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From the desk of Rachel a 20 something's point of view
Clipping Coupons Anonymous

Right now many American families are finding themselves in the middle of a financial storm. It seems that among your investments, stocks and mortgage, something you shouldn’t have to think about is your grocery bill—but now even that is soaring. With everyday staples like milk, bread and eggs rising in price, a household’s budget is sure to run thin. So with the holidays right around the corner, and no doubt plenty of eating, I thought I’d share some of the ideas I use when shopping in order to keep my money…well, mine! (Or I should say “our” money; as the ring on my finger would dictate.)

The typical family spends about 15% of their take-home income on food and go grocery shopping twice a week. Now that’s a lot of cash, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find out where those extra dollars are spent. Besides the obvious money savers like not eating out too much or clipping coupons, there are some less painful alternatives. And you won’t have to buy less to pay less!

  1. Shop alone and bring a list! Bringing a list and avoiding the distractions of a “wandering husband or child” helps you stay on track and focused on what you need— stay out of the aisles that don’t have what you’re looking for.
  2. Shop in as few trips as possible. If I go into the store for 1 or 2 forgotten items, I usually leave with about 10 unneeded items.
  3. Don’t shop when hungry to avoid impulse buying! It’s the only way I can get out without an urge to grab some Oreo’s or Doritos—Heck, just stay out of the ice-cream aisle!
  4. Join a warehouse club like Sam’s or Costco. Buying in bulk can be cheaper! If you buy veggies or meat in bulk, you can go home, separate them into portions and freeze it. (See #1 above…a definite when shopping at these places!)
  5. Buy items in season or on sale. With boxed or canned items, if you know you eat them a lot, why not grab more than usual and let it sit in the pantry? I promise they won’t go bad.
  6. Don’t buy non-food items such as beauty products or vitamins at the grocery store. They are far less expensive at your local Wal-Mart or Target.
  7. When trying to determine which item is the best deal, compare the price per ounce. If you’re not good at math, bring along a calculator, or use your cell phone; who cares if you look like a nerd…more and more people are doing it these days.
  8. Only buy items you know you will eat, not the items you think you should eat. They will usually end up growing mold in the fridge because you never got around to eating it. Be realistic—putting broccoli in the front of the fridge to inspire you to lose weight, when you hate the taste, is not going to work.
  9. Buy store brands instead of name brands. I guarantee you won’t taste a difference between a Dole can of pears and a Roundy’s can of pears.
  10. Ditch the disposables. Think about all the items they have out there to avoid doing the dishes: plastic silverware, paper cups and plates, throw-away Tupperware, etc. What a waste!...use the dishwasher, it’s there for a purpose.
  11. Don’t buy pre-sliced items. The idea of grabbing that tray of pre-sliced fruit is tempting, but is it really worth the extra dollars?
  12. Finally, avoid the items at the checkout counter. Buying a drink out of those minifridges at $1.75 when you can buy a six-pack for $5 is not what I call convenient.

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