Using coupons and matching them with store sales to buy groceries at rock-bottom prices is a great strategy to save money on groceries each and every week. However, not everyone has the time (or even the desire) to track, cut out, and use coupons each week. Don't despair, because there are lots of ways to save money on groceries even if you don't use coupons, including:
Purchase items on Sale
Check store flyers for weekly sale items and plan dinners for the week based on those sale items. If you have time, shop the loss-leader sales at a couple of grocery stores. If you don't feel like keeping up with sales, you can keep a price book and purchase items at the store where the everyday price is the cheapest.
Shop at Discount Stores like Aldi
If you have an Aldi nearby, check it out to see if you can save money shopping for the majority of your staples at Aldi. It's known for having less selection, but great prices on their store brand items.
Make a List
Keep a store list available so that you can add items as you notice that you are running low on them. If you give yourself enough time, you can pick up that item on a week when it's on sale. Also, add needed groceries for the entire week so they you only have to make one trip each week. Making multiple trips can add up or you may make a convenience purchase will will likely cost more.
Only Purchase Items on Your Shopping List
Make sure you bring your list with you to the store and ONLY purchase those items. Impulse buys are sure to blow your budget.
Don't Go Grocery Shopping When Hungry
If you are hungry, you are much more likely to make impulse purchases
Compare Prices across Brands
Many times store brand items cost less than name brand items. Do you think you're going to taste the difference between tomatoes that are not a main ingredient of a recipe? I buy store brand products for ingredients and at least try the store brand for additional items.
Compare Unit Prices
Often you can choose several sizes of the same item. Many grocery stores break down the unit prices on the shelf label (if not, use a calculator). See which size has the lowest cost per unit and purchase that size. Of course, if you only need a tsp. and you don't see another use for the item, it doesn't make sense to purchase a pound when the rest of it will go to waste.
Check the Shelves Above and Below Eye Level
Often stores place the most expensive food at eye level so make sure you look everywhere on the shelf for the best deal
Don't Waste Food
You can get a great deal on an item, but if you end up throwing it away because it went bad, you still wasted money.
What about you? How do you save money when you don't feel like using coupons?
