Saving on your trip to the grocery store

You want to start by planning ahead; check your mail for the weekly circular or go onto the stores website. You want to create your shopping list based solely on sales- guess what, not too much thinking and you have already saved at least 10%!

Next, check my favorite grocery coupons sites: www.smartsource.com, www.redplum.com and www.coupons.com. ONLY print coupons of items that you need. Yes, I know it sounds like common sense, but I hear of so many people printing all the items. Just remember, we are trying to reduce our expenses and printing costs us money.

Sometimes you get lucky and coupons you just printed are for items already on sale at your local supermarket. For example, imitation crab meat is on sale from its regular $3.50 per package to BOGO (buy one get one free); that is an automatic 50% savings of $3.50. You also found coupons online for $1 off each package. So for the 2 packages that I would typically pay $7.00 I am now getting at only $1.50!! That is 80% in savings!! Not all items will fall under this category but typically you can find great pantry staples like cereal, butter, coffee; stock up!

Now you are probably thinking "what if something I want is not on sale?" Great question! First, realize whether it is a real need OR whether it is a want. If you conclude that you still need it but it is not on sale, compare prices once at the store. Typically, store brands are manufactured at the same plant as the brands, just have different packaging. Do not be fooled by brands!

Also, lookout for store specials that are not advertised in the weekly flyer. These items are typically sectioned off because the packaging is dented, they need to be consumed within 24 hours, or products which are being discontinued , and you can get at up 50% off! Items that you may find vary anywhere from shampoo to bread.

Lastly, have a budget and know ahead of time how much your total bill will be. This way you will avoid throwing onto your cart non-essential items, but it also helps avoid the headache of checking your receipt while holding up the line in case something did not ring up correctly.

Once you start seeing that your bill comes up to $30 and you saved $28 it not only gets exciting, but you can turn it into a fun game and see how much you can save on your next trip. Make it fun!