10 Ways to Get More For Your Grocery Dollar

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Kate and I’s biggest monthly expense is food. We try to spend less than $325 each month. Sometimes we do it, sometimes we don’t. We’re always looking for tips on how to save money on our grocery bill. Here’s a list of simple things you can do to save.

1. Check unit pricing. What looks like a deal, might really not be based on its unit price. Compare how much each ounce, lb, liter costs and buy the product with the cheapest unit price.
2. Try store brands and generic products. There’s absolutely no difference. In most cases, the same company that makes the brand name food products also makes the generic brand.
3. Make tasty meals from leftovers instead of tossing them out. Try planning meal left over friendly meals. Roast beef can be turned into sandwiches or a stew. Spaghetti can be turned into a quick baked pasta dish.
4. Clip and use coupons wisely. Only use coupons for products you actually use. Don’t buy something just because you have a coupon for it.
5. Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach. You’ll buy more then you meant to.
6. Think small. Buy only what you will use. Throwing out food and unused household products is throwing out money.
7. Be creative with substitutes. Use powdered milk instead of whole milk and dried peas or beans instead of meat occasionally.
8. Make a list to prevent impulse buying.
9. Season your own rice, make your own sauces, bake your own cakes, and steam your own fresh vegetables.
10. If you have kids, leave them at home whenever you can. They’ll use their kiddy influence (i.e. begging and tantrums) to get you to buy things you don’t need.

What do you do to save on the grocery bill? Drop me a line and let me know.

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[tags]grocery, frugal, coupons, saving, money[/tags]

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6 Comments

1. Andrew Flusche on 14.05.2007 at 20:09 (Reply)

   This is a great post, Brett. You answered some of my food money saving needs. Very nice.

   I especially like the idea about substitutes. I don’t think that way enough. That could save a pretty chunk of change.

   My advice - sign up the store’s loyalty card. I used to think these were stupid, but we save several hundred dollars per year, just by scanning the card. Yes, the store tracks our shopping. But Kroger rewards us with money off at the gas pump too. And we periodically get coupons in the mail - tailored to our shopping. They’re actually products we buy, so they don’t usually go to waste. And some of the coupons are simply dollars off your total order. Yesterday I saved $3 off $15 of meat. Pork chops tomorrow!

   Andrew

2. The Frugal Law Student on 15.05.2007 at 04:58 (Reply)

   Thanks for the compliment, Andrew. I’m glad I was able to help out. That’s a good idea about the store loyalty cards. I’ll have to check and see if our grocery store has them. (We use a local one.)

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