5 Rules for Saving Money at the Grocery Store

There are lots of ways to save money, and any method you can add to your money-saving toolbox will help you better achieve your financial goals. Whether it’s putting more money towards retirement, a college fund, a down payment on a home or automobile or that vacation you’ve been dreaming about, reaching your financial goals requires that you make wise financial choices. In other words, reaching financial goals requires you to be frugal.

As humans, we need to eat and grocery shopping typically occupies a big chunk of our budget. This is even truer for larger families or families with special dietary needs. However, you can significantly reduce your grocery bill by employing five basic rules to your grocery shopping tasks:

1. Always shop with a list

2. Plan your meals

3. Buy store brands or generics when available

4. Use the store’s loyalty card

5. Use coupons for additional savings

Always shop with a list

Shopping with a list is vital. While we allocate a certain amount for groceries each week in our monthly budgets (you do budget, don’t you?), we should further regulate food spending by always using a list during our grocery store excursions. A grocery shopping list is a natural extension of the monthly budget. This list is your grocery spending plan just as your budget is your overall household spending plan. It helps you see where you can cut costs, helps you stay on track with your financial goals and helps to curb costly impulse buying.

Plan your meals

A good grocery list will follow a weekly menu plan. Buy items that you can reuse in different dishes and work with your family so everyone agrees on the meals of the week. Schedule dinner so that everyone eats together and make it a habit to save leftovers that will make delicious weekend lunches. Developing your grocery list around a meal plan will also help you avoid dining out, which can be unhealthy as well as expensive.

Buy store brands or generics and use the store’s loyalty card

Buying grocery store brand products will save you money — lots of money. Industry sales research cited by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) shows that American shoppers save about $15.8 billion annually by choosing store brands over name brands. To test this theory, your trusty writer ventured into a local grocery store with pen and legal pad, walked the various isles and documented actual price differences for 20 common grocery items: aspirin, acetametaphin, ibuprofen, green beans, sweet corn, ketchup, mayonnaise, mixed fruit, sugar, condensed milk, cornflakes, raisin bran, facial tissue, whipped cream, ice cream, chocolate milk, graham crackers, cream cheese, eggs and peanut butter.

Including savings from using the store’s loyalty card (another must-have money-saving tool), I calculated a savings of between 13 and 68 percent with an average 42 percent savings. If I purchased all items from name brand manufacturers, I would have paid $74.41. Foregoing the lure of buying brand name items, the total came to $43.45 – a $30.96 savings for 20 items (an average of over $1.50 per item) just for buying store brands and using my store loyalty card.

The difference in prices is what the PLMA calls the “marketing tax” which you pay so name brand manufacturers can promote their products through advertising and other means. However, many store brand items are produced by the same manufacturers that make competing name brand items. You can save a lot of money by choosing to not pay this “marketing tax” and keep that money where it belongs – in your pocket!

Use coupons for additional savings

In addition to store brand and loyalty card savings, you should make the most of your grocery shopping dollars by cutting, organizing and using coupons (check your Sunday newspaper). Coupons are a marketing gimmick, so don’t buy items you do not need just so you can save a little on the purchase. In reality, that’s a waste of money. Use coupons to save money on items you need and use. Try a different brand if a coupon from that competitor can save you money – even if it’s only a few cents because every penny adds up at the checkout counter. Cut and organize coupons on the same day you plan your next week’s meal menu so you can maximize your savings by planning dishes around coupons.

Don’t limit your coupon clipping to your Sunday newspaper. Try coupon websites, like CoolSavings.com. One website, CouponBar.com, even offers a toolbar you can add to your web browser. You can even find people selling sets of coupons on eBay.com.

While it may seem like a lot of planning, the savings add up. Depending on your current grocery shopping habits, you may be able to cut your weekly grocery bill in half – or even more! The key to this strategy, as with any budgeting strategy, is to develop your plan and then stick to it. Once these five frugal habits become a part of your routine, you’ll thank yourself for all the initial efforts you made to develop these valuable money-saving skills.

About the Author

jackiscooking pad thai

Tastefully simple grocery pad with magnet $0.99

Cute Refrigator Magnet Memo Pad/Grocery List Pad $1.00

West Virginia Mountaineers Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95

Vintage 1956 Schmit’s Market Leslie MI Grocery Shopping List Pad $6.99

HELLO KITTY MAGNETIC LOCKER GROCERY FRIDGE MEMO PAD NEW $4.99

1940′s Cream of Wheat Note Pad or Grocery List Holder/cover $19.99

RED HAT Grocery or ETC List Pad 45 per pack with magnet $4.80

Miami Hurricanes Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95

Louisville Cardinals Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95

Florida State Seminoles (FSU) Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95

Auburn Tigers Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95

Penn State Nittany Lions Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95

LSU Tigers Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnet Pad $4.95

Texas Longhorns Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnet Pad $4.95

18 Coupons 1.50/2 Kotex Natural Balance Pads x2/25/12 Grocery Food Coupon $0.99

Mississippi Rebels Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnet Pad $4.95

Michigan Wolverines Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95

Tulipa Grocery Pad & Pencil Dan DiPaolo Legacy $7.39

Florida Gators Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnet Pad $4.95

Kansas Jayhawks Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnet Pad $4.95

Iowa Hawkeyes Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95

PERSONALIZED CUSTOM ANY MONOGRAM BEACH REUSABLE ECO GROCERY GYM CANVAS GIFT BAG $36.95

EXTRA LARGE PERSONALIZED CUSTOM ANY MONOGRAM BEACH REUSABLE ECO GROCERY GYM GIFT $36.95

Illinois Fighting Illini Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95

Ellensburg Wa. Advertising Grocery Store Hot Pads 1920s $24.99

Geraniums Grocery Pad & Pencil Carol Rowan $7.39

Shower My Blessings Grocery Pad & Pencil Legacy $7.39

GROCERY LIST MAGNETIC NOTE PAD~PROUD TO BE A QUILTER BY AMY BRADLEY $7.00

Longaberger Hershey’s Kisses or Easter Basket Grocery Note Pads Set/2 NEW CHOICE $9.99

NEW Plastic Grocery Bag Holder- #86 Frogs on Lilly Pads $7.95

LONGABERGER KHAKI CHECK GROCERY PADS SET OF TWO 2 NEW $14.00

STUFF to Remember Grocery List Pad w/ Refrigerator Magnet Note Pads List Notepad $4.99

Cat & Bird Grocery List Pad w/ Refrigerator Magnet Note Pads List Notepad Cats $4.99

Grocery List Pad w/ Refrigerator Magnet Note Pads List Notepad Kitchen Groceries $4.99

So Much To Do Grocery List Pad w/ Refrigerator Magnet Note Pads List Notepad $4.99

Vintage A.J. Bayless Grocery Hot Pad $6.95

Gardener’s Table Grocery Pad & Pencil Carol Rowan $7.39

Faith Bouquet Grocery Pad & Pencil Carol Rowan $7.39

Lavender & Butterfly Grocery Pad & Pencil Bonnie Heppe $7.39

Jardin Grocery Pad & Pencil Deb Strain Legacy $7.39

Robin in Nest Grocery Pad & Pencil Folk Art by David $7.39

Summer Porch Grocery Pad & Pencil John Rossini Legacy $7.39

Chickadees Grocery Pad & Pencil Hautman Brothers Legacy $7.39

Red Flowers Grocery Pad & Pencil Jo Moulton Legacy $7.39

Marche De Fleurs Grocery Pad & Pencil Danhui Nai Legacy $7.39

Fresh From the Market Grocery Pad & Pencil Dan DiPaolo $7.39

Love Birds Grocery Pad & Pencil Karen Cruden Legacy $7.39

His Mercy Grocery Pad & Pencil Beth Yarbrough Legacy $7.39

Blueberry Mixing Bowl Grocery Pad & Pencil Shelly Reeve $7.39

Senseo Dark Roast Coffee, 18-Count Pods (Pack of 6) $27.99 The Senseo dark Roast Coffee Pods, as their name implies, are pleasantly strong, robust and full-bodied, yet the cup is surprisingly smooth. It is quite aromatic with hints of almond and dark chocolate. If finishes with a delicious “crema” layer. It is an excellent choice for mornings first cup as well as for a needed boost throughout the day.Each package of Senseo Dark Roast Coffee Pods contains …

Senseo Medium Roast Coffee, 18-Count Pods (Pack of 6) $25.99 The Senseo Medium Roast Coffee Pods offer an aromatic, rich taste with a smooth finish. Like the Dark Roast Pods, they end with a delicious “crema” layer, making it an ideal choice for any time of day or for any occasion.Each package of Senseo Medium Roast Coffee Pods contain 18 coffee pods.When you order this item you will receive one case of 6 packages of Senseo Medium Roast Coffee. Each package…

Senseo Decaffeinated Coffee, 18-Count Pods (Pack of 6) $24.95 Senseo Douwe Egberts Coffee Pods offer the same fine taste and quality as our Medium Roast, without the caffeine. This coffee has a consistent body with a rich taste so it can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Specially-designed SENSEO coffee pods are measured servings of coffee that give you a full, smooth taste and aroma. The coffee blends are selected and roasted by the premier European compan…

ProFlex 200 Short Light Duty Copolymer Knee Pad ;OneSize Black [PRICE is per PAIR] $20.75 * Durable copolymer padding * Super lightweight. Comfortable to wear all day * Single strap with hook and loop fastener…

Kneeler Garden Pad Prayer Bleacher Seat Washable Blue / White / Blue 1 $12.00 The Sport Force Kneeler / Seat Pad is a generous size for any kneeling / sitting application. You can move your knees around to find the position that is most comfortable for you. These were originally developed for CPR training for American Heart Association workshops. The hybrid series of kneelers is extra tough for rocky uneven surfaces. They also make a great bleacher seat. It insulates you fr…

Kneeler / Seat Pad Indoor / Outdoor with Handle, BWB 1 $12.26 The Fitness Force Kneeler is a generous size for any kneeling application. You can move your Knees around to find the position that is most comfortable for you. These were originally developed for CPR training for American Heart Institute workshops. They are comfortable on any surface (concrete, gravel, wood, linoleum, tile, etc.) They are easily cleaned with soap and water and can be sterilized w…

Lansinoh 20435 Breastmilk Storage Bags, 25-Count Boxes (Pack of 3) $11.50 Expressing breast milk from work takes a lot of time and dedication, so anything that will make the process easier is appreciated by moms. Storing milk in bottles takes up valuable freezer space and means that you have to keep purchasing more and more bottles to build up your stash of food for baby. These plastic breast milk storage bags come pre-sterilized, and are easy to carry around–as they’r…

Lansinoh 20265 Disposable Nursing Pads, 60-Count Boxes (Pack of 4) $24.00 Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads – 60 ct – 4 PkLansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads allow mothers to keep their active lifestyles after giving birth without having to worry about embarrassing and uncomfortable milk leakage. Ultra thin but super absorbent, disposable pads have a soft, stay-dry lining that draws milk away from the skin and into the core of the pad where it is absorbed by a special p…

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Cleaner Cleaning Pads …

Arkon Portable Fold-Up Stand for Apple iPad, Galaxy Tab, BlackBerry Play Book $10.95 ARKON IPM-TAB1 IPAD(TM) DESKTOP & TRAVEL STAND. PERFECT FOR IPAD(TM), DELL(R) STREAK, AMAZON(R) KINDLE(R) & OTHER POPULAR DEVICES, LIGHTWEIGHTPERFECT FOR TRAVEL ON PLANES, TRAINS, ETC. , FOR USE IN AIRPLANES AS A SEAT-BACK TRAY TABLE TABLET COMPUTER OR EBOOK STAND , SUPPORT LEGS FEATURE NON-SKID CUSHIONED PADS FOR ADDED STABILITY, DIM WHEN FOLDED: 7L” X 1W” X 1H”, WEIGHT: 2.9 OZ…

Kansas Jayhawks Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnet Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team-spirited magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team mascot grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Jayhawks pride to any note or list!

Auburn Tigers Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team-spirited magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must-have items for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team character grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Tigers pride to any note or list!

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team-spirited magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must-have items for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team character grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Yellow Jackets pride to any note or list!

Illinois Fighting Illini Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team-spirited magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must-have items for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team character grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Fighting Illini pride to any note or list!

Iowa Hawkeyes Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team-spirited magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must-have items for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team character grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Hawkeyes pride to any note or list!

Louisville Cardinals Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team-spirited magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must-have items for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team character grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Cardinals pride to any note or list!

Miami Hurricanes Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team-spirited magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must-have items for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team character grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of ‘Canes pride to any note or list!

Florida State Seminoles (FSU) Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team-spirited magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must-have items for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team character grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of ‘Noles pride to any note or list!

Penn State Nittany Lions Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team-spirited magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must-have items for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team character grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Nittany Lions pride to any note or list!

West Virginia Mountaineers Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team-spirited magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must-have items for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team character grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Mountaineers pride to any note or list!

Florida Gators Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnet Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team spirit magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must haves for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team mascot grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Gators pride to any note or list!

LSU Tigers Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnet Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team spirit magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must haves for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team mascot grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Tigers pride to any note or list!

Michigan Wolverines Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnetic Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team-spirited magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must-have items for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team character grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Wolverines pride to any note or list!

Mississippi Rebels Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnet Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team spirit magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must haves for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team mascot grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Rebels pride to any note or list!

Texas Longhorns Tailgate Fixins’ Grocery List Magnet Pad $4.95 Preparing for your next tailgating party just got easier with this team spirit magnetic grocery pad! Stick it to your refrigerator and you won’t forget a thing at the store when you write down your ideas and must haves for your next cookout. It features a background print of your favorite team mascot grilling out with “Tailgate Fixins” in whimsical lettering underneath, adding the perfect touch of Longhorns pride to any note or list!

Grocery Gardening: $13.56 Grocery Gardening

Grocery Store $19.99 Grocery Store – Art Print

Ridgeway Grocery $139.99 Kathleen Green Ridgeway Grocery – Framed Art Print

Grocery Shopping $19.99 Julia Letheld Hahn Grocery Shopping – Premium Poster

Peach Grocery Bag $16.9 Peach Grocery Bag

Asian Grocery Store Demystified $11.86 Asian Grocery Store Demystified

Indian Grocery Store: $13.29 Indian Grocery Store