Thanks to Shelly from Coupon Teacher for this guest post on top ways to save at the grocery store.
1. Begin stockpiling items you normally use. Grocery stores have around a 12 week sale cycle. No matter what, only a small portion of the items you need will be on sale each week. So if you shop only for what you need, you’ll save on a small percentage of these items and overspend on your other needs. Don’t have a lot of room? Find the ten items that you spend the most on, and try to stockpile those items when they are at a great price.
2. Plan a weekly menu. Plan your menu around what you already have and what is on sale for the week. I can’t say I always stick to my meal plan, but it helps me be more aware of what I have on hand.
3. Keep a price book or list. I will be honest and say that I do this in my head, but I realize not everyone can. If you can find the time, keep a small notebook in your purse or coupon organizer with a list of the items that you usually buy and what your stock up price is. You won’t be left guessing if an item is good for stockpiling.
4. Shop alone and with a list. This is easy for me to say not having any children, but you know that you buy more when someone is with you. In addition, when you shop with others, you are more easily distracted. If you stick to your list, you will be home quickly without spending too much!
5. Utilize Drug Store deals. Before couponing, I would have never thought of buying groceries at the drug store. Now with great deals and occasional coupon overage, I try to pick up some grocery items for cheap or free. Drug stores are usually the best places to buy pop (soda) and candy for the holidays.
6. Buy produce in season and grow a garden. Knowing what fruits and veggies are fresh and in season will help you save on produce. Of course, growing your own veggies during the summer is the cheapest and greenest way to go.
Shelly is a full-time fourth grade teacher and blogs at Coupon Teacher. She wants you to share and celebrate your successes with her, and she may give you a few tips along the way!
Thanks, Shelly! I have to say, one of my favorite tips is to grow a garden. We planted our first one ever last year, and it was a success. Not only did we have fresh fruit and veggies, but it was also a great learning experience for my son.
What other top tips do you utilize to save at the grocery store?
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Melissa, a mom of 2 boys in Arizona, understands the importance of watching a family budget. After leaving the business world, she dedicated herself to working at home and pursued her passion of helping people.
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Yeah I think this is a great plan to stick with however being new to this… I really would like to know what some good stock up prices are for things. Like I know that a good price for canned tuna is 33 cents a can. But I have have asked and asked for this list and have never recieved. WOULD LOVE TO KNOW!!
Share the secrets. lol! 
Hi Nicole, I understand wanting to know prices since I was the same way when I started couponing, but the truth is that prices really vary from region to region, so what is a good buy here (in Phoenix, AZ) may be completely different to another part of the country.
My recommendation is to just start watching prices at your local stores and after about a month, you’ll start to see better prices. I know that probably isn’t the “best” answer, but I hope it helps!
I have heard of several people making their own list. (That is what I do.) Southern Savers also has a great generic buy price list. You can google it.
Melissa,
Thanks for allowing me to guest post!
.-= Shelly´s last blog ..Guest Post- A Journey Out of Debt with Coupons =-.
Thank you for the guest post, Shelly! It is a great one!
Coming by through Shelly’s site! Great write up!
.-= Mommy Kennedy´s last blog ..Old Navy Sale; Items $5 & Under! =-.
Thank you, Mommy Kennedy! Glad you found the site and hope you enjoy! Please let me know if you have any questions.
I think finding the low-down, stockup price takes some experience. But I’ve also found that the bloggers will usually tip you off that it is at its low point. I know when it hits 99 cents for Best Foods it is time to stock up. I won’t pay more than 50 cents for cereal and 50-99 cents (or less) for crackers. I find using the percentage off to know when it’s a steal. If you see something 65+ percent off, then I say buy. But you know, too, you win some, you lose some. I was thrilled last week when I got Rago for 25 cents a jar. That went into the pantry in a heartbeat.
.-= Prohomemaker.com´s last blog ..Three secrets to a clean house =-.
Ragu for $.25- nice find!
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