Grocery Store Tips Pt. 1

I consider myself to be a money saving expert and I believe I have gotten grocery shopping down. Here are a few of my favorite tips:

• Create a List ~ Scope out the ads and either circle the items in the ad you need, or make a list. Here is a great tip, create a list on a back of an envelope. Inside the envelope, place your coupons that you will be using for that shoppin trip.
• Never buy an item because it's on sale ~ Just because you see something on sale, doesnt make it a great deal. Keep your eye out on the ads and stock up on what you usually use when it's a great deal. What is a great deal? When its at least 40 percent off and of course higher with a coupon.
• Create a "Never Pay More List" ~ Start a journal of what you think the best prices are and where you get them at. Say, a gallon of milk is $1.99 at it's best price so you would put that down on your list. Break it out into sections such as dairy, meats, etc. Once you do frugal gorcery shopping for at least 2 months, you will no longer need that list as you can store it all in your money saving mind =D
• Shop Monday Mornings ~ I think this is the best day to shop because usually, stores stock late Sunday night. Plus, they go through their inventory and this is when the markdowns happen. The best place to look is in the dairy section for these deals. I've gotten gogurts for .25cents a box (plus a coupon that made them free), Eggs for .50 cents a carton, milk for under a dollar, and juice for 1.00. They mark these down because they have just stocked the new inventory and they need to get these older ones out. Usually they dont expire for at least a week and dairy in my house goes pretty darn fast!
• Be Prepared When Shopping With a Child ~ It is easy to get distracted or frustrated when you are shopping with a little one. Bring a book, snacks, toys, etc to keep them occupied. My kids help me by looking for the item that is listed on the coupon and we play games such as I Spy. This keeps them from being bored and it keeps mommy sane!
• Make Sure The Deal is Worth It ~ I am fortunate enough to live within two miles of all the large grocery stores. However, if there is something on sale at a store that is not by you, make sure it is not costing you more in gas to get there than you would be saving.
• Read the Fine Print ~ Sometimes ads can be tricky with the way they word things. If something says buy 10 for $10.00, make sure it says must buy 10. If it doesnt, it usually means that you dont have to buy 10 items to get the deal. Also read the limits in the ad, they love to put this in smaller print so you will be more apt to buying additinal items at regular cost.
• Bring in Reusable Bags ~ Most grocery stores will give you a discount for using grocery bags that are reusable, plus they are great for the enviornment!