5 Ways to Reduce Your Grocery Bill
April 25, 2011 – 1:51 pm by MarinaHanes
Frugality is the way to live these days, but it’s not always easy to be a penny pincher. Finding cheaper prices or living less independently on supermarkets requires time and effort on your part. However, even if you just tweak your lifestyle, you can save money here and there. It’s up to you…how much money do you want to save on grocery bills every month? Below are five ways to start reducing your food expenses…that is, if you’re up to the challenge.
Start Gardening
Yes, gardening does take time and patient, but you don’t necessarily have to go all out. Grow small herb gardens and select vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers indoors or out on your patio. Herbs can be expensive at the store, so this can help reduce costs, and you can always dry your homegrown herbs so they last longer.
Clip Coupons
Have you seen that new “Extreme Couponing” show on TLC? Watch one and you will see how easy it is to save big bucks on groceries. One lady walked out of the store with about $600 worth of food for about $6! Although these people buy in bulk, sometimes excessively, you can find a happy medium and curb how much money is going out.
Buy Locally
Locally grown foods have the potential to cost less. These vegetables and fruits didn’t have to travel far to get to you either. Check out mom and pop supermarkets as well as local farmer’s stands and even flea markets. You never know what deals are out there unless you look.
Research Online
Before you head out to make your purchases, try to do some simple research online to find out where the sales are. If you’re willing to look, you will find organic and free range options for less.
Plan Ahead
Obviously, going to the grocery store hungry is a bad idea, but it’s also not wise to go without a plan of action. Create a list prior to running errands. This will prevent you from buying things that you want, leaving you plenty of money for the things you really need.
