| No matter how much you trim your budget, one | | | | eat something before you go, or at least drink |
| expense that's sure to remain is food. But how | | | | some water. |
| much you spend on groceries each month is not | | | | " ... Purchases often are impulse buys that can add |
| fixed, and can vary by 15-20 percent or more. So | | | | to the grocery bill unnecessarily," said Higgins. |
| because the grocery stores consider it their job | | | | "Impulse purchases also can increase when |
| to get you to spend more money, it is your job | | | | shoppers are hungry or shop without a list." |
| to keep your wits about you to avoid getting | | | | Look at the whole shelf. Stores place the items |
| ripped off (especially on those grocery trips when | | | | they want you to buy most--the ones that give |
| you just wanted a gallon of milk, and left with | | | | them the most profit--where they're easiest for |
| five bags full of impulse buys). | | | | you to see: between knee- and shoulder-height. |
| It's surprisingly easy to save a significant amount | | | | "The highest markup items are the ones at about |
| of money on your food bill (even up to $100 a | | | | chest level--to make it really easy for you to |
| month). Here's how. | | | | grab it and toss it in the cart," says Foreman. |
| Check your receipt. Scanned items do not always | | | | Be sure to look at products on the upper and |
| ring up at the correct price. Watch the prices as | | | | lower shelves, too. This is where you're likely to |
| they come up, and then check your receipt for | | | | find a good product at a lower price. |
| those you missed, to be sure sale and other | | | | "The old saying, 'look high or low to save dough' |
| items come up at the right price and quantities | | | | still fits," said Higgins. |
| are correct. | | | | Buy generic. Often, generic products contain the |
| "I can't say it's widespread, but I do get reports | | | | same ingredients as name-brand versions at a |
| of people saying they check grocery bills, and | | | | fraction of the price. They may even have come |
| very often they find mistakes ... And, 4 to 1, they | | | | from the same factory. All you need to do is |
| are in favor of the store," says Gary Foreman, | | | | compare the nutrition information on packages. If |
| publisher of "The Dollar Stretcher" Web site. | | | | the ingredients are the same, the product |
| Resist Impulse Buys. Grocery stores purposely | | | | probably is as well. Do watch out for extra |
| set up enticing displays of expensive cookies, | | | | additives or imitation ingredients, though--some |
| crackers and other packaged foods hoping to | | | | generic versions, for instance Parmesan cheese in |
| coax you into buying something on a whim. | | | | a carton, may contain lower quality ingredients or |
| Making a list and sticking to it will help you to | | | | more additives than the real thing. |
| avoid such impulse buys. | | | | Make sure sales will save you money. Don't |
| Also be aware that grocery stores purposely | | | | assume that just because something is on sale |
| place common items all the way in the back of | | | | (or comes in a "bulk" container) it's a good deal. |
| the store, so you have to walk down the aisles | | | | Sometimes the generic version or a different |
| to get there. The more snacks, cereals and other | | | | sized container will be a better deal than the sale |
| processed foods you're exposed to, the greater | | | | item. Check the unit price (usually found right on |
| the chances that you'll grab something not on | | | | the shelf's price label) of each item to find out |
| your list. One way around this is to only shop at | | | | how much you're actually paying. And, if the item |
| the outer perimeter of the store. This is where | | | | turns out to be a bargain but the store has run |
| you'll generally find the lower priced, and healthier, | | | | out, you can, and should, request a rain check to |
| items like meat, produce and dairy. Processed | | | | use on your next visit. |
| foods are generally on the interior. | | | | Only buy groceries. Grocery stores are best |
| "Organize the shopping list to match the layout of | | | | saved only for groceries. Toiletries like toothpaste, |
| the store to minimize time needed to retrace | | | | shaving supplies and soap and other health and |
| steps and to decrease impulse purchases," said | | | | beauty products are typically significantly cheaper |
| Mary Meck Higgins, Kansas State University | | | | at drugstore chains than at grocery stores. |
| Research and Extension nutrition specialist. | | | | Find a store that matches prices. Some grocery |
| Don't Shop Hungry. Even with the best intentions, | | | | stores will match competitors' prices, though they |
| it will be hard not to over-buy when you grocery | | | | may not advertise this practice. "Find a store in |
| shop on an empty stomach. Grocery stores | | | | your area that will honor all competitors' ads," |
| know this and may entice you further with the | | | | says Ellie Kay, author of "Shop, Save, and |
| smell of fresh bakery items and breads. Try to | | | | Share."You'll save money, time and gas. |