How you save money on groceries?

[FishMich]

Share your ideas on how to save money when buying groceries.

[Hanging CHAD]

Save-A-Lot stores

[Sheriff_Garrett]

I agree, we do Save-A-Lot, too. People can dis it all they want--and you DO have to be selective about their produce from time-to-time--but it's worked well for my husband and I on the whole.

[Thrifty]

Buy out of date products . . .

[CoWife]

The obvious, make a list of meals I plan to prepare for the week, based on what's for sale in the local ads. Use coupons if available.

I make a point of stopping at a few different stores to get their best deals (if they are in the general area of my main store I shop at).

Watch the deals and coupons though, as sometimes I find the store brand is cheaper than the brand name, even when its on sale.

[myhometakenaway]

Dumpster diving. The restaurants throw away TONS of food.

[myhometakenaway]

My dumpster diving comment was bad and I pray that I never have to pick the trash for food. Seriously, plant a small garden and learn to preserve the results for off season. Better yet, get to know your neighbors and share a community garden, especially in urban environments. Your university cooperative extension will provide free help.

[twiggy]

Dont go grocery shopping when you are hungry

[Alvin]

I make my list and separate it according to what is on sale at the 3 or so stores I shop at and then have a section for stuff I need regardless of what store I am shopping in. I love a food saver too, makes buying in bulk make sense when there is only two of us. Refrig bread and buns, they can last much longer. Make your menu according to what is on sale. When it's nice out we make grilling an event and then have fun and save money at home.

[RAB]

#1 Stay away from Meijers (unless it's a good sale).
#2 Cut coupons.
#3 Go to Save-A-Lot stores.
#4 Don't impulse buy.
#5 Buy in bulk when the price is right and vacum seal things.
#6 Stay away from Meijers (did I mention that yet)?

[say what]

CoWife wrote:

The obvious, make a list of meals I plan to prepare for the week, based on what's for sale in the local ads. Use coupons if available.
I make a point of stopping at a few different stores to get their best deals (if they are in the general area of my main store I shop at).
Watch the deals and coupons though, as sometimes I find the store brand is cheaper than the brand name, even when its on sale.

You must have a lot of time on your hands. Make lists? Cut coupons? Drive all over? Not all of us are unemployed.

[Alvin]

say what wrote:

<quoted text>
You must have a lot of time on your hands. Make lists? Cut coupons? Drive all over? Not all of us are unemployed.

Could it be that she is just organized, and isn't that the point of this thread. Geeez, maybe your time would be better spent making lists and cutting coupons instead of bashing people on topix.

[say what]

Alvin wrote:

<quoted text>Could it be that she is just organized, and isn't that the point of this thread. Geeez, maybe your time would be better spent making lists and cutting coupons instead of bashing people on topix.

Relax Alvin. I like the topic. I don't mean to bash her. It's just not always realistic to do what she recommends though. I have enough stress in my life, raising three kids as a single father, so I don't need the added stress of making lists and cutting coupons and driving all over hells half acre to find a $0.10 cheaper ham.

[Diggs]

Alvin wrote:

<quoted text>Could it be that she is just organized, and isn't that the point of this thread. Geeez, maybe your time would be better spent making lists and cutting coupons instead of bashing people on topix.

Ha! Nicely said, Alvin :)

Don't knock coupon-clipping and going in with an organized game-plan. It's like preparing for battle as far as I'm concerned. Go in fast and prepared and get out with as little loss as possible :)

[Alvin]

say what wrote:

<quoted text>
Relax Alvin. I like the topic. I don't mean to bash her. It's just not always realistic to do what she recommends though. I have enough stress in my life, raising three kids as a single father, so I don't need the added stress of making lists and cutting coupons and driving all over hells half acre to find a $0.10 cheaper ham.

You do have your hands full. I used to just stop in the handiest store and grab what I needed too. On Sunday's I just sit (probably not much of an option for you) with the ads, a pair of scissors and a list. I keep that list in my car and when I am in the area of one of the stores I run in and get just what is on the list for that store. Let the sales be your menu planner, I really hate to be the decider, and it's probably tougher with kids. I even date the list so I toss the old ones. Aldi's can save you lots of money too and they have many good brands that I have never heard of. Just trying to help.

[GR Independent]

Learning to cook saved me more money than anything else.

[Sheriff_Garrett]

Diggs wrote:

<quoted text>
Ha! Nicely said, Alvin :)
Don't knock coupon-clipping and going in with an organized game-plan. It's like preparing for battle as far as I'm concerned. Go in fast and prepared and get out with as little loss as possible :)

My problem? I clip them then don't need the product for awhile and then...the coupon expires. Or I lose them. lol. Not very organized at all.

Save-a-lot really Saves-my-Butt!

[Trash man]

Buy 1, get 1 free. Even if the store isn't aware of it!

[get a clue]

I will only buy things that are on sale. I also cut coupons out of sunday paper which only takes maybe 10 min. of your time.

[Diggs]

Sheriff_Garrett wrote:

<quoted text>
My problem? I clip them then don't need the product for awhile and then...the coupon expires. Or I lose them. lol. Not very organized at all.
Save-a-lot really Saves-my-Butt!

Sheriff, if it weren't for my wife I'd be living on Cup-O-Soup and beef jerky. She's the organized one in our household. I've never clipped a coupon in my life, but I sure won't knock those who do :)