By Karen Lynch
Over a few years of trial and error, I have learned the best ways to save money while grocery shopping. Since everyone has to eat that is one of the first and best places that everyone can cut back. We can all save money everyday on the things that we buy most.
The most important thing that I have found for saving money while grocery shopping is to make menus and lists. A little planning can go a long way towards saving money and once you get started it is very easy. Plan a weekly menu and put it in a file on your computer then write out a shopping list with everything you need for that menu with it. Every week you can just grab the list and you know exactly what you need. Stick with the list and stick with the menus. I have made up 6 or 8 different weekly menus along with shopping lists and they're just stored on my computer. Every week I just pick one and I'm ready to shop.
Next up is to take the list you have already made up and search for coupons. I find the best coupons online but there are also the Sunday newspapers, coupons that come in the mail and more. If you stick with just the preprinted list you can streamline the process by not looking at any other coupons.
When you are collecting coupons make sure that you only pick the ones that you need for that week or the ones that are on a list that you will use later. This is crucial, as many coupon shoppers end up buying and trying new things because they have a coupon and even though the manufacturers want you to do that it does not save you money. You end buying things that were not on your plan and that you do not need. Stick with the list and only cut coupons for the things that you are planning on buying anyway.
Another thing that has helped me is to make sure that I peruse the ads and the store's websites for sales and specials. Planning your shopping beforehand online saves time and money because you are focusing in on the best sales.
The last tip that I will mention is to combine manufacturers coupons with store coupons and sales. Maximizing your coupon savings can really add up quickly and most stores will allow you to use both. If any stores in your area have a double coupon day then make sure you take advantage of that also.
A summary of my top five rules for saving money while grocery shopping is to make menus and lists, collect coupons, only clip the coupons that you will absolutely use, shop websites and ads for sales and combine coupons and sales.
These tips have worked wonders for me every week as I feed my growing family. I am sure that they will work for you also.
Karen Lynch is a freelance writer who is passionate about saving money for her family. She uses Grocery Coupons, sales and rebates to maximize her savings. She shares her tips and techniques for the family budget.
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