Save Money on Groceries

Planning for Weekly Shopping Adds up to Big Savings

By : © Christin Aitchison

With an uncertain economy, times are changing. People are looking for ways to cut back. A simple solution to economize is to get back to basics. Take some time to plan and you will see how quickly you can save hundreds of dollars a month.
Save Money Through Simple Planning

Plan your menu based on weekly sales at the grocery store. Local markets mail their weekly circulars several days before the sale date begins. Take advantage of these circulars. Set a time each week to review the sale items in each, and to compare which market has the best deals for you. Plan meals around lost leaders and sale items. (For example, if sauce and cheese are on sale at half price, plan to make a baked ziti.)

Pay attention to weekly manufacturer’s coupons as well. It is common for grocery stores to run sales on products that have featured coupons in the weekend papers. You can also find coupons online through a variety of websites. Be sure to clip coupons for products that you would ordinarily buy. Many markets double coupons so savings can add up quickly.

Once you have identified the sale items, create a meal plan for the entire week. Take into consideration your calendar and plan leftovers for nights when cooking is not an option. This will help to eliminate costly takeout. Write a shopping list and stick to it.
Save Money by Avoiding Convenience Foods

Do not purchase convenience foods. Convenience foods have become so prominent that they are taken for granted. They are everywhere and often cost twice as much. In order to break out of the habit, you will have to get back to basics and prepare and package your own food.

Meats- Prepackaged meats can cost upwards of one dollar more per pound than bulk meats. Examples of these are pre-formed hamburger patties and individually packaged chicken breasts. Chicken is also considerably less expensive if it is purchased on the bone with the skin on. It is even less expensive to purchase a whole chicken. It only takes a few minutes to de-bone, remove skin or cut up a chicken. The long term cost savings add up quickly.

Snacks - Brown bagging lunches is certainly more economical then buying lunch everyday. However, it is easy to get caught up in purchasing prepackaged snacks to conveniently grab and pack. Buying snack sized portions can cost two to three times as much as buying the larger size.

A simple way to create convenience is to package your own snack sized portions. Purchase large servings, at a lesser price, and portion the food into snack sized baggies. You can do this with just about anything. Set aside a few minutes each week to create a week’s worth of on the go snacks and enjoy the convenience and cost savings as well.

Drinks- Bottled water, juice boxes, sports drinks and the like are quick and easy, which of course, comes at a price. Make an investment in reusable drink containers and simply fill and store in your refrigerator. This eco-friendly choice not only saves money but the environment.

Planning is the key to super savings at the grocery store. By setting aside a little time each week to review market circulars and manufacturer’s coupons, you can plan your week’s menu to maximize sale items. The little time that it will take you will add up to big savings!

The copyright of the article Save Money on Groceries in Family Finances is owned by Christin Aitchison. Permission to republish Save Money on Groceries in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.