Money Saving Tips

I've had people ask me how I save money on groceries, which is really funny, since I am nothing close to an expert.  I have however learned a few simple things which have cut  my budget in half.  Unfortunately I am not much of a couponer.  I keep telling myself I am going to learn though.  If you want great couponing tips visit http://apennyearnedisapennysaved.blogspot.com/.  Now for my meager tips.

1.  I always plan my meals ahead of time, then make a list of the things I need.  This helps keep me from buying things I don't need or from making multiple trips to the store for little things.

2.  When planning my meals I plan meals that share ingredients.  For example I have a recipe that calls for half an onion and sour cream.  I then plan another meal that uses the other half of the onion and sour cream.  Or I buy a slightly larger size of an ingredient and then plan a meal using the extra.  It might cost a few more cents, but is cheaper than buying separate ingredients for every dish.  I also look to see what I have on hand and add any necessary ingredients to make a meal.

3. I shop for two weeks at a time.  It might not sound like it, but it makes a huge difference.

4. Bulk.  Be selective. It doesn't work for everything, but I think my son is set for school lunch items for a while.

5. Discount cards.  The grocery store I go to most often offers a discount card.  I get a certain percentage off my next bill for every dollar spent.

6.  Price match. Like I said I am not much of a couponer, but my new favorite thing is to price match at Walmart.  They price match pretty much everyone, so I march in there with three different adds and price match and I only have to go to one place which saves on gas.  I have had good success with it.  They really make it easy.  

7. Buy the brand that is on sale.  For most things this works really well and doesn't affect quality or taste.  There are however exceptions, like pumpkin.  It has to be Libby's. :)
8. Use it up baking.  Have a carton of eggs set to expire tomorrow?  Sounds like a great night to make omelets.

9. Check the adds.  If you don't want to use coupons at least find out who has the best price on certain items, then shop there.

10. Just because it's on sale doesn't mean you have to buy it.  Unless it serves a purpose, don't buy it.

That's it, these simple steps cut the budget in half, sometimes more.  Imagine what I could do if I added some serious couponing into the mix.  :)  Happy Shopping!