I’m going to let you in an a little secret: I’m not a professional couponer. As a matter of fact, I would never even consider myself a “couponer” at all, I just like to save money. I know some people do not consider it saving money until it’s at least 60% that they’ve saved on their grocery bill… To me, it’s not about saving 40% – 80% on your bill, it’s about just saving money in general… every little bit helps.
Below, I will share with you 5 tips I’ve learned along the way, that will save you money on your grocery bill:
1. Make A Grocery List
A grocery list is important in the saving money process. Why? You end up cutting out all the junk that isn’t needed. You are more likely to stick to what you need and have written down, rather than just buying random things because it looks good. Try it! Sit down and really plan out what you need and stick to it, you will be amazed at how much you will save this way.
2. Buy Store Brands.
Sometimes name brand items can be cheaper when you have a coupon to go along with them, but for the times you don’t, buying store brand items can really save you 10-50 cents on just one specific item. Let’s be honest, can you really tell a difference? Buying store brand items are always a sure money saver when you don’t have coupons.
3. Print Up Coupons
The Sunday paper isn’t your only resource for coupons, believe it or not. Although a lot of manufacture coupons can be found in the sunday paper, they can also be found online! Two of my favorite “go to” websites for coupons is Southern Savers and True Couponing and there may even be local ones. Souther Savers is my first choice and here’s why: You can pick what store you want to browse (Publix, Kroger, Target, Bi-lo, Food Lion, Walmart & more) and see the current deals. It might take a little getting used to especially with all the terminology but it’s not too hard to figure out. If you’re stuck and confused, just browse this post that explains the difference between all the abbreviations.
Bargain hunters can also use a Pottery Barn coupon code for deals on household items.
If you don’t want to browse any of the sites that I mentioned, you can also browse for coupons on actual Brand’s websites. I know a lot of brands have an actual coupon page that may just require you to sign up to their newsletter or something like that, and then receive $1.00 off. Do a little bit of digging around and you will be saving money in no time.
4. Prepare Before You Shop
Before you go to the grocery store, prepare yourself. Make a list, print up your coupons, plan out a few meals that you want to make that week. Think about all of the favorites in your house. Make sure you have all the “staple” items in your house and go from there. Be wise with coupons. Just because something is on sale, does not mean you have to buy it either. It will not save you any money if you are buying things that will not be used.
Another great way to prepare before you shop, eat something! Think I’m kidding? Going to the grocery store on an empty stomach is not only bad for your wallet, it’s bad for the food you buy. You really think you’re going to eat those chocolate covered banana chips any other time? Doubt it. Do yourself a favor and have a snack before you shop.
5. Compare Grocery Store Prices
If you don’t have a specific store you like to shop out, do some comparing. Sometimes the items you actually buy may be a whole lot cheaper at another store. More often than not, a grocery store will actually price match if you see an item cheaper somewhere else! If you do, make note of it and let them know. Grocery stores can be very competitive in their prices and you might be surprised with how cheaper some items are if you just shop around.
Do you have any special tips or tricks to saving money on your grocery bill?
10 COMMENTS
Caitlin
13 years agoAll great tips! I make our dinner plan for the entire paycheck, and even include leftovers nights so we always eat all of our groceries and don’t waste.
One thing I do to save money is we have at least 2 vegetarian meals a week. It saves money on buying meat!
Jessica
13 years ago AUTHORGreat idea Caitlin. We currently rock the vegetarian option for most of our meals here.
Bex
13 years agoSafeway used to be the most expensive store in town. But ever since they started their “Just for You” savings and allowed you to add coupons right to your store card, they are actually becoming my favorite place to shop! It pays to use your favorite stores online resources too.
Jessica
13 years ago AUTHORExactly! I’m a huge fan of publix now due to the fact that they have a lot of BOGO deals. It makes it very much worth it.
Kaydee
13 years agoGreat tips! I also meal plan the best I can taking into consideration eating out for special occasions or family bbqs and other fun things. Sometimes you don’t realize how those fun activities can add up, so I cut back a little when I know a function is coming up.
Jessica
13 years ago AUTHORGreat idea! They do add up, don’t they?
Kaydee
13 years agoI always keep the inserts with restaurant coupons until they expire because you never know where someone is going to pick to eat out. Our family tradition for the, um ‘older’ crowd is to have birthday dinner together, some months there are quite a few dinners so you never know when a coupon will come in handy.
Jamie Leigh via Facebook
13 years agoI have a tip. I joined a coupon train on babycenter.com. You’re given someones address and you send whatever coupons you won’t use to them and someone else is sending to you. I just got over 100 coupons in the mail yesterday and it’s obly week 1. We do this for 6 weeks!
via Facebook
13 years agoGreat idea Jamie. Where can we find out more information about this?
Tamie
13 years agoThese are great tips. My best tips other than the ones above is:
1: Limit your trips to the store. The more you go to the store, the more you spend. How many times have you gone in to the store to get milk and come out spending $20? It adds up.
2: Only use coupons on things you would normally buy. If you wouldn’t normally buy it and you buy it because you have a coupon, it is not a good deal.