I use a three-pronged method to saving money at the grocery store and it can work for you, too.
First, always cut and use coupons. Use them when they're out of date. A number of the nation's largest chains do accept them.
Whenever possible, look for the house brand, also known as the "store brand." Oftentimes, these generics are made by the manufacturers of the biggest brands. By not marketing them, the savings go to you. Advil is great and I love it, but the Albertsons - Savon ibuprofen is still ibuprofen and the savings may be up to a third.
Finally, buy what you buy on sale when you prefer a specialty item or something made by a name brand. Odds are if it's not on sale this week, it will be next week. The major chains tend to rotate them. In conjunction with buying on sale, be certain to sign up for the store's savings card. And forget about all the Orwellian fears of big brother knowing what soap you like to buy; in fact, you don't need to sign up for a checking approval in conjunction... just the discount part is fine!
Good shopping!
By Todd King
By guest (Guest Post)
08/20/2005
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