The Green Tea Site

Aside from the mortgage payment, the biggest monthly expense for many families is the grocery bill which can total hundreds of dollars in just a short time.  Learn how to significantly cut your grocery bill without sacrificing your family’s favorite foods.

Always Go to the Grocery Store on a Full Stomach

Sounds simple but shopping while you’re hungry is a recipe for financial disaster.  Not only will you buy items you don’t need, you’ll be tempted to reach for unhealthy, sugary snacks you probably wouldn’t eat otherwise simply because they address your hunger at that moment.  Don’t tempt your appetite or your checkbook and eat at home before you embark on a shopping trip.

Make a Weekly Meal Plan

Not only will this help diminish the stress of trying to figure out what to make for dinner when you’re tired, it can actually help you save money as well.  Taking the time to create a weekly meal plan will ensure you’re armed with a list at the supermarket and help you avoid last-minute trips to the store which can wreak havoc on your budget.

Tailor Meals Around Sales

Similarly, grab the weekly ads from the grocers you shop frequently and plan your weekly meals around the products that are on sale.  Grocers consistently run sales to attract customers, ensuring a wide variety of available foods at much cheaper prices.

Become a Master of Coupon Clipping

No list with tips on how to save on groceries would be complete without couponing.  While it does require you to peruse ads, the results (read: significant savings!) can be well worth the effort. A few coupons here and there won’t save you much, so subscribe to two or three Sunday papers (where most grocery coupons come from) and find out if your local supermarket offers double coupons.  Don’t forget to also get coupons online directly from the grocery store’s official website.  For an added bonus, use the coupons when the item is already on sale.

What Do Other Shoppers Have to Say?

It may seem odd but reading consumer reviews before you grocery shop can save you even more.  Think about all the non-food items you pick up while grocery shopping: laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toiletries, kitchen gadgets, etc.  Use the reviews (typically written by budget-conscious consumers just like you) to determine which products last the longest, work the best and provide the most value.  The reviews can also come in handy even when it comes to food items; for example, does the generic brand really taste the same as the name brand?  Find out and possibly save even more!