Shopping Strategies that Save Money

My friend Jennifer was kind enough to send me a link to an article on msnbc. I thought it was worth sharing with my frugal friends.

Here is an excerpt:

Shopping Strategies that Save Money

“The weekly trip to the grocery store is getting more expensive and there’s no relief in sight, experts say. Many shoppers are wondering how to save on their food bills, without sacrificing nutrition.

There are some strategies you can follow to help avoid grocery sticker shock, says Phil Lempert, TODAY food editor. Here’s what he suggests:

List it: Shopping with a list can save you 10 percent on unnecessary items like junk food.

Buy in bulk: But don’t buy more than you’ll use. Waste is costly too.

Simpler is better: The more processed the food, the more it costs—and, generally, the less healthy it is.

Dodge impulse traps: Stores are set up to spur impulse buying. Focus on staples such as milk, eggs, bread and canned or frozen veggies and avoid tempting cookies and cakes in the deli section.”

I personally practice each one of these strategies EXCEPT for buying in bulk. Why? Well, for one, I am not willing to pay for a Costco membership. And furthermore, since I am a serious couponer, I apply my coupons to the smallest package possible for the most savings. Sounds odd, I know, but a coupon actually has more of an impact per ounce on the least expensive item, which is usually the smallest.

So instead of buying in bulk, I prefer to stockpile multiple items when they are at their rock-bottom price combined with a coupon.

The article goes on to give helpful tips for saving on groceries without sacrificing nutrition. The author lists 10 staples, like bread, eggs, etc., and specific strategies for buying healthy options of each on a budget.

To read the full article, go here.

Happy Reading!

What tips would you add to the list?