Save Money Grocery Shopping - Before Shopping, While Shopping and After Shopping

Before Shopping

1. Check your cupboards, fridge, freezer and pantry to verify what you already have. Avoid spending money now on things you don't need right now.
2. Look at the grocery store flyers for the store(s) you shop at.
3. Write a list ~ avoid impulsive buying. Take it with you while you shop and stick to it!
4. Bring your reusable grocery bags. Save $0.05 from each bag at GTA retailers plus some point programs will give you bonus points for using the eco-bag.
5. Have a bite to eat, it really is harder on your wallet if you're hungry while shopping.
6. Prepare your menu for the entire week using what you already have, and what's on sale in the flyer.
7. If you can grow it or make it yourself, you are bound to save money,
8. Make a price book for the items you regularly shop for. You can record the prices in an address book, spiral notebook, on index cards, a daytimer or whatever suits your preference. This is a powerful resource for shoppers to determine if an advertised special is truly a good deal or not.
9. Shop for items before they run out and buy when they are on special. If you wait until you are completely out, you must pay whatever price the stores are charging.
10. Avoid trips to the corner shops and convenience stores. They will quickly burn a hole in your pocket.
11. Early morning shoppers can often take advantage of price mark downs on bakery items, fruits and vegetables.

While Shopping

1. Take out your grocery list and stick to it!
2. Most bargains can be found on the higher and lower grocery shelves. The more expensive brands are usually stores at eye level in order to get your attention.
3. Stock up during sales! If you can afford to, you should stock up on non-perishable items and freezable items to save money overall.
4. Keep your eyes peeled for unadvertised specials.
5. Take coupons from displays if you are purchasing the products.
6. Try generic brands instead of name brands. Many are comparable to the brand names and most offer refund if not satisfied.
7. Check the reduced merchandise and day old breads for more savings.
8. If an advertised special is not available, ask for a rain check so you can still buy it at the advertised price when restocked. These usually expire in 2-4 weeks; be sure to check the expiry date.
9. Alternative protein sources, if you want to save money in the meat department are: cheese, poultry, eggs, peanut butter, dried peas, beans, and lentils.
10. Always check expiry dates on foods, especially dairy and meats.
11. Use store specific savings cards and/or reward cards.
12. Use free product coupons and cents off coupons to lower your bill.

After Shopping

1. If a product is spoiled or you forgot to check the expiry date, return it for a refund.
2. Check out the store flyer's and plan to shop where you will save the most money. Refer to your price book as a guide.
3. Mail off rebates for products purchased and get some of your money back!
4. Shop at bakery outlets and freeze the bread and buns you buy. They are usually cheaper than the supermarket plus breads are able to freeze and thaw well.
5. Learn the sales cycles of the stores you shop at.
6. Start a shopping pool with your family and neighbours for basic necessity items that are on sale. Whenever someone in the pool goes to a sale, they buy for the others in the pool. (Of course everybody in the shopping pool has to pay for their own items).

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