1. It has been said before Never go to the grocery store HUNGRY! It has been estimated that most people impulse buy because something looks good at the time. 60-70% of the time the item never gets eaten.
2. Make a list of necessities that are needed such as eggs, milk, butter etc...
3. Duh, you heard it before use Coupons!
4. Have a plan on what meals you want to cook for the week.
5. If you are single or have a small family go to the butcher to portion out how many pieces of meat you plan to eat for that particular meal. You will save $$. For instance, I have a household of 2 and I if want to make chicken breast for the evening. I only purchase 2 pieces of meat unless I want to make leftovers for lunch the next day.
6. Grow your own herbs! Have you seen how much those little bunches of basil cost? Ummm, like $2.99 for less than two tablespoons.
7. You don't always have to purchase name brand items. It's almost like shopping for designer labels. Sometimes some of the best deals are the store brand and not the MOTTS, CARNATIONS, HELLMANS, MORTONS, etc... to say the least.
8. Do not purchase pre-cut packaged items such as chopped onions, chopped garlic, chopped carrots. Just take a look at the difference if you just do it yourself.
9. Check the dates on items purchased! Milk is always a huge concern. You don't want your milk to spoil after two days of purchasing. You also don't want to purchase withered produce either. Trust me! It has happened.
10. My most valuable tip. Visit your local Farmers Market once a week to get the freshest produce. If you do not plan to grow your own herbs they are very inexpensive here. You can always get really good deals if you make your purchase before the end of day. Vendors want to get these items off their hands so they will throw in an extra tomato or two. I never purchase produce from a regular grocery store unless its an emergency.
I hope these tips are helpful! Please feel free to comment below and add a few in.
