Those better be frozen vegetables she's grabbing.The majority of us have gone to the grocery store, no question about it. We need food, and other necessities. But, are you getting the most bang for your buck?
I remember my barber once jokingly say, "Times are rough." We were only talking about how even if an electronic is powered off, it still uses some electricity if it's plugged in (you can call PSEG if you don't believe me).
But still, anything helps when all is said and done.
So, I'll share some advice, tips, and tricks I've learned online and by tagging along to the grocery store with my mom.
1. Buy the Sunday paper and clip coupons for the love of god. It isn't difficult, and I was thoroughly thrilled to see a 55 cent coupon for almond milk this past weekend.Here are a few of my mom's tactics.
2. If you don't already, apply for your store's discount card. There are all types of savings by using it at every purchase, in addition to coupons with your receipt.
3. I've heard this one a lot. For food, shop around the perimeter of your store. There are occasions you need to go down an aisle or two for household items, which is fine and dandy, but don't travel through junk food land.
4. Nearly expired bread is cheaper bread. Just freeze it and defrost in the microwave.
5. Wait for it. Yes, I'm talking about sales. Got a big ol' tin of olive oil over the weekend, which cost less than the smaller container. Weird, right?
6. Move quick. Get what you need and that's it. If you don't know what you need, then you may be more inclined to purchase "extras." Usually, I don't need a list, but it helps if you're going to buy a lot.Got your own tricks? Comment and share them with everyone else you sneaky person.
7. Look for the young teenage cashiers. Apparently, my mom tells me they're more inclined to scan any coupon or give you sales that may not be registering when an item is scanned. (more on this in the following points)
8. Use any coupon. The above said young teenage cashier will possibly accept an expired coupon or one that may be for a product, but doesn't meet the conditions, such as must buy 2 or buy so so to get half off. Hey, a coupon's a coupon.
9. Argue/debate. I've seen plenty of cashiers screw up way too many times. It's your money, don't get suckered.
10. Check the receipt immediately after your purchase. I don't know how my mom does it all in her head, but she does. See if the total is correct, if all deductions were taken off for the proper amount, and they didn't double scan anything accidentally.
So, what are you waiting for? Get to shopping!
My favorite A&P policy is that if you find an expired item, you get one for free (not expired obviously).
ReplyDeleteI've gotten plenty of free bagged salads over the years. Sometimes guacamole, and shredded cabbage. Just bring the expired item (and one that isn't) up to the service counter.
Georgie
That's very generous of them.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if my ShopRite does anything similar, but it would be worthwhile checking out, especially for free salads!
Haha I just wrote a shopping post, but not quite about groceries. Though there is an art to grocery shopping. My number one rule is to never go grocery shopping when I'm hungry. Because that's when I end up buying unnecessary evils from the frozen isle, or the microwavable junk.
ReplyDeleteBut if I head out with a list in hand, all prepared to just go in & out a la your mom, then life is good. :)
I think frozen foods are the most convenient items sold in the store. Buy and then just pop it in for a quick heat. Only thing to beat that is having your own personal chef, haha.
ReplyDeleteGetting in and out is numero uno. No need to spend a big chunk of your day in the grocery store when you can be doing other things with your time.