12 ways to SLASH your grocery Bill

Here are 12 ways to slash your grocery bills, some may work for you or other may not. But, choose what works for you is the rule of the game.

1. Shop at the cheap stores. The best prices overall are usually found at the discount stores such a Shoppers Food Warehouse, Wal-Mart, Costco, Slater Bros. The only drawback is that you have to buy in bulk. Other places such as Trader Joe's or Aldi have great prices, but their selection is limited.
2. Be Smart About Circulars. Not all items in circulars are on sale. FYI. Manufacturers pay to have their products in a circular because it boost sales up to 500% even if there is not price cut! Be smart!!
3. Avoid store fake-outs. Beware of the end-of-aisle bins, island displays, recipe-related items placement, and "middle-shelf" items. Bargain are often on lower shelves - nice to know!!
4. Be color-blind. Colors can be used to persuade you to choose one brand over another. Ignore colors and check out unit prices so you can compare "apples to apples."
5. Slice, dice and chill it yourself. Items packaged in a convenient way are usually overpriced. Chilled drinks are priced higher.
6. Limit impulse buys. Stick to a well-thought-out shopping list. Decide you won't spend anymore than, say, $10 on things that aren't on your list. This way, you don't feel deprived, but you won't bust your budget either.
7. Try store brands. Try them, and if you and your family like them, then you might be able to save up to 50% on some items.
8. Ask for a bargain. Many stores will match other store's sale prices or coupons as long as you have a circular to prove what a competitor is charging. It is worth it!
9. Ditch unhelpful "helpers." Kids and sometimes spouses want everything else.
10. Don't leave your store card at home. It gets you big discounts on products in the store circular without the need of clipping coupons. Many store allow you to punch in your telephone number if you forget your store card at home.
11. Watch the scanners. The make mistakes too, and you can be over billed!!
12. Get groceries on a click. Usually, grocery-shopping online has a delivery fee, which can be discouraging after all. However, Amazon.com's new service, which features more than 22,000 nonperishable items, gives you FREE ground shipping if you spend more than $25.00. But, you have to buy in bulk and wait 5-7 days for your purchase to arrive. But, you can certainly combine some of your grocery with your holiday shopping this holiday season at Amazon.com!
Happy savings!


- The Moms' Buzz
source: Shopsmart Magazine - August/September edition

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