I'm not sure about you but I hate grocery shopping. It seems to take forever and other shoppers are always in the way and the only open cashier line has 20 people lined up into the aisles. UGH!!! What a stinking hassle to do every single week.
And more than anything else... grocery shopping is ridiculously expensive. If food prices go up anymore I may have to mortgage my house for a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk.
Have you ever felt this way? It wouldn't surprise me if you had considered buying a cow to avoid the cost of milk.
Well I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. The grocery store is tricking you into spending more everytime you stop in.
Here is a quick list of ways to save money and stop letting the supermarket sneak cash from your wallet.
Get the small shopping cart - You only have room to buy what you need. If you grab a big cart there is this weird impulse to fill the cart full and empty your wallet.
Shop on Wedsnesday evening - The stores are the least crowded which is a sanity saver. And BONUS buys start on Weds. at most supermarkets so you save time and money too.
Go less and save more - Set up one day a week for shopping, take a list and be done with it. The more trips you make to the store, the more you spend on unneeded items and junk food.
Don't get MILKed for money - Do you know why supermarkets place milk at the back of the store? They do it on purpose so you will spend more by picking up items along the way for that gallon of goodness. Don't be fooled with this trick. Put on your blinders or buy milk at the convienence store instead.
Eat Meat - (unless your a veggies person) Protein prices for chicken, pork and beef have dropped 52% in the last 2 years according to Reader's Digest so go ahead and gas up the grill for great dinners.
Get deals with the Seasons - Personally I love when corn is in season because I can get fresh ears for a quarter each and it is this way with all produce. Look for the specials in fresh veggies and fruits with each season change.
Leave the kids at home - Go shopping by yourself because you won't be tempted to throw extra items in the cart according to your kids (or spouse's) whims. And stick to your list.
Buy top shelf items - Grocery stores place the most expensive items at eye level on the shelves so shop at the top and bottom of the shelves for the best bargains.
Stock up on Sales - Every week supermarkets will have a household staple on sale for a killer price. Buy all 4 packs of toilet paper now. You can store it up and save a bundle later.
Don't be a snobby shopper - Buy the store brands of canned veggies, paper items and whatevers. You get the same quality on most items and save up to 30% on your overall costs.
I hope this quick guide has helped you save some money and sanity at the supermarket.
It is time for my weekly trip to Wally Weird Mart..... Ugh.
Think I'll hit the wine aisle while there.
Do you have some great time and money shopping savers? Share them with the rest of us please.