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Save Money on Grocery Shopping -Tips for a Tight Budget
It is easy to overspend when grocery shopping. It’s probably the place where we do the most impulse shopping. So we tend to buy things we don’t really need and there goes the budget. If you would like to be a more frugal shopper, here are some things that will help guide you when buying groceries.
Make A List
Most People have certain things they eat regularly. So making a basic menu plan should be fairly simple. You know you have to eat dinner 7 times this week. So write down 7 dinners. Think about what you need to make those things. Make a list. Look in your pantry and fridge to see what basics you are out of. It helps to keep an ongoing list inside your cupboard of things as you run out of them. Making a list will help make sure that you get everything in one trip. Statistics show that you spend more the more trips you make to the store. When you go in for one item that you are out of, and you come out with a whole lot of other things. Plan to go grocery shopping two to three times a month. Sometimes it will be necessary to shop in between trips to the grocery store. If you have a problem with impulse buying, then maybe try getting your milk and bread at a convenience store where there is less to tempt you.
Should You Buy Already Prepared Food
It is usually better to cook from scratch when you have a large family. When I cook for my family it is generally cheaper to not use prepared foods. A big pot of stew is very inexpensive to make, but to buy cans of stew can run into money. However, if the choice is between going out to eat or prepared foods, then definitely prepared is better.
When it was just me and my husband, it was probably cheaper to buy prepared foods rather than buy all the different ingredients that we would need for a smaller batch. The food almost always went bad before we could use it, because there just wasn’t enough people to eat it. You can only have spaghetti for so many nights in a row.
Buy Basic Food Products
It is healthier and more cost effective to buy more basic things when shopping for groceries. Buying a bag of rice will save you money compared to a box of flavored rice. The prepared foods usually contain preservatives that are not good for your body. If you prepare the food yourself, then you can control exactly what is in it. Oatmeal is allot less expensive than instant oatmeal and it is better for you. Processing takes allot of nutrients out of food and it is quite a bit more expensive. Although, if you are not willing to take the extra time it takes to cook these foods, then this tip will not be helpful for you.
Check Adds Before You Go
Check your adds regularly. This will help you to know what is a good deal and what is not. Some stores are better to buy certain items at than others. I have a particular store that always has eggs on sale for a good price. That’s the only place I will buy eggs. Grocery stores adds start on the same day every week for the most part. Planning your menus around these specials can help you save as you shop. Generally the front page of the ad has the best deals. They’re designed to get your attention and make you want to come to that store. Just because an item is in the add does not mean it’s a good deal, that is why you need to check them regularly. Buying produce in season will also help you save money. If it is something you can freeze, then do so. Out of season fruits and vegetables are expensive and not good quality.
Store Discount Cards and Coupons
Many grocery stores have cards that give you a discount on certain items, especially items that are advertised in their ads at a sale price. If you don’t have a card, you’ll be charged a higher price, which is listed in the ad in tiny print beside the item’s picture. The cards are useful to shoppers. Many stores have registers that print out coupons for future purchases of items that you have bought that day if you are using the store card. The cards are easy to get; you have to fill out a sheet with some basic information at the register or customer service desk, and then just remember to use the card when you check out.
If you get the Sunday newspapers, it often includes coupons for dollars off on groceries. Most coupons are for processed foods and new products, but you can find them for many different items. You can use a coupon while an item is on sale, so you can double your savings. It does take a little organization though. If you’re on a budget, however, you could save quite a lot of money if you buy several items on sale with coupons.
Take A Calculator
How many times have you been shocked by the price at the register and wondered what did I buy? Well taking a calculator with you to shop could help you if you’re on a budget, especially if you’re an impulse buyer or have small children who distract you while you shop. If you’re good at math, you can try to keep a running total. But if your like me, a calculator would be great. As you add an item to your basket, punch the price in the calculator. Using a calculator will help you to make wiser choices; if you see that your total is rising rapidly, you can put something back and choose a lower priced item. Using the calculator will prevent any shock at the register.
Compare Brands
Many grocery stores have their own brand name products, and these products are usually made by well-known manufacturers. Store brand products are almost always less expensive than name brand products, and if you look at the ingredients, they are probably identical. Buy one of the store brand products, taste it, and if you like it you can save money next time you need that item. You can save by buying store brands on food, over-the-counter medicines, cleaners, and other household products. It is common for stores to put all of their store brand products on sale at one time.
Larger Quantity
If a grocery store puts a nonperishable item on sale at a very low price, buy extras. Basic foods like flour, sugar, beans, rice, canned and frozen goods will last quite a while if you use them regularly. If you buy enough, then you won’t have to buy it when it’s not on sale.
Buy your snack items in bulk instead of putting money in a vending machine regularly. Joining a wholesale club means you must purchase a member’s card, but a few trips to the club can save you lots of money if you buy items you use frequently in quantity. The clubs offer samples of certain items frequently, so you are able to try something before you buy it. This is great, because you don’t want to buy a ton of something you might not like.
On Sale
Just because it is on sale, doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. If it is not something you usually eat, then it may not be a great sale for you. When Kellogg’s goes on sale, it still may not be as cheap as the private label brand that you usually buy. You can save by buying items on sale, but it won’t be a savings if you don’t like the product. Only buy food that you know you or your family will eat or you will have wasted your money. Be careful that you don’t buy large quantities of perishable items. If half of it gets waisted before you eat it, you won’t have saved any money. Always check the date on sale items. It is very common for stores to put product on sale when they are close to going out of date.
Don’t Go To The Store Hungry
Make sure you have already eaten when you go to the store. Everything looks good when your hungry and your grocery bill will show it. It’s easier to resist junk food when your tummy is full.
When you have a plan, you are one step closer to sticking to your budget.
She is the mother of 5 children ranging from 18 yrs. down to 14 months. She is also the author of a variety of articles about family life with children. From babies to teens, she enjoys sharing ideas about what works for her.
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Money Saving Techniques – Save Money; Save Out Living!
When you keep part of your earning safely to meet futuristic needs, it is said that you are saving.
There are many factors that necessitates saving and it ranges from the purchasing of an automobile to acquiring a home, whatever the case might be, it is always good to save.
The list of the different saving techniques can not be exhausted, but you can choose the one that suits you most from the different methods explained here:
1. One of the major ways of keeping money for futuristic uses is to start an account for saving. This method has to do with putting some amount in your account which you can collect at any time. The balance left in the account is used to calculate the rate of interest added. the savings account system can be used to save money fro present or futuristic uses.
2. You can also decide to use an interest based current account which gives you an advantage of withdrawing with cheques or ATM. you have to always leave aparticular balance in the account daily; so that it can yield interest.
3. There is another type of saving that will perfectly suit you if a long term saving is what you want – this is the insured account of money markets. Since it is for a long term basis, the financial institution give a high interest rate. It is advisable for one to put a huge sum in accounts like these to incur maximum profit.
4. Then, one can also lend money to financial institutions for a specified period and after this period the money is repayed with interest. The duration of the loan determines the rate of interest added.
There are two major types of financial institutions to save with, you can either use the banks or Insurance company, depending on your plan. The interest rate of the latter seems better, you should investigate before choosing the one that offers a better rate.
The most important fact one should consider while saving, is that, a long term saving method should be used when futuristic projects are planned, this way the money is not tampered with. Always do a good search to find out which financial institution offers the best before making your choice.
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Your Children and Grandchildren Must Learn to Save Money
The first place to prevent life destroying debt should begin with your children and grandchildren. There is no better way to prevent debt than to have enough money to buy all you need with cash.
Teach your children how to save money at an early age and you will save them a lifetime of heartache. By starting this vital training during childhood it will become nature to them in their adult life.
You will find 5 tips below on how you can teach your children to save money from an early age:
1. Start by teaching children the meaning of money. As soon as they can count they possess the ability to grasp the meaning of real money. Be consistent, simple and creative with your lessons. This will help them remember what they have been taught. For example you can look at a favorite toy catalogue with them or even take them to the store and let them see that the prices on the toys represent real money needed if they want to purchase the toy. Encourage them to save towards a toy they liked. Help them make a simple budget based on their allowance. Setting so much of it aside in a special savings for this toy. They will begin to see that money is something worth thinking about and organizing towards their needs and wants.
2. Help them understand the value of saving money. Explain its importance and how it will impact their life. Always be ready to answer their questions about money. The best teacher is experience if you are practicing good money management they will be much more receptive to learning how to do it themselves.
3. Give them their allowances in different denominations. Showing them the value of each so they will learn the differences and further their understanding of the value of money.
4. Teach them to work for money. Whether you do this by a weekly wage / allowance or pay them for individual chores around the house it will teach them that money is something they get in return for their work efforts and should be respected and spent intelligently. If they don’t do their chores they don’t get their money sending them the clear message – no work no wages.
5. Teach them to save money. Give them piggy banks where they can put coins and wait until they get full. Open a bank account for them and let them deposit money from their allowance on a regular basis. Then keep them motivated by showing them how much they have saved and any interest it has earned. This will help to further their education in managing and organizing the income they generate.
Teaching your children and grandchildren how to save money will be a life long process requiring patience and imagination from you. But it will be worth every bit of the effort.
Sincerely, Debbie Ducker
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Main Tips To Save Money In A Recession
It\’s no doubt that we\’re in a recession – prices are up, spending is down; people are being laid off left and right. It\’s a pretty scary situation for everyone and can leave you needing emergency cash when you never thought you would. Now is the time to get pro-active and start saving as much money as you can. This way, you can create an emergency fund to cushion you and your family during difficult times. Here are 7 simple ways to save money in a recession.
1. Do all of your errands on one day – If possible, save your errands (shopping, paying bills, visiting the post office, etc) in one day. For more details www.lose-10-pounds-quick.com This will help you save gas by getting everything accomplished while you\’re out rather than making several trips a week to the same area for different things!
2. Rather than going to the movies, order a Pay-Per-View movie through your cable or satellite company. You\’ll be at home, so you\’ll have your own snacks already, you\’ll avoid paying for a small drink and you\’ll save gas by staying home.
3. Purchase of brand items at the grocery store. Most of the time, the products are exactly the same and when you buy the more expensive brand, you\’re paying for the name only. You can literally save hundreds of dollars each year by purchasing off brand products.
4. Search for clothing at local thrift stores and garage sales. This is an especially great idea if you have young children. For more details www.fire-itup.com They grow so quickly that there\’s not much sense in purchasing expensive clothing that they will only be able to wear for a few months. You can often find brand new or gently used and brand name clothing at thrift stores and garage sales.
5. Pay your bills online to save stamps and money on envelopes. While this doesn\’t seem like a lot of money saved, it definitely adds up. Another advantage of paying your bills online is that it\’s eco-friendly. It\’s also secure, so you don\’t have to worry about your personal information getting out.
6. If you\’re expecting a new baby (or already have a small child), try to get items for your baby through friends and family members. Most people know someone who has a child quickly outgrowing clothing, shoes, baby bathtubs, toys, etc. If you can\’t get the items free, offer to pay a fair amount – you can still save a lot of money by doing it this way rather than buying the items brand new.
7. Use coupons. A lot of people think that clipping coupons is really irritating and time consuming, but you can save thousands of dollars each year by using coupons. Another tip is to save your coupons for double or triple coupon day at your local grocery store. You can really save a lot of money with this trick.
If you follow these tips, you can really save a lot of money. The pennies, nickels and dimes will really add up over time. With the economy and jobs being the way they are, you never know when you will need your emergency fund!
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Can The Digital Switchover Help Save Money During the Credit Crisis?
The economy is sliding, and people across the globe are subsequently feeling the effects. So it makes sense that an increasing number of households in the UK and beyond are implementing a budget plan to save money. Many families are cutting out unnecessary costs such as holidays, while others are trying to economise with everyday costs such as utility and food-shopping bills. But can certain purchases actually help you save money during the credit crisis?
While spending money on new home items seems to defeat the purpose of economising during the credit crunch, certain smart buys can actually help save you money in the long run. Energy-efficient light bulbs pose one example. You’ll initially have to purchase all the light bulbs for your house; but once you replace all your regular light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs, you’ll save on your electricity bills.
Purchasing with an eye on special deals is another way to save money. For instance, if you know your family goes through a certain item quickly, and you notice that item on special offer at the store as a bulk-buy, you should make the purchase. Even though you’ll spend more money than usual up front, it’ll end up costing you less in the long run.
Likewise, satellite and digital TV can help save you money during the economic slump – particularly if you tend to spend a lot of money going out to movies. Think about how much you might spend on a movie ticket and dinner in a restaurant then compare that cost to a home-made meal and a movie on satellite television. The savings are apparent, and the financial benefits clear: satellite and digital television can save you a considerable amount on entertainment costs. And because digital TV offers more channels, better picture quality and interactive features compared to standard television, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on entertainment.
In addition to saving on entertainment costs, switching over to digital TV now will help save you on extra television equipment later. That’s because by 2012, TV in the UK will – region by region – go completely digital. That means all televisions will have to make a digital switchover in time for the digital switch in their area. Not switching over might mean you need to buy extra equipment – like a set-up box – if you want to use a TV after switchover, and that means extra costs later on.
So if you’re trying to save money during the economic crisis, get smart about your purchases. Make the satellite and digital switchover, and save on entertainment and equipment costs by enjoying a variety of channels on high-definition TV at home. It may prove to be one of the wisest purchases you can make during the credit slump.
Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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Hey everyone! Here are some money saving tips. I know a lot of people are finding it hard with tight budgets and everything, so here are some things you can do. They all wont work in every situation, but try them out this month, and see what you think! Don’t forget to write below what your suggestions are! Follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/jazzgirl555 xoxo -jg
How Women Can Save Money at Home
If you are like most women today, one of your main problems is how to save money on everything from groceries to birthday presents. Millions of families are living paycheck to paycheck, and chances are if you aren’t one of them, you know someone who is.
There are dozens of ways you can help cut expenses and live within a tighter budget, without compromising the quality of your life. Try adding just a few news money saving ideas a week. Save money at home, and you might even find enough left over to finally start that savings plan we all wish we had now!
Save Money on Groceries
Make one day a week your food prep day. Create a menu for the week and use it to prep lunch foods for the kids, purchase the right ingredients for dinners and bake snacks or breakfast foods that can be used in lunches or reheated during the busy work week. A little bit of planning can save you big bucks on the cost of food. For the average family, that’s hundreds a month.
DON’T stop at the store on your way home every night. I have found myself spending an easy 0 extra a week that way! Make your food purchases once a week (this is where that planning comes in!) and avoid the last minute runs. Have you EVER actually walked out with just that one carton of eggs you walked in for?
Reduce waste. Most Americans throw away half their food. Can you imagine cutting your food bill in half? That’s thousands a year. Invest in those green bags for your produce, (yes, they really work) make a list of leftovers on the refrigerator door so they don’t get lost in the back, dish your kids half of what you normally would and let them come back for more rather than throw it away. Same goes for pouring them milk or juice.
Save Money on Kids
Save money on kid’s clothes by looking for bargains and not buying on impulse. Watch end of the season sales, and buy 2 sizes larger on average for the next year. Short sleeve shirts can be used year round layered under sweatshirts or with longer sleeves, so they are always a good buy on clearance. Check out those thrift stores while the kids are at school and score them some brand name gently used clothing for just a few dollars. They don’t have to know where they came from if it bothers them.
Young kids are perfectly happy with budget minded activities to keep them busy. Nothing wrong with whipping up a homemade batch of playdough or bubbles, in fact, they might enjoy that just as much as playing with them! Keep a box of craft supplies to pull out when they need an imagination day. Pick up glue sticks, crayons and scissors in bulk when school supplies are on sale to last all year. Save magazines for them to cut up and make collages. Reuse computer paper and allow them to draw on the backside. Use the internet to find sites that offer free computer games, or instructions to games your kids can play. A good one is http://www.funattic.com/.
Older kids and teenagers seem to think they always need the latest and greatest video games. They don’t. Last years games at half the price are just as fun this year. Don’t let the “keeping up with the Joneses kids” mentality drive your judgment. Kids today have WAY more then they probably should anyway. Fun is great, but make sure they understand the whole “I want it all, and I want it now” mentality is what got our country in this mess! And by the way…they will not die if they have to wait for a birthday or holiday to get them, either. Despite what your 13 year old would like you to believe. Another money saving tip for gaming? Ebay. Just make sure you check out the sellers ratings to be sure you are dealing with a legitimate business.
Save Money on Household
Trim your electric bill by cutting back on energy usage. Turn off your computer, especially your monitor when not in use. Letting is run all night in an unused room is a big waste. Turn down your thermostat just a couple of degrees and save 20% on your bill. Sew quilted window coverings to insulate your number one energy leak.
Save on restaurants by planning your trips on free kid’s night. Ask for water with lemon instead of soft drinks. If your local restaurant has a half price appetizers hour, make it a meal on just a few dollars. Look for the most value for your dollar. Our local Mexican restaurant makes a nacho appetizer that is so large it can easily be shared by four for a filling meal, and it’s less than .
When making major household purchases, make sure you do your research. Look for stores that offer a price match if you find a better deal. Floor models sell for a lot less and work just the same. Most experts say save your money when it comes to the extended warranty…if something is going to go wrong, it probably will while its still covered by the manufacturers warranty. Don’t underestimate your ability to repair things. The internet is packed full of websites and forums that will walk you through household repairs and even tell you what parts you need. Look for furniture on Craiglist. Don’t feel like you have to buy every piece of furniture you need at once, take your time and find a bargain.
Now that you have started implementing a plan to save your family money, consider learning to make extra money as well to help you put away for a rainy day, pay for your children’s lessons and classes, or to pay down debt. Remember, ANY woman can learn to make money on the internet, no matter how tight her budget, even if she’s just getting her surfing feet wet, and using what she already knows!
For free ideas for women learning to make money on the internet, visit Kathy at http://www.women-on-the-net.com.
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