Extreme grocery savings
October 27, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under food, groceries
If you need to amp up your grocery savings in order to save money for the upcoming holiday season, try these tips to save more on all your grocery costs.
Track regular buys: I used to track all my grocery store buys, but that was EXTREME. It took a lot of time, although it did save me money. Instead make a list of the 20 or 30 items you buy most often and just track those. I.e. track bread costs at various markets you frequent so you know when you’re getting the best deal.
Locate bargain rack days: Most stores stock new goods on a regular schedule which means older goods hit the discount shelves on specific days as well. Ask around to find out which days your fave store slash prices on meat, muffins, and other perishable goods. Then hit the stores on those days.
Wear high heels or flip-flops: Well, not really but making yourself taller or shorter than average is smart. Stores place the most expensive products at eye level with lower cost versions of the same item (just different brands) higher and lower. Try not to buy anything that’s too easy to see.
Don’t go so extreme that you lose money: Dried beans rock when you consider price and health benefits, but did you know you have to soak those suckers for a good few hours (or even overnight) before cooking? Yes, if you buy goods like dried beans, non-instant rice, and cans of tomato paste for homemade sauce and use them correctly you’ll save lots BUT if you buy the cheapest option and then end up getting take out because those cheaper options take too long, you’ll lose much more. A smarter move is to be realistic and buy a ready made jar of sauce or cooked beans.
What extreme grocery tips do you have?
[image via stock.xchng]
Just wanted to let you know that you really don’t have to soak the beans. I just put mine in the crock pot with plenty of water turn them on low or high depending on my time schedule and let them cook. My mom has made beans for years and has never once soaked them (that I am aware of)
I don’t own a crock pot actually. So I always soak them. If I don’t they’re crazy hard. Maybe it’s the CP factor?