Do you have trouble finding ways to save money while shopping? These 10 simple tips will help you prepare for your shopping trips and help you save a little extra cash in the process!
Save money at the grocery store by clipping coupons from the newspaper. Buy a newspaper on the weekends and search for coupons, but only use a coupon if it is on your list or something that you need.
Sign up for the grocery store e-mail list or pick up a flier on your way into the store. Receive special discounts for signing up this way! Use flyers and newsletters to help plan meals and create your shopping list, and save on expensive items such as produce and meat.
You can sign up for coupons on grocery store websites. Go to grocery websites such as www.coupons.com and print them out, but remember to only search for coupons on the things you need.
Use the member card and start saving right away! Receive special discounts at checkout. Some even offer savings on gas or have a point system to get further discounts. You can often use your phone number in place of the card if you forget to bring it.
Most of the generic brands at various grocery stores taste just as good and cost much less. Buy the generic brands of foods such as canned goods, cereals, pasta, and other packaged goods to save money. Generic Greek yogurt can often be less expensive!
Buy produce in-season whenever possible. It's usually less expensive and more fresh! In-season produce is often local, which aids in serving local farms and cuts back on environmental damage. Often when produce is not in season it is being shipped long distances.
Compare prices to determine the best deal. Use unit price if there are two similar items on the shelf. The key is to divide the total price by ounces to get the price per ounce. Pick the item with the smallest price per ounce!
Some items are marked as ‘manager’s special’ or ‘clearance’ offering a huge discount. Use caution! Use discounted meat or produce right away.
Markdowns may also mean the packaging is damaged, not the goods.
Look for the buy one get one free or BOGO deals. This is great if you are buying something that you eat often and has a longer expiration date.
This could include canned goods or packaged items such as cereal or pasta.
The bulk bins are often less expensive because they require less packaging. Things like whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit can be found in the bulk section and are all healthy additions to an athlete’s diet.
