The Best Ways to Save When Buying Groceries

Buy an upgraded membership at the grocery warehouse. It will cost you more upfront, but will pay for itself in the long run. Costco's Executive membership is $100.00 upfront, but you get 2% back. Do the math; if you go to Costco every week, you'll in effect get your membership for free and get money back! Also use the coupons that the warehouses send out. If you plan your shopping accordingly, you can save on items that you stock up on.

Be smart about where you buy certain items. Every time I go to my grocery warehouse, I'm amazed at the carts I see that are loaded with paper products. It's pretty much common knowledge that these warehouses are higher in price than grocery stores on paper products, so why buy them there? Is it that much harder to run by the local grocery store? Warehouses are great for meats, dairy, pet food, bird food, canned goods, and other food items. Toilet paper, paper towels, batteries -not so much! Warehouse brands are good quality and can save you money as well -Costco's Kirkland brand is excellent, in everything I've tried from dog food to olive oil. Be cautious about buying gas at the warehouses as well -when prices are high, they may be lower, BUT when prices go down overall, theirs may not.

Clip and save coupons. Visit brand websites for coupons, check newspapers, magazines, and on-line coupon sites. Be aware though -stores know the coupon schedule. Don't use your coupons as soon as you get them, unless the item is also on sale -wait until it is! If you have a coupon for an item that the store doesn't carry, ask about it -often the store will let you substitute another item from the same company and still honor the coupon.

Use store coupons with manufacturer coupons -often the store will honor both at the same time. Also, some stores will still honor expired coupons -won't hurt to ask! If your store offers double or triple coupons, use as many as possible. Some stores are even offering double coupons up to $1.99 now.

Stock up! Buy in bulk when the store is having a sale. This has two benefits -you will get your items at reduced prices, and you'll always have an extra on hand so you don't ever run out! Just make sure you have a place to store things.

Plan around sales. Plan your weekly menus around the grocery store flyer's weekly sales. This way, you can prepare menus that you might not normally be able to afford!