It’s easy to spend more than you really to need to spend when you shop for food. These tips will help you keep your food bill down:
Watch the Sale Papers
In most areas, you’ll start to get the feel for when certain items go on sale. For example, in the warmer months, meat often goes on sale before Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, because people barbeque on these holidays. These are good opportunities to stock up, especially if you have a large freezer. You’ll also notice that turkeys and hams go on sale after Thanksgiving and Christmas, so this is the perfect time to purchase one or the other for Easter. Certain meets will also be offered at sales prices throughout the rest of the year, especially ground beef and chicken. Other items also fall into a pattern as well. If you consistently check the sales ads, you’ll soon discover the best times to purchase different items to achieve the greatest savings.
Do You Know about Comps?
Some grocery stores offer “comps.” This simply means that if you find the same product on sale cheaper at another store, you can bring the add with you and get the product for the competitor’s price. Instead of running from store to store to get good deals, you can get everything you need in one stop and still take advantage of sales. Many Wal-Mart stores engage in this practice, so check with your local super center.
Don’t Go to the Grocery Store Hungry
The best advice is to never go shopping when you’re hungry. You are bound to buy more than necessary. You are also likely to buy more snacks and than real food, because everything looks tempting when you’re hungry. Have a bite to eat before you head off to the store, and it will be much easier to stick to your list.