Grocery Savings

When you mention savings at the grocery store, most people think of the TV show Extreme Couponing. Simply put, extreme couponing is paying $200 for over $1,000 worth of groceries. While tempting, cutting coupons for hours a day isn’t for everyone. Here are some tips on building a better tradition without using up all the time:

Plan meals in advance
One of the easiest ways to plan a shopping list is to work backwards. Start by planning a few meals you and your family would like to have over the next several days, and then list the required ingredients for those meals.

Shop once a week
If you know this is your once-a-week visit to the grocery store you are more likely to plan and make a complete list so as to avoid a trip again later in the week.

Use coupons You don’t have to be an extreme coupon cutter to save $5 or $10 dollars a week. Over time the savings will add up. To avoid cutting coupons, use websites like retailmenot.com for quick savings.

Stay away from the inside of the storeUnless targeting something very specific. Stick to the perimeter of the store, for the most part, stocking up on meats and fish, dairy and produce. This keeps any of those tempting junk foods from jumping out at you.

Make it a game! Building the tradition of financial fitness doesn’t have to be a bore. Visit moneyfittips.com and share your tips on our forums.

The Mint Makes It First, It’s up To You to Make It Last,
-Jainie-