How to Save On Your Grocery Bill

The one thing that can really eat into the family budget is the grocery bill. Over the years, I have developed a few of my own strategies for saving money on my family’s grocery bill. I currently save from $1,100.00 to $1,600.00 a year on groceries for my family of four. I know this for a fact because I have been keeping an Excel Spreadsheet of all my grocery expenses for the past 5 years. Here are some of my simple strategies:

1. Find the grocery store that offers consistently lower prices. You might have to travel a bit but studies show that you can reduce your grocery costs by 10 – 20 percent without any coupons. Increase your savings by selecting stores brands whenever possible.
2. Keep a running list of items you need or are out of on your fridge. This helps ensure that you only pick up items on the list. It also helps to simplify the process.
3. Cut coupons. Don’t be shy – ask your family and friends for coupons they won’t use. You can also maximize your coupons by joining websites that offer free coupons. Just remember to only cut coupons for products that you normally purchase.
4. Buy meat in bulk. Cutting up your own meat may seem like a big hassle until you do the math. Some stores can charge up to 50% more for smaller pre-packaged meat. Lets face it, you're paying for the convince. Even if you’re single, cutting up your own meat translates into big savings.
5. Know what the store specials are. Check the papers for in-store specials and stock up. When my store has a sale on boneless skinless chicken breast for $1.79 per pound, you can bet I’ll buy 10lbs or more and cut it up myself.
6. Look for reduced items for quick sale. Many stores reduce their perishables for quick sales on certain days such as Mondays. If you can beat those “grey panthers” you just may snag yourself a good deal.
7. Find an outlet store. This bread store has proved to be one of the biggest savings to our budget yet. Our family likes bread – all kinds of bread so I was thrilled when I found an outlet store 12 miles from our home because I can save up to 75% off the cost of bread. And because the cost is so cheap, I can afford to buy all the best brands from brick oven to raisin bread to bagels and english muffins etc. This store alone saved me over $130.00 in 2006!
8. Don’t buy toiletries and cleaning products at the supermarket. Here is where you really save a lot of money. I have found that buying my toiletries, cleaning products and paper goods at a retail giant (and you know who I’m talking about), will actually save you a ton of money. Don’t forget to double dip and use all your coupons too.
9. Invest in a Slow Cooker. Slow Cookers love cheaper cuts of meats so you can save lots of money! I discovered this a few years ago and have been amazed by the results ever since. Not only does it save you time in the kitchen while providing your family a good home cooked meal but does so with the cheapest cuts of meats possible. Buy yourself a good cookbook and find a few recipes that your family will enjoy and you’ll be the hero.