VeggieVox™

When it comes to monthly expenses, grocery bills are up there on the list. Many times we rush to the store when we only need a few things and we end up buying twice as much as we intended.

It may be the impulse buys we snag when we are hungry or some items that seem like a good deal at the time. If we put just a small amount of effort into it, it’s possible to find many ways to reduce the cost of our grocery bills with minimal effort.

Just follow these ten quick and easy tips to saving money on your groceries:

1. Shop the sales. Wait for items to go on sale and try to avoid paying full price if you can help it. Keep an eye on the broccoli or green beans or whatever your favorite foods are. Many times the stores will put them on sale for as low as 99 cents a pound! Consider canned or frozen veggies when your favorite fresh veggies are too expensive.
   
   Also, don’t be afraid of the clearance cart or discount shelves. Just because items are marked down considerably doesn’t mean they are expired, damaged, or disgusting. In fact, many times it’s just a small imperfection in the packaging or a manufacturer’s decision to discontinue a product that lands it in the clearance pile.
2. Buy only what you will eat. Reduce waste by purchasing less, even if it means getting less of a deal on your purchases. You may have to go to the store a little more frequently if you buy smaller portions, but you’ll feel better about it than you would if you threw away half a gallon of milk or a whole container of buy-one-get-one-free strawberries.
3. Use coupons when available. Some grocery stores even double coupons, so you can get items for a fraction of the cost. Although it is rare to find a coupon for fresh veggies, you will be sure to find coupons for top brands of canned or frozen vegetables. Also, the Entertainment Book often includes coupons to grocery stores as well.
4. Combine coupons with what’s on sale. It seems that coupons are one phase of an advertiser’s promotion, and reduced prices in the market are another. Try to find the overlapping time period when both are in effect. You can knock so much off your grocery bill by doing this!
5. Shop at the local farmers’ market rather than in your grocery store. Many times you can get food that’s just as fresh (if not fresher!) for a fraction of the cost. On another note, you’ll also be helping local agriculture and area farmers to survive and thrive. You might also check out local fruit and vegetable stands on your drive home from work.
6. Buy in bulk, when appropriate. If you have a big family, or a big party coming up, buying in bulk may save you bundles. Sometimes you can freeze what you don’t use, getting the most out of your purchases. You may also consider teaming up with a neighbor and sharing large packages of the products you’d like to buy.
7. Unless it really matters, don’t be brand conscious. A lot of times products with better known branding end up charging the consumers more than very similar products in the store’s brand. And when it comes down to it, store brand cleaners and brand name cleaners perform virtually the same job.
8. Avoid prepared meals when possible and make your own instead. Packaged meals, casseroles, and other prepared foods typically cost more than buying the ingredients individually and cooking or baking your own meals or treats. Be especially wary of the bakery department!
9. Stick to your list and avoid impulse buys. Perhaps the best way to do this is to refuse to shop when you are hungry, and of course, to leave your kids at home! Buy only what you need if you are low on cash. Also, try to limit your shopping excursions to once every two weeks instead of weekly. You’ll find it easier to reduce those impulse purchases!
10. Grow your own! Team up with a garden co-op or work with whatever space you have available in your own yard or home. Grow plants from seeds or from small starter plants and at the end of the season you can harvest your own seeds for next year’s crop. Even if you live in an apartment without a backyard, you can still grow fresh herbs in flowerpots and planters on your windowsill. Just get creative and save some money!

About the Author: Kathryn M. D’Imperio is a freelance writer and owner of LifeLoveBeauty.com.