Tips For Saving Money on Groceries

Cutting costs seems to be a top priority in these tough economic times. It's back to basics - beginning with simple things like saving at the grocery store.

Tips For Saving Money on Groceries
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Deb_Allen]Deb Allen

With the rising cost of living almost everyone is looking for ways to save money. No wonder, it seems that most of us are struggling to make ends meet or we simply do not have anything left over for fun. And life should be enjoyable!

Since eating a priority for all of us I thought it would be a good idea to prepare a report about how to save money on groceries, and no, this is not about clipping coupons. I am not against using coupons but that is only one way to save money and most of us are aware of that option. Either we use coupons religiously or we simply do not have an interest in it at all.

So what I want to share with you are basic ways to save money and cut costs from your grocery expenses. To begin I think we need to start with the simple concept that cooking saves you money. By cooking your meals you will save on the costs involved with eating out or with convenience foods. This also means that you should cut back on recreational eating, or snacking.

Additionally you will be eating healthier. Another advantage is that you are likely to lose a few pounds simply because you will be more in control of what you and your family consume. It is a good idea to consider using a slow cooker or crock pot.

This allows you to use cheaper cuts of meat and still eat nutritiously. Plus, the food will be delicious and the cooker will take the work off of you. In fact, you can start the meal in the slow cooker early in the morning and it will be finished about supper time.

If you really want to save money at the grocery store your efforts need to begin before you leave home. First things first, check to see what items you need. The reason for this is that you do not need to spend money on what you already have plenty of. If you purchase too much of an item it may become stale or sour before you can use it.

A good tip is to keep a running list of needed grocery items as well as other essentials. Keep this list in a handy location that all family members can add to. Then when someone eats the last bowl of cereal or drinks the last of the orange juice they can add that to your list.

If you are concerned that some members of your household might add unwanted items to the list then consider creating a list of items with a box next to them. Then the box can simply be checked. This allows you to always be in control of what is on that list.

Another step to take before leaving home is to eat. I know that sounds silly but believe me, you will buy more groceries and lots of nonessential food items if you are hungry when you shop.

One other step before leaving home is that of planning a menu for the week. This can be basic but even so it will help guide you to buy only what you need for the week. After you have a menu and the running list of things needed you can create your actual grocery shopping list.

You may not always have a choice about this but I suggest that you shop alone whenever possible. The reason is that you are trying to accomplish a goal; your goal is to buy what you need and save money at the same time. If you take along children or a partner you may find that it is more difficult to stick with that goal.

While shopping you should always focus on real food items instead of the convenience foods and snack items. In almost all grocery stores you will find the real food items around the perimeter of the store. I am referring to things like produce and meat as well as dairy products.

Use your list to help you stay focused. Your job is to get what you came for and get out of the store. Avoid the items that are on special displays and at the check out. Impulse buying is almost never a good idea.

Speaking of which, you should only shop on the aisles that will have something you need; always focus on what you came for. Buy items that are on sale whenever you find a match to your list. Check labels for ingredients and compare various brands, including store brands and any brands you are not familiar with. A cheap price is not a good deal if the purchase will not be consumed.

Find out how you can get the full report on saving at the grocery store and another on saving at the gas pump by visiting: http://www.money-savingideas.com

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