How to Spend Less Money on Groceries

Overview

Do you recoil in shock every time the cashier rings up your order at the grocery store? Or, alternatively, do you live off a diet of noodles and doughnuts, only to find that you come down with a cold every other week? Saving money doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your health. With a little planning, you can purchase the ingredients for delicious, restaurant-quality meals at a fraction of the price.

Step 1

Enter the store with a mission. Determine exactly what you need and make a list. Otherwise you're likely to get sidetracked by other tempting items.
Step 2

Don't limit yourself to one store, nor should you discount dollar stores, as those have hundreds of quality products. Find what you need at the dollar store first and then move on down the list. Major supermarkets are best for buying bulk products. Trader Joe's offers great prices on wine, frozen foods and bananas. Find cheap, great-tasting produce at your local farmers' market.
Step 3

Avoid individually-wrapped items as these are often overpriced. Instead of buying packets of oatmeal, buy a one-size container of oatmeal. Instead of buying a can of beans, buy a bag of dried beans, which usually have six or seven times the amount of servings for the same price.
Step 4

Don't waste your money on frozen and prepared foods. These are often bland and flavorless, not to mention high in sodium. Instead, shop with a recipe in mind. These meals might take a little longer to prepare, but your wallet and taste buds will thank you.
Step 5

Buy food that you know will satisfy your hunger before indulging in snacks. Too many people waste all their money buying chips and soda, then waste additional money eating out every night because they have nothing substantial in their fridge.

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Grocery list Coupons Discount card
Grocery list
Coupons
Discount card
Don't focus only on the price tag. Take serving size and ounces into consideration to make sure you're getting the most for your money. Take advantage of in-store savings. Most supermarkets offer club cards at no extra cost to you. Store brands can offer the same quality food at lower prices.
Don't focus only on the price tag. Take serving size and ounces into consideration to make sure you're getting the most for your money.
Take advantage of in-store savings. Most supermarkets offer club cards at no extra cost to you.
Store brands can offer the same quality food at lower prices.
Don't shop on an empty stomach! Don't buy too much at one time. Food will end up getting lost in your fridge, only resurfacing weeks later when you smell it.
Don't shop on an empty stomach!
Don't buy too much at one time. Food will end up getting lost in your fridge, only resurfacing weeks later when you smell it.