Don't waste money on prepared foods. They're usually loaded with sodium so instead, prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them, or double a recipe when cooking, and freeze the second for a hectic day coming up.
Buy produce that's fresh, inexpensive and in season. You get good buys and your family gets the freshest food. Lots of variety that way too.
The highest markup items on the shelves are at about eye level. Reach up or kneel down to select the cheaper house or generic brands.
Try to shop when you're alone and stick to what you wrote down on your list.
Shop early in the day. You get through the store faster with your list and spend less. The more time you spend in the store, the more money you'll spend.
Avoid shopping for food when you're hungry; you'll buy more.
Clip coupons. You'll also find coupons in women's and general-interest magazines.
Keep those coupons with you! There's nothing worse than not having that money saving coupon with you on your shopping trip.
Take advantage of in-store coupon displays and the machines that spew them.
Take for today and one for later.
Call the toll-free numbers on your favorite products' labels and tell the customer-service rep how much you enjoy them. Some reps will offer cents-off (or even free) coupons for the product itself; if not, be sure to ask.
Seek out supermarkets that will double -- some super stores even triple -- the face value of manufacturers' coupons. But be careful. Don't drive to far with the price of gas these days, beware of how far your driving. .15 cents off wouldn't be worth driving 10 miles for.
Some retailers guarantee that if the item doesn't ring up at the correct price, you get it for free or at a discount. Play close attention to the price scanner when you're checking out.
Always get a rain check if a sale item is gone.
Check your store for a small section where they discount products that aren't as popular as the manufacturer had hoped. You can save a bundle on these items.
Shop with a calculator. That way, you can figure whether the bigger size really is saving you money verses the smaller one.
Request price matching. Find a store in your area that will honor all competitors' ads. You'll save money, time and gas.
Beware of "discount item syndrome." Just because something is marked with a sticker that says "special" doesn't mean it's a better bargain. Compare the price.
Check your receipts. No matter how careful you or the store staff might be, mistakes happen. Keep it with you and point out the error on your next shopping trip.
Always send in for the rebate on a purchase whether it's $2 or $50. It all adds up.
Put your savings to work. Have some goals for the money you're saving on food. Extra savings account for a rainy day, a vacation, or even a car!
