10 ways to save money on your grocery bills
By Brittany Anas
It’s time to trim the fat from your grocery bill. Then, you can use the money you saved to buy new shoes or save for a vacation. Like our thinking?
We’ve got 10 tips guaranteed to save you money the next time you head to the grocery store and investments that will help you recognize long-term savings.
• Check out grocery coupons from ShopAtHome.com. This is the lowest hanging fruit that will help your realize huge savings. Our coupons not just help you save on meals — but also prescriptions, dog food and even the lil’ extras like your pre-packaged Starbucks.
• Shop the perimeter. Steer your cart in a loop around the perimeter of the store, avoiding the aisles. Not only will you find the healthiest foods on the outside — fruits and veggies — you’ll be able to save money. Those pre-packaged foods and snacks cost more than food in its most natural form.
Fresh produce can be cheap.. Next time you make burgers, for example, consider chopping up some celery and onions and mixing it in with your ground hamburger. You’ll make the meat go further and also sneak in some good-for-you veggies.
• Make a meal plan ahead of time: Do you ever get home from the grocery store with some salmon or deli meat — but nothing to accompany it. Planning out your meals and snacks a week in advance will not only save you time, it will save you money. Pick out three or four recipes you know you’ll cook and put the ingredients on your list. That way you won’t be left with any stray ingredients.
Flip through cookbooks for meal inspiration. Crate and Barrel has a unique collection of cookbooks, including ones specific to Sunday brunch or that will make your slow cooker work for you.
• Take inventory of your fridge and cabinets: Know which items are nearing the end of their lives and plan meals around them. Also, know which spices, sauces and condiments that you have so you’re not overbuying when you’re at the store.
• Invest in to-go containers: Instead of buying the cheap Tupperware that gets left at work or used only a few times, invest in some nice Tupperware. It will save you money in the long run. We like this 16-piece Tupperware set from Wal-Mart. Also, have a few water bottles on hand so you don’t waste money buying bottled water.
• Pack leftovers instead of sandwiches: Get in the habit of packing your dinner leftovers for lunch if you work at a place where there’s a break room and microwave. You’ll save money on deli meats and cheeses. Pack some fruits and veggies for snacks.
• Use your freezer: Buy in bulk when the deals are good and freeze everything you won’t eat that week. If you’ve got a big family to feed, consider keeping a back-up freezer in your garage. Check here for cash-back and coupons from Best Buy.
• Don’t be afraid of the dollar store: Discount stores like the Dollar Tree can be a great place to save on spices and other non-perishable goods. Check out these stores for storage bags, paper towels and trash bags, too.
• Bring your own tote: Some stores will give you a little bit of a discount if you bring your own tote bag. And, Mother Earth will certainly appreciate the gesture. (Forever 21 has totes for under $2).
• Shop what’s in season: Fruits and veggies taste the best when they’re in season — and they also cost less. Buy peaches in late summer. Buy oranges and clementine in mid-winter. Blueberries, snap peas and cherries are best in the summer.
Don’t forget to check out grocery coupons from ShopAtHome.com to save big bucks on your next trip to the store.
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• The best free food journals and how they can accelerate your weight loss
• Lifeguarding to pro football offers: Who were America’s fittest presidents?
• Face-time: Simple ways to get a more youthful look
• Five yummy ‘superfoods’ you should be eating if you want to lose weight
