Twenty Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries for Christmas and Throughout the Year

Holiday grocery shopping is quite an expense. With the following suggestions, you will be equipped with the knowledge to save money on your next visit to the grocery
store.

1. Eat before grocery shopping. The aromas and food displays are more tempting when you're hungry. I learned this from experience. The barbecue chicken that was not on my list went into my shopping cart because I was hungry.

2. Shop with a list. You prevent impulse buying when you go grocery shopping with a list.

3. Clip coupons. Check the newspaper inserts and advertisements delivered to your door for coupons. Put them in a folder or envelope so you don't lose them. Note the expiration dates on the coupons.

4. Print out coupons on the internet.
Visit www.50plusfun.com/discounts for a large variety of coupons.

5. Purchase your groceries at larger supermarkets, not small grocery stores. Because they buy in large volume, their cost is less and they can pass on bigger savings to consumers.

6. Compare prices at stores in your area. Take a pen and paper with you when you shop at different stores. Register prices of articles purchased regularly. You will then determine where the greatest savings are.

7. Buy in bulk. This works well for non-perishables, such as paper goods, cans and bottled drinks.

8. Buy store-brand items. They are more reasonably-priced and usually the same quality as other brands.

9. Don't buy just because an item is on sale. Last year, I bought four bottles of salad dressing at a big saving, except that I still have three left in my pantry. We didn't like the taste and never finished the opened bottle. What a waste!

10. Ask store personnel for help. Not sure which fruits are in season. Ask the manager of the produce department. Fruits that are in season are cheaper and always fresher. Not sure about an inexpensive cut of meat. Inquire at the meat department.

11. Always buy perishables, like dairy products, with the latest expiration date. They are placed at the end because the stores want to get rid of items that will soon spoil if not sold. Don't grab the first carton of milk you see. Check the expiration date.

12. Walk through the aisle. Many times, stores position their specials at the end of the aisle. They want you to pass the higher-priced items first.

13. Inspect all the shelves. The more expensive articles are put at eye level. Look at the top and bottom shelves when shopping.

14. Pay with cash. It's easier to stay within your budget when you know that you only have a certain amount of cash on you.

15. Have a garden? Grow produce and herbs. It's a great way to cut expenses and enjoy a new hobby.

16. Find out if the farmers sell produce in your area. They may set up shop once a week in a certain area to sell directly to the consumer. The fruits and vegetables are fresher and lower in price.

17. Buy holiday specials. If you can, wait until the holiday to buy a turkey. The stores are anxious to sell the remainder of their stock and reduce the price significantly.

18. Stay away from convenience and prepackaged food. The cost is much higher. The other day, I compared the price of prepackaged salad to the price of a lettuce. There was almost a $3.00 difference.

19. Be health conscious. By eating less red meat and pastry, you'll save money. Subsititute recipes with more fruits and vegetables for a healthier diet.

20. Ignore fancy supermarket displays. They are set up with bright coloring to catch your attention. Focus on your grocery list and your mission to save money.