General Shopping Tips

Plan everything: Your meals for the week, your trip to the grocery store, everything. Avoid impulse buying. Beware of sale specials. Not all things on sale are being sold for less than your should pay. If a sale item sells out, be sure to ask for a raincheck. Avoid shopping directly after work, before holidays, or on normal paydays. Stock up on items you need when they are on sale, so you won't be forced to buy them at a premium when you need them. Be careful not to shop just because you deserve a shopping spree. Shopping garage sales, yard sales, and thrift stores can net you great items that you couldn't afford to buy retail. Know what a good price is for an item. Keep a book of prices for items you shop for regularly. Shop around. No one store will have the best price for everything you need. Be aware of “Unit prices”. These will usually tell you which choice is the better deal. Never, ever pay full price for an item. Pay attention as your purchases are being rung at the register. Make sure you are charged correctly. Don't just shop for gifts before the holiday. Shop year round and store the items until they will be given. Leave easily-used items such as checks and credit cards at home as you shop. Give yourself and your spouse an equal allowance to spend for the week. Stick to this budget.

Grocery Shopping

Do an inventory of what you have already so you don't buy things you don't need. Plan the spending accordingly. Prepare your menu for the week based on the food you already have and sales you know about. Take advantage of store savings cards, or join co-ops or shopping clubs if offered in your area. Larger stores usually have lower prices due to volume discounts. Avoid grocery shopping at convenience stores. Shopping is best done: Early in the morning On a full stomach Alone Shop the sales and look for unadvertised specials. Take advantage of each store's loss leaders. Most expensive items are usually shelved at eye level. Look lower or higher for the better deals. If you find a product you use on a normal basis on sale, buy in bulk to last you until it goes on sale again. Generic or store brands are usually almost identical to name brands, without the advertising. Take advantage of this knowledge. Be aware of expiration dates on products.