Grocery shopping hints

Today is finish the shopping list day.  WHAT?!  I know that is what you are saying to yourself.  Well for me the weekly shopping list is a job...part time but still a job.  In order to get the most for my money it usually can take me anywhere from 3 hours to a day to finish the list.  I honestly don't think that you want to spend that much time but I can give you a few pointers that will help you in your weekly grocery shopping experience.

1. Coupons are a great savings...I know they are a pain to deal with but I manage to save a lot of money with coupons each shopping trip and I can't tell you how gratifying it is to get something for free. 

2.  Stock up when you can...In other words, grab as many as you can store of items when you find them at a really good price.  An example would be say you enjoy Kraft Mac n cheese...the local Walmart is selling them for $ .33 per box.  That means for a little more than a dollar (the price on 1 box at most stores) you are getting 3.  I would get $ 5.00 worth and store them.  You may be spending a little extra this shopping trip but you will be saving over the next few because you won't have to buy them at full price.

3. Don't be afraid to visit more than one store when you shop...quite often the great sale prices are not at the store with the lower regular prices. 

4. Get to know your stores...the more information you know about your stores the better deals you can get.  What I mean by this is all grocery, drug, department and discount chain stores are not created equal.  The more educated you are about the store - the better your decision making process will be.  So when you are walking through a store and come upon a clearance rack you will know whether that yellow tag is truly a bargain.  BEWARE OF BOGUS CLEARANCE TAGS.  Stores will call something clearance but it is not always a bargain!  BEWARE WHEN YOU SHOP AT A DOLLAR STORE.  Although there are bargains at the dollar store, there are also other items that you can get at another store for less...a lot less.

5. Compare all the store circulars.  If you are grocery shopping don't forget about the drug stores and discount chains.  Many include at least 1 page of grocery items with each sale.

6. Combine any of the above for maximum value.