How to Save Money in a Small Town
October 13, 2009 by Karen Weideman
Filed under frugal living, money saving idea, save-money, saving money, shopping
Last December I moved to a small town. There were a few stores around, but not the wide variety from which I have become accustomed. The transition to this lifestyle was very difficult because I shop around for the best bargains on our groceries.
With only one grocery store in town, I was left with the option of shopping there or driving 30 minutes each way. My grocery bill had jumped 30% and something needed to be done. It took me a few months to develop a system for saving money, but I think I’ve adjusted pretty well.
Here are some tips for saving money in a small town.
1) Talk to friends and neighbors. Let them know that you’re trying to find the best deals. They may have suggestions for certain grocery stores or they may know of some discount grocery stores in the area. Now that my friends know that I’m looking for deals, they sometimes email me to let me know of good sales.
2) Stock up on deals when they have them. I’ve mentioned the stockpiling/buying ahead principle before. If something that you use is at a rock bottom price, stockpile that item while you can. My husband doesn’t understand why I bought 15 cans of tuna last month. It was 3/$1. We won’t be needing tuna for a while and now it won’t cost me $1/can.
3) Comparison price online. Subscribe to grocery store weekly sales that are within 30 minutes of your home.
4) Shop in the city on occasion. After comparison shopping online, plan to take part of your day to shop in the city. Plan your route with your sale information to save money and time.
5) Check your town’s website. Some towns have their own website which includes information about free events, coupons to businesses, and promotions in the area.
Do you have any tips for saving money in a small town?
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