1. Shop on Tuesdays or Wednesdays
Wednesday is the day many supermarkets publish their weekly newspaper ads, and the sales from the past week sometimes overlap with the latest bargains, creating a double-sale phenomenon. But some experts advise hitting the aisles the night before. This way you'll avoid the Wednesday crowds and swoop down on the previous week's marked down perishables. Investigate your supermarket of choice and see what works best for you.
2. Let Sales Set the Menu
Once you know what's on sale, plan your meals around the tastiest selections to avoid impulse buys. It also helps to know what's in your pantry so you won't have to run around picking up extraneous things to make sure you can make an actual meal out of those marked down pork chops. Some sales are better than others, so stay alert to the best prices on meats and other freeze-ables so you can stock up when prices are at their lowest, providing for future meals.
3. Use Coupon Apps
If you're shopping on Tuesday you won't have the benefit of Wednesday coupons. Luckily there are apps aplenty to make sure you don't miss a deal. Free apps like Coupon Sherpa, Coupon Clipper and The Coupons App make it easy to find up-to-date coupons and deals wherever you are, and even share coupons if you find a great price on something only your dad would eat.
4. Double Coupons
Some supermarkets will allow you to double the worth of manufacturer's coupons, or even triple them during special promotions. Keep your eye on your supermarket's circulars or website for your chance. There may be limits on the number and value of coupons you can use, and some grocery stores are beginning to think better of these offers since bargain hunters have become such expert strategists.
5. Buy Wisely in Bulk
Think about how much you and your family can actually eat before you buy in bulk. A huge quantity of strawberries at bulk price isn't such a great deal after all when half of them end up covered in mold. If it's not dried, canned or frozen, take care to buy only what you'll be able to use.
6. Make Smart Produce Purchases
Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best thing you can feed your family, but they're also the first thing to spoil, forgotten in the crisper drawer. Have a plan in mind for the produce you buy, and keep hand fruit and snack veggies in plain sight to encourage healthy eating and less waste. A list of your produce inventory makes a helpful addition to the front of the fridge, and if you find you've neglected something it might still make a delicious smoothie, casserole or bread.
7. Avoid Temptation
Divert your eyes as you pass the doughnut case! You don't need to try the new potato chip flavor, sip a coffee from the store's café, or splurge on a miniature rosebush that you know is going to wither within days. Stay focused on your list of necessities.
8. Use a Basket
If you're not planning to buy much, you'll make sure it stays that way when you have to lug it all over the store.
