Before you go to the grocery store, it is important to make a list of the things you plan to buy. Then you can focus on getting everything you need while resisting the lure of impulse purchases.
A few things to keep in mind:
1) Compare grocery coupons to the store flyer to be sure you maximize your savings. As you go through your coupons consider whether those soon to expire should be used now. Make sure every coupon you plan to use now goes on your list. I recycle junk mail envelopes for my grocery lists and stick the coupons I plan to use on each trip inside the list envelope.
2) Plan your menu and then review recipes against items you have on hand so you will be sure to add everything you will need to your list. Nothing is worse than starting a recipe and realizing you must interrupt cooking and then pay top dollar at a convenience store for an item you forgot to pick up on your grocery trip.
3) Sometimes you will spot a great buy you did not plan in advance, and you will want to take advantage of the savings. That is okay as long as you weigh every unplanned purchase carefully and are certain the purchase makes sense (is something you will use) and makes cents (will save you money in the long run). Because you will sometimes come across these unadvertised specials, it is important to have all your coupons with you if possible to maximize your savings.
As with clipping coupons, the little time you invest in making a list will pay you back with time and money saved.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment