Tips to Help you Buy More for Less

By now it should come as no surprise to anyone that we're all going to have to tighten our belts during this economic crisis. In the wake of surging unemployment, rampant foreclosures and the volatility of the stock market, virtually anything and everything that we can do to cut down on expenses will – sooner or later – probably be required. With the prices of consumables and non-consumables alike continually on the rise, here are several tips to help you save on one of the most basic of household necessities – groceries:

• Buy in bulk. If you don't have a membership to marketplaces such as Costco, Sam's Club or the like, now may be the time to join. You can save quite a bit of money by purchasing larger amounts of individual groceries and over-the-counter drugs, as well.
• Check online coupon sites frequently. There are many websites on the Internet offering printable coupons for a large variety of items. You simply type in your zip code to display the coupons available for stores in your area. Furthermore, be sure to check your local newspapers (especially weekend editions) for pull-out flyers containing discount coupons for groceries and other items.
• Refrain from 'impulse-buying.' Make a grocery list and stick to it. Before you shop, be sure to eat breakfast or lunch, because grocery-shopping on an empty stomach can lead to "walletburn." Check the supermarket's website to determine what's on sale, and for paper goods, either buy generic brands or make a quick side trip to your local dollar store.
• Purchase store brands whenever possible. You can almost always save money on the price without sacrificing quality or taste. If available, grab the store's ad flyer as soon as you walk in. There may be in-store sales that were not advertised in the previous days' newspapers.
• Invest in a freezer. Even a small one will help you make the most of great sales on meats and other perishables.
• Stock up after Thanksgiving. There are more food coupons issued in November and December than in any other month. Combined with pre- and post-holiday sales, the end of the year is tops for food savings.
• While shopping, scan the shelves above and below eye level. That's where you'll find the cheaper items. If it's staring you right in the face, chances are it's more expensive.
• "Mix it yourself." You can pay up to 50 percent more for foods that come with sugar, spices, sauces or even water already mixed in. Pre-mixed juice can cost as much as 60 percent more than frozen concentrate.
• Bigger doesn't always mean cheaper. Sometimes the unit price is the same regardless of whether you buy regular or jumbo-size, so check carefully.
• Skip pricey fortified cereals. They often tout 100 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals – but remember, this isn't your only meal of the day. Stick with a basic cereal and save the extra money.
• Pick up large bags of frozen vegetables instead of the smaller boxes, which generally cost more per serving.