Want to save at the grocery store, but don’t want to use coupons? Or have you needed to shop, but just don’t have the time for couponing? It is possible to save at the grocery store, even without coupons. Follow these 10 easy tips, and you’ll notice a savings right away.
1. Watch sales. Stores constantly have sales and when you know what price to expect on a good sale, you won’t have to pay full price. For example, I know what a good price for milk is where I live. I’ll shop around to make sure that we are getting the lowest price, even without coupons.
Also, many stores (like Kroger/Fry’s) offer promotions, like the Mega Sale, where you buy a certain amount of a product to save a certain amount of money. If you make sure to buy the minimum amount necessary for the sale to maximize your savings.
2. Buy produce in season. Buying fresh produce isn’t just healthier, it is cheaper, too. I recommend checking out a local Farmer’s Market, too.
3. Look for manager’s specials. Meat, bread, and produce can all be heavily discounted if it will expire in the next day or two. Buying these products can help you save up to 90% of the original price and as long as you use them by the expiration date, are just as good.
4. Check the end of the aisle. Many times stores will place discontinued products on the end of the aisles. These may still be good, but are only discounted because of packaging or new specials. This is especially true after the holidays with products that still have holiday packaging.
5. Shop the drug stores. I significantly reduced my shopping budget when I started shopping at the drugstores, like CVS, who has great reward programs. Read more at CVS 101.
6. Compare name brand products with store brands. Usually, I tend to stay away from generic brands, however, without coupons, many times the store brands may be a cheaper price. Just make sure you are checking the price per unit on each to ensure that you are getting the best deal.
7. Make a list and stick to it. Even if you aren’t using coupons, you should have a plan on what you are going to buy in the store. This will keep you from impulse buying, which may cost you more than what you wanted and lead to buying unnecessary items. Plus, with a list, you’ll know how much you can spend, and how much you plan to save.
8. Don’t shop hungry. One of the most important: make sure you have a full stomach before heading to the store and you won’t want all those tasty looking snacks that aren’t good for your waist or your wallet.
9. Leave the kids at home. If possible, this can also help you save money (and time) since you won’t have the distraction of your children in the store. Plus, many products appeal to kids, making it harder to stay away from them in the store. And if you do have to bring the kids, bring a healthier snack to keep them occupied in your bag.
10. Stock up on sales. When you find a great deal on a product, go ahead and stock up (within reason) so that you’ll have it on hand the next time you need it. By doing this, you’ll manage to never pay full price again for those necessities that tend to cost us the most.
Well, that is it, these are the 10 ways to help you save at the grocery store, even without coupons. So tell me, how else do you save at the grocery store?
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