Financial Tips

How to Save Money : Grocery Tips

Food for thoughtful spending...

Plan meals in advance of your shopping trip, then make a shopping list and stick to it. For items you buy regularly, use coupons and find out which grocery stores offer double the coupon price. Go grocery shopping alone, never when you're hungry and limit food-shopping trips to once a week-the fewer the better! And be sure to take advantage of seasonal specials.

Cooking at home

The more you eat at home, the more you'll save. You'll spend even less by doing more cooking from scratch. Crockpot cooking allows you to buy less expensive cuts of meat-and is a real time-saver for working parents. Stretch ground meat with breadcrumbs, oatmeal and tomato soup. For breakfast, eat hot, cooked cereals, rather than the more expensive dry ones. Consider generic food brands, especially for staples like flour, butter and soups for casseroles. It's also cheaper to use dry or evaporated milk for cooking. Prevent waste by using leftovers in soups or casseroles and spoiling by storing products in the freezer. Another great idea is to form a food co-op with family or friends so you can buy in bulk.

Eating on the go

The best way to save money on food is to cut back on the number of times you eat out. Pack a lunch as often as possible and take your own snacks to work to avoid vending machines. When you do dine out, use coupons from Val-Pak and the Sunday paper. Order water with meals out and prevent impulse eating out by having a snack before you go.

Did You Know?

Soft drinks can really take the fizz out of your wallet! Save over $200 a year by avoiding single drink purchases at vending machines, convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. Better idea: Buy in bulk, bring it with you and ask for a free cup of ice.