Saving at the Grocery Store Beyond Coupons and Ads

We all know about couponing and watching the weekly ads...but how about some other tips? Keep in mind that couponing is only good so far as it doesn't tempt you to buy things you wouldn't normally buy. It's also true that going to several stores to get all the deals takes extra time and extra gas. Be frugal in your couponing and deal shopping!

With that in mind, here are some other tips.....

Buy milk on sale and freeze it. (yes you can freeze it)

Buy bananas on sale and freeze your over-ripe bananas for adding to baking later.

Only shop twice a month. The less you go to the store the less likely you are to be tempted to buy other things. Less trips also cuts down on gas for your car. This doesn't mean you can't run down to the local store once a week to replenish your fresh produce supply if needed...but do your major grocery shopping only twice a month. This will save you a lot of time and money. You'll be surprised.

Shop at Costco first and then get the rest of what you need at the grocery store.

Split bulk Costco items with a friend or relative and share the price in half if it's more than you need.

Buy bulk when your budget allows.

Don't take kids with you! This naturally cuts down on the ocery bill for two reasons...they don't ask you to buy extra things and they don't distract you from figuring out the best prices.

Don't buy ready made meals/food. Prepackaged and ready made meals cost more and aren't as healthy. Make your own homemade snacks. Make your own freezer meals for nights you don't feel like cooking. OR buy just a few of Costco's ready made meals from their deli, they are healthier, lower in sodium, and much more cost effective.

Watch for in-isle coupons...they are often incredible discounts!

Pay with cash. (if you haven't heard of Dave Ramsey or haven't tried his methods, you may want to consider how it would change your grocery shopping-paying with cash keeps you from buying un-needed items. Paying with cash keeps us in a budget...which leads me to the next tip...)

Take a calculator! Figure out how much you have to spend in cash and then subtract your state's tax percentage and that's how much you have left to spend on items in your cart without going over in tax. Add up your groceries as you go. Paying with cash ties you to what you are buying emotionally and gives you the peace about spending what you have with confidence.

Shop during the week during work hours. The store is less crowded and therefor a more relaxing atmosphere. Shopping while you are stressed by all the people you are fighting to get your cart past down an isle will only cause you to rush and grab. Try to hit the stores when it's the least crowded.

If you must take small children with you, swing by the children's books first (or bring your own) to keep them occupied in the cart. Don't take babies during nap time! Mornings are usually kid's happiest times...go when they are happy! I don't understand these people who shop during the dinner hour when their kids are hungry or at bed time (OR LATER) when their kids are tired and cranky. Again, keep the stress level down so you can take your time to get good prices.