The Home Alternative

It seems impossible with the rising costs of food, but saving money at the store is possible. I’m not talking about a few cents here and there either. Try hundreds of dollars a month. Of course this can vary with your shopping habits and size of your family but this is a common average for people who know how to “work the system”. I’ll tell you step by step how to make those dollars stretch and come away from the store with a smile on your face.

1. Buy 2 or 3 Sunday papers every Sunday morning.

Step one is crucial. Sunday morning papers usually contain between 2 to 3 coupon booklets offering savings on variety of grocery items sold in the stores.

2. Get the weekly circulars from all grocery stores in your local area that have the sale items for the week. Paying close attention to sale items and the price difference at each store can save you a lot in the long run.

3. Match coupons with current sale items to maximize savings.

*NOTE: Pay special attention to stores who double or triple coupons. A coupon for 75 cents off an item would be the equivalent of 1.50 0ff (doubled) or 2.25 (tripled). Many items could end up being free or next to nothing by using this principle.

4.Don’t forget about your local drugstores!

Drugstores carry food items and run weekly specials on them as well.

5. Pick one day of the week to go shopping and get everything you need. Limiting grocery runs saves gas and time.

6. If something is on sale and can be coupled with a coupon, use multiple coupons and stock up on the item! This ensures that if you run out of the item, you won’t have to pay full price for another in the near future.

7. Make your list according to the sales and stick to it.

8. And most importantly…NEVER go to the grocery store hungry.

You’ve heard it before and it’s true. When you go to the store hungry, it’s proven that you’re more likely to spend more and make unnecessary purchases.

Stick to the rules and you just might come away with a little more cash in your pocket.