How to Save at the Checkout
June 2nd, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized — Finance Author1. Shop alone if you can. Watching a child may increase impulse buys! Or even having a spouse with may increase impulse buys!
2. Purchase more store brands and less name brands. Test products until you find those your family prefers.
3. Plan meals around store promotions or sales. Store specials generally track holidays and other annual events (back-to-school, Christmas and New Years, spring break, Superbowl, etc.).
4. Stock up when you find a tremendous bargain. There is nothing wrong with having 60 rolls of toilet paper in your closet, especially when you bought it at a tremendous discount.
5. Calculate the cost of ingredients by price per serving, not price per pound. Grocery shelf tags commonly list cost per unit (e.g. ounces) for easy comparison.
6. Shop around, watch the ads, and be cognizant of what things costs so you will be aware if some constitutes a good bargain or not.
7. Buy only when what you want is on sale. Certainly you can’t wait all the time, but on items you can delay purchasing, wait, and it is very possible someone will place it on a sales discount in the near future.
8. Buy products in larger quantities when possible. Check Costco, Sam’s Club or other wholesale stores for frequently used items. Buy meat in larger quantities and freeze the portions you won’t be using right away. Tip: If you purchase your gas at your price club, make a special trip inside to show your card. Some stores offer an additional discount just for showing your member ID.
9. Clip coupons or print them out online. Go to manufacturers’ websites like www.brandsaver.com (featuring Proctor & Gamble products) for coupons and free samples.
10. By less pre-ready or prepared food, such as frozen dinners, pre-cut salad mixes, pre-cut fruit bowls, pre-cut and seasoned meats or potatoes.
11. Many large grocery chains offer free clubs and loyalty programs to their customers. To learn about your local grocery story clubs, ask store personnel or look on the website of larger chains.
12. Visit money saving websites on the internet. There are a lot out there. Find a few reliable sites you like and visit them often to expand your knowledge on how to save.
Justin P. Ertelt is the author of Saving Your Way to Success, and owner of http://www.savingyourwaytosuccess.com, helping others learn the importance of saving money and financial planning, and helping others achieve financial success. To learn more visit http://www.savingyourwaytosuccess.com
