Simple ways to Lower Your Grocery Bill

This post is about making your trip to the grocery store less stressful and more efficient while saving you time and money.

I don't know about you but for me, shopping for groceries is not the trill once used to be and I crinch every time I see a price increase specially on items I buy regularly.


Do you also feel that prices just keep going higher and higher? Well, you and me, are not alone!

Yes, we all seen the cost of food going up and if you think about the fact that most consumers throw out 40% of the food they buy, makes us come to the realization that we could do better in lowering our bills by doing a little plan-ahead before actually going out shopping.


Here are a few tips to help save time and money on your next trip to the grocery store.

• Plan your weekly meals and write them  down. Using grocery coupons and store specials can also help you not only plan your meals but also cut down on your spending. 

• Make a grocery shopping list! Going grocery shopping without a list is most likely an open invitation to overspend.

• Check you refrigerator for vegetable and other thing that you might have already on hand so you don't spend extra because you forgot about it. 

• Shop your freezer and your pantry. 

• Plan meals using leftovers (if you have any).

• Go shopping grocery list in hand and stick to the items on the list! 

• Never shop when you are hungry. You will buy more things than what you need! (you mean it never happened to you?)

Another way of saving money is buying produce in season at the local Farmer's Market and freeze (or can some ) for latter use, in off season, when prices are higher and you would pay way more. This produce, not only tastes better than what  you would buy in the grocery store but you can also save money if you buy by the case.

Among the things I especially like to buy for the freezer are yellow/green beans, cherries and sour cherries, red peppers (which I freeze to use later to make stuffed peppers), and corn on the cob. (I found it quite expensive during the winter months). For canning my favorites are peaches.

If you are not used to go to the Farmer's Market, I encourage you to check it out. There is always a wonderful selection of fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the growers as well as organic meats and dairy products, something for everyone.

I found this article on the subject of grocery shopping written by Mairlyn Smith, a Professional Home Economist that is packed with fantastic ideas and suggestions.

You can read the whole article here:
  "Grocery Shopping 101"

Hope you find the ideas useful and helpful in saving  you money on your next grocery bill!

Cheers!

Leia