Was your New Year's resolution to save money? You're in good company--that's one of the top new year goals said Business News Wire on Jan. 4. But if you're like most people, you'll start out great for the first few weeks of January, as the holiday bills roll in. Then, when they're paid off, you'll slip into old habits and overspend. The secret to saving money is to change up spending habits and start economizing. Some expenses are easier to economize on. But how do you save money on
necessities like groceries? From over three decades of budget grocery shopping for a large family,
here are money saving tips to spend less and get more at the grocery store. Save at least 50% on
groceries with these suggestions. Some tips will be familiar, but others might surprise you.
Time shopping trips. You've probably heard not to shop when you’re hungry. You can’t think clearly
and tend to buy expensive convenience foods. But also avoid shopping when you're tired or in a
hurry. When you shop for groceries earlier in the day and have enough time to shop, you're more
organized and have the energy to bargain-hunt.
Money saving means doing the math. Track average costs of frequently-purchased groceries and
staples. This way, you know what is and isn’t a bargain. Dollar stores and discounts store don’t always
have lower prices. Walmart sells similar items for $.88. Store sale prices are generally lower than a
dollar. The quality is usually better, too.
Do your homework. Check store ads online before shopping. Decide where you’ll buy each item
based on best price. But don’t waste time and gas driving to a store for only a few sale items. Ya gotta
love budget grocery stores like Aldi and Big Lots. But if the nearest is 25 miles away, there's no
bargain wasting gas money. Only stop if you're going that way anyway. And hit other budget grocery
stores and bargain stores in the same vicinity.
Set a weekly store route to save money. Go to weekly-ad stores, like Meijer or Albertson's before no
ad stores (like Walmart, Family Dollar or Dollar General). After scanning ads, calculate if sale prices are
less than regular Walmart prices. Hit discount for items you can’t find on sale for less.
Use customer loyalty cards and store rewards cards. More stores are offering some form of perks,
rewards or discount cards. They’re not credit cards. Swiping the card at check-out deducts coupons
and sale prices. You might have to “clip” coupons online. Some stores allow you to use merchandiser
coupons too. I just saved $2.50 on fruit that I was going to buy anyway.
Use credit cards with rewards. Pay off the balance monthly (to avoid incurring interest or fees). A great
money saving tip is to compare rewards rates on store credit cards versus your major credit cards
when grocery shopping.
Don't overlook non-food stores for budget grocery shopping. Save money at gas stations with better
prices on milk, bread, eggs and other groceries. TJ Maxx has cheaper gourmet foods and spices. Big
Lots sells bargain spices, HBA, convenience items and specialty imported foods.
Don’t shop with impulse buyers and spendthrifts. Stay away from shoppers who don't compare prices,
hurry you along or grab the first thing they see just to get out of the store (husbands). Avoid extensive
shopping with children who tire easily. But when you do shop with your children, make it multitask as
an object lesson in budget grocery shopping and money management.
BYOB is money saving. Do you like a beverage to sip while shopping? Bring a travel mug from home
and save money on Starbucks or store sodas. You'll save a good $3 bucks right there. Pack snacks
for the children so they don't get hungry and pester you to buy overpriced food.
DIY is money saving. Use self-checkout lanes to track your shopping more efficiently. Use bags from
home. Aldi keeps prices lower having customers bag their own groceries in their own bags.
Read shelf labels to cut grocery shopping costs. Bigger packages don’t always save money. Check unit prices (usually it’s a per-ounce price) and compare ounce for ounce costs. Pay close attention to
items that come in many different sized containers, such as breakfast cereals.
Beware of buying in bulk. Only buy non-perishable items in bulk if they’re super-cheap. Otherwise
there may be a better sale and you won’t be able to take advantage of it. Only buy fresh food in bulk
if you can freeze it. A chest freezer is a super saver's best friend. Nab great prices on meat, dairy,
produce and frozen foods and pop them in the freezer. Mind the dates and use the oldest food first.
Buy close sell-by date foods with caution. Buying reduced-priced baked goods, produce or meats
can save big. But make sure to use or freeze by expiration date. Spoiled food is no deal.
Check expiration dates. Be especially careful with food stuffs from non-grocery stores as expiration
dates aren’t always monitored as well. Watch out for expired medicines, vitamins and health aids.
They’re dangerous as well as a waste of money. Even batteries can expire.
Compare packaging options. Don't overlook pre-cut produce, shredded cheese or partially prepared
food, assuming it’s more expensive. Sometimes it’s a better deal. Check for freshness. Prepared food
spoils faster. Be sure the food on the bottom, where the weight rests, looks as fresh as the top.
Scrutinize receipts. Make sure prices are correct and all discounts credited. If you discover a mistake
address it immediately. Some stores won’t alter a wrong price once you’ve left the store
Advent was our favorite season when we homeschooled our children. We did holiday math, Catholic Advent writing, Bible reading, Christmas around the world social studies, winter science. Everything about Christmas is a teachable moment. Here are Christmas cookie recipes with Catholic Advent object lessons. Our family is nearing three decades making these holiday treats and our married daughter carries on the traditions with her family. Here's our wreath cookie recipes. 
