10 Money Saving Grocery Shopping Tips

There are many ways to save on groceries. While all these ways require a little planning and some budgeting, they will help you decrease your grocery bills efficiently and effectively!

1. Shop at discount grocery stores and supermarkets. These do exist. Their products are usually similar to those offered at mainstream supermarkets, but they stock items that are made by companies that do not use excessive promotion or packaging to attract the attention of consumers.

2. Use coupons. Many people scoff at the use of coupons. . but they do work, especially if you shop carefully for nonperishable items that you will be able to use within the date of expiration. You may not be planning on making macaroni and cheese this month, but next month, that box you save a few cents on will come in handy for dinner or a snack.

3. Buy in bulk. Less packaging means a cheaper product by weight or volume. Some shops exclusively sell items in bulk; products that you use frequently or use up quickly (toilet paper or cereal for example) can be purchased for dollars less at these bulk-item outlets. Stock up and save on your groceries.

4. Purchase generic brands. These products are often manufactured the same manner in which brand-name products are. They may be offered at a cheaper prices due to their packaging or advertisement practices.

5. Plan ahead. Planning meals ahead means you don't waste your money. Purchase hamburger when you plan to make hamburgers - purchasing food on a whim can mean that perishables expire without being used.

6. Make food in advance and freeze meals. Prepackaged meals cost much more than food you make for yourself (and tends to be less healthy). Make burritos, lasagna, or other meals in advance and freeze for later use. These healthy treats will be much more satisfying than a dinner that comes out of a box.

7.Stick with water from the tap. Tap water is often cleaner than bottled water, due to EPA standards that regulate it. Buying water, fruit juices, or colas can seriously crunch your budget. Water is healthier anyway . . . so turn on the tap.

8. Plant your own vegetables. Produce is notoriously expensive. Getting it from your own back yard means you can have the vegetables you want - fresh - when you want them.

9. Like meals, learn to bake bread (or use a bread machine) to make your own bread. Make several loaves at a time that can be frozen and thawed as necessary.

10. Finally – never shop for groceries hungry. This can compel you to purchase food that is satisfying your hunger, not your budget.

Employing these ten tips will help you save money on groceries – from week to week, from month to month, and from year to year!