Frugal Tips For Grocery Shopping

After making a trip to the grocery store and seeing the continued escalation of food prices, I thought this would be a good time to remind all of us, me included of tips for saving money!

• I ALWAYS make a list and stick to it!
• While making my list, I go clip the coupons for items on my list and put them in a envelope to carry with me.
• I buy almost all store brands, unless I have a coupon on a national brand that brings the price lower then the store brand.
• Look at the unit price on the items you are buying, sometimes it is not less expensive to buy a larger package or can.
• I do not go to the store if I have not had breakfast or lunch, depending on the time of day I am running other errands.
• I am growing my own fresh herbs.
• The local farmer's market is now open. If you have one in your area, call some friends and carpool together for really fresh produce at (usually better prices), you still have to know your prices.
• Also, shopping with a friend or two lets you share larger purchases and split the amount.
• When checking out at the grocery store, ask the checker to wait if your cart isn't unloaded, so you can watch the prices as they scan. The store I shop at will give you one item free, is it scans incorrectly.
• Buy reduced bakery products and freeze them as soon as you get home. I have also purchased some reduced meat if it still looks and smells good. I rinse the meat when I get home and package for the freezer if I am not using that day.
• If you can do it, shop once a month or at least every two weeks, this really does save me money.
• Clean out the refrigerator, before shopping and use up what you have.
• I purchased some of the green bags advertised on TV at the local Bed Bath and Beyond store, so I did not have to pay shipping. They really work at giving my produce a longer storage life!