Cut Hundreds of Dollars Off Your Grocery Bill Every Month

Imagine reducing your grocery bill by half. Now imagine what you could spend that extra money on: an exotic vacation, a new wardrobe, a much-needed set of tires… or all of the above!

By using the following tips, savvy shoppers can save $300 a month, or more, off their grocery bills. Are you ready to get practical?

1. Do A Little Homework
Plan you list before you go shopping to help shop more economically. Take the time to read the sale fliers and plan your meals based on store specials. Do a quick inventory of your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to determine what food you need. Make a shopping list and go through your coupons.
2. Choose the Right Store
Grocery stores offer excellent frequent shoppers programs and double coupon days. If you’re buying in bulk you may want to try a warehouse club or superstore; non-perishable items are often cheaper at such stores. For the best prices on health and beauty products check the national drugstore chains and superstores for unbeatable sales and incentives.
3. Eat Before Shopping
Eating prior to shopping will dramatically cut down on impulse shopping. When grocery shopping, you are more inclined to buy more (junk) on an empty stomach. Not only do people typically spend around 10%-15% more when grocery shopping hungry, they tend to load up on unhealthy items. Eating before you go shopping can not only save you a few dollars, but it can also be the healthier alternative.
4. Coupons, Rebates, and Frequent Shopper Programs
You can save hundreds of dollars a year by taking advantage of product incentives. Even the occasional coupon clipper can save an average of 10% off their bill by using in a few coupons per trip. Sign up for your store’s frequent shopper program. You get advanced notice of sales as well as other special loss leaders, double-coupon days, freebies, and money saving opportunities. Redeem product rebates, especially if the promotion is sponsored by the store selling the item - they generally rebate quickly and promptly.
5. Store Brands
Generic no longer means bland and tasteless. Companies have worked hard to improve their store-brand foods and the taste is often equal to national brands. Take advantage of sales on store brands to try the product. If you find that it meets your standards, and your family can’t tell the difference, you can save an average of 40% off your annual grocery bill simply by switching brands.
6. Limit Impulse Buying
Avoiding spontaneous shopping trips is the easiest way to deter impulse buying. Making and sticking to a shopping list will also help cut down adding things to your basket that you don’t need. Don’t shop when you’re in a hurry – you’re less likely to comparison shop or use coupons. Set a dollar limit for impulse buying to help soothe cravings without busting your budget.
7. Comparison Shop
To determine the real cost of a product read the unit price, not just the package price. The unit price information is usually located on the shelf sticker. The package price only tells you the cost of the entire item while the unit price tells you the cost per pound, per ounce, etc. Take a moment to compare this information in similar products to get the best value for your dollar. Also, be certain to check "expiration" and "use by" dates to insure you are buying the freshest products.
8. Beware of Marketing Strategies
Be alert to marketing tricks designed to attract your attention to a particular product. A few of the more frequently used marketing ploys are middle-shelf placement, recipe related item placement, end-of-the-aisle bins, and island displays. These places are where stores typically place the higher priced and impulse merchandise.
9. Watch the Scanner
Keep your eyes on the scanner as your purchases are being rung up. Sometimes an item doesn’t ring up correctly, and you’ll want to stop the checkout process if the register shows a price other than the one advertised. Have a copy of the store circular with you so that you can show proof of an advertised price. You can also ask the cashier to stop ringing while a price check is being done.

It's possible to cut your grocery bill by hundreds of dollars a month. My savings ideas are a good way to start. And don't think that you have to do all of them in order to save. Start with one suggestion that best suits your lifestyle, and incorporate more as you go along.