Ten Tips to Cut Your Grocery Bill

Want to save up to $300 off your grocery bill a year? Before you go to the store, inventory your kitchen. What do you really need? Write it down and grab your coupons. Look for coupons you don’t have in newspapers or circulars. Comparison shop and pay attention to the prices.

Pick your store. For instance, buying in bulk?  Then go to warehouse clubs or superstores, particularly if you’re going for non-perishable items. For other basic grocery needs try your basic grocery store. If you’re hunting for health and beauty products? Stick to national drugstore chains and superstores.

Your Mom probably told you this - eat before you go shopping. Remember this - everything looks good when your stomach is screaming, "feed me!" 

Hate coupon clipping? Never fear, you can still save an average of ten percent by cashing in on a handful of coupons for each shopping trip. Check out frequent shopper programs. You’ll get advance notice of things like special loss leaders and double-coupon days.

Store brands suck? Taste like dirt? Guess what?  It isn’t the case any longer. Fact is, companies have been upgrading their contents. That means good taste equal to well known national brands.  Experiment – you could save an average of 40 percent off your annual food bill.

Are you an impulse buyer? Then set limits for yourself. Buy only what is on your list. Take the time to shop and don’t snatch the first thing you see. Set a dollar limit for impulse buying. So you’ll still have some “give” in the craving department.

Bet you didn’t know this little store marketing trick. Watch out for end-of-the-aisle dump bins, island displays, recipe related item placement, and "middle-shelf" items. This is usually where higher priced and impulse products are placed.

Keep your eagle sharp eyes on the scanner as your order is being tallied. It keeps the cashier alert and allows you to stop the process if an item is showing the incorrect price. Keeping the store circular with you is also helpful in disputing an incorrect price.