CNNMoney.com, June 13, 2008; clarkhoward.com)
Although I do know that when we started eating vegetarian my food budget went way down. It wasn’t because of the lack of meat but because we didn’t eat anything that came out of a box. Plus now, we only buy meat and chicken when it’s on sale and then we buy in bulk. I assume you already do that – but you need a bigger freezer.
tg
A couple of things we have done to help may or may not come under your grocery budget. We have cut way back on plastic storage containers and ziploc bags for freezing. I was trying to remember what we did as kids or what our parents did. They either used butcher paper or foil which is a lot cheaper than storage bags. When we do buy them we reuse them. It may sound weird, but we wash them in hot soapy water after each use and hang them up with clothes pins to dry. We have NEVER gotten sick from a transfer of germs. If you are concerned about that, just add a little bleach to the water. The other thing we are doing is converting over is to cloth napkins. We have one napkin per person, per day (of course unless you are having bbq ribs and it's just gross after you've eaten!) Paper products are expensive too, and we have been able to cut way back. Other things: *Smaller portions of meat*Less frozen stuff*Dilute your grape or apple juice with some water - still taste good.*Look for meats that are expiring soon. Ask butcher when those are put out - cook or freeze it right away.Sorry to take up so much room, but these are a few things we are doing.
RT
Of all my areas of struggle I do know how to cut corners. Always buy the cheapest brand (usually generic) (I do love it when Cheerio brand drops down below generic)Buy in season, sale produce.That way it changes it up. Some weeks apple are cheapest, peaches are not.(I didn't get zucchini this week, but got lots of cucumber) Bananas are usually consistent so we always get those. Buy cheap disposables (you throw'em away anyway) like trash bags without the cool drawstring. ( they always make it to the trash without breaking and the trash is gonna smell anyway. Don't buy individual packed items. Bag 'em yourself in fold close baggies or use the twisties. (saves big over ziplocks!) I was reading a BUNCH of scripture tonight and was noticing all the times and ways we are to sacrifice (for the Lord and for others) Our world teaches us to try to make things as easy, perfect, and desireable for ourselves as possible. Some of these seemingly "odd " or "not worth it" cost cutters can help us and our children to toughen up, be more flexible and save for Something Higher than ourselves
HV
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