3 Ways to Save Your Nickels and Dimes

In this economy, we could all use a few tips on how to save money. Where is it okay to skimp, and when does buying generic just not cut it? I’ve been trying to save money, specifically on groceries lately. With the rising cost of groceries across the country, I thought that’d I’d share what I have found and see if you think that it holds true and if you have any other ideas and thoughts for how to save money on your groceries.

1) I always clip coupons. Having said this, I DO NOT clip coupons for items that I don’t “need”. For example: I don’t clip coupons for Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream, or the newest IHop Coupons. The coupons that I look for are for diapers (specifically the brand that I use), yogurt, milk, and toilet paper. If it’s not something that I re-stock frequently, or not a brand that I use, I don’t even bother. Cutting these out of the paper will just be a waste of your time; you most likely won’t buy the product if you haven’t before. Furthermore, if you use the coupons but don’t like the product, it’s a possible waste of your money as well. Stick with the items you NEED.

2) When you have the opportunity, try generic brands. Don’t stock up and buy mass quantities – even if it’s on sale – unless if you’ve tried that brand/item before and know that you and your family like it. I’ve been doing this for a while, and I’ve only found one item that I wouldn’t buy the generic for again (sauerkraut). I do this mostly with frozen veggies, canned goods, and milk, although recently I’ve bought crackers, sugar, flour, and yogurts and have yet to veto a purchase. Another item in which I usually buy generic is in the over the counter medicines. Tylenol, Advil, and Vitamins all have generics. At first I was a little leary about buying generic meds. However, I’m a big believer in reading product labels for nutritional value and ingredients. What I found was that the generics have the exact same ingredients as the generics that I use. Make sure you check these out too to save more money!

3) Make a list! Before you go to the grocery store, make sure that you have thoroughly checked your refrigerator, freezer and pantry. That way, you can make your grocery list, and when you’re shopping at the store you know exactly what you need without aimlessly wandering up and down the aisles, wondering what you need. If you don’t use a list (like my mom), you’ll end up getting home only to find that you already have 3 ketchup bottles in the fridge in addition to the one you just purchased. Making a list will make your grocery shopping much more efficient and effective.

These are a few of the things that I do to keep my grocery balance in check every month. I’d love to hear ways that you save money at the grocery store!