Pimp Your Finances

Savvy Sugar recently published a list of ten ways to save on groceries, but they did it in the most annoying way possible by spreading it out over ten pages.

I hate when people do that, so I collected their tips on one page to help save you, my loyal readers, some time.

1. Don’t overbuy

When planning meals, consider how much you you’ll actually eat.  If the leftovers will last more than a few days, you’re probably wasting food and money.

2. Stock up on Sales

When you see non-perishables or frozen foods on sale, stock up (assuming you normally use them).  They won’t go bad, so you can pay money now to save more later.  It’s a good investment.

3. Make sure you look at everything on the shelves – not just the stuff at eye level

Let’s face it. People are lazy.  We’re more likely to grab things that are at eye level than we are things on the bottom shelf.  Stores know this, and often make the expensive stuff the most convenient.

4. Look for coupons online

Newspapers aren’t the only way to get find deals any more.  Make to check out tools like www.thegrocerygame.com, or even store and manufacturer sites to get coupons.

5. Buy in bulk, and share with someone else

Buying in bulk only saves you money if you use it all, so how can you make sure to get your money’s worth for that 12-pack of peanut butter?  Easy.  Just share it with a friend or relative, and split the cost.

To get even more savings, split the cost of a Costco membership with someone else, and do your shopping together.

6. Actually eat your leftovers

Don’t just throw out your extra food.  Make a point of eating your leftovers.  To make it easier, try cooking meals you want more than once, or freeze the extras and save them for later.

7. Try generic brands

This is my favorite tip on the list.  Store brands cost significantly less, and often with little or no difference in quality or taste.  Most store brands are actually manufactured by name brand labels.  They’re just sold with different packaging and marketing.

8. Only use coupons for products you need

If you buy something you don’t need and wouldn’t normally use, you’re negating whatever savings you got from the coupon.  Be selective in your bargain hunting.

9. Skip the non-groceries

This is another good tip.  Food is cheapest at grocery stores, but things like alcohol or health and beauty will probably be cheaper at other places.  Make sure to compare prices at different stores, instead of doing everything in one place for convenience.

10. Check your receipt for errors

When you’re at the register, make sure to watch the scanner and check the receipt for errors.  It’s a lot easier to correct any mistakes before you leave the store.

All in all, it’s a pretty good list.  Food is by far my biggest expense (after my mortgage), so I’m always looking for ways to cut my spending there.  After all, your biggest expense is your biggest opportunity for improvement.