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Grocery Shopping Tips

May 26, 2009

A calculator, shopping list and money for grocery shopping.When at the supermarket, bring a little notebook with you, and a calculator. Write down all of your regular items (or something that you'd like to buy) and the price per ounce (divide the cost by the total number of ounces in the package). While the stores usually show that formula on the tags that show the prices, sometimes it shows "X" cents per ounce on one item, and "Y" per unit on another brand's item (that's why I suggested the calculator).

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Get the same information from all the supermarkets that you frequent. After a couple of weeks, write out a chart of your regular shopping items down the left side of a page, with the name of the stores across the top. Then put the price into the proper column under each store. You'll quickly see what store gives the best regular prices, and you'll be better able to cash in coupons or take advantage of sales without pulling everything out of the cabinet to see what it usually costs.

Update the lists from time to time, too. I use Miracle Whip. It's usually $3.49 here, which works out to $0.10+ per ounce. I always buy it at a super-discounted grocery store for much less, $0.07 an ounce. When you get a coupon or there's a sale on, make sure that store is offering a better price than you often pay.

I used to take the cost of mileage into account, until a third supermarket opened recently within a 2 miles of my home. Talk about heaven! Soon you'll know exactly where to go to get what, simplifying a shopping trip and getting you the best price on everything.

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By Polly Levesque

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March 5, 2011

I have worked in the grocery industry for over 15 years, so I'm going to share little secrets of how to shop and save big in your favorite local grocery store.

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April 1, 2010

Did you know that the supermarket is dangerous? This goes for any cart-pushing, scooter-riding establishment. Ask yourself if you've ever felt at some kind of risk in the grocery store (besides being run over by some kid racing around with a cart)?

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November 18, 2010

Shop stores during the dinner hours, 5 PM to 7 PM. The stores are less crowded then.

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Kelly Ann Butterbaugh
February 6, 2009

As grocery prices rise, we wait and hope for this economic trend to reverse itself. However, in the meantime there are ways to shop wise and save money at the grocery store.

a shopping list

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November 24, 2014

Calculator shopping was popular back when hand-held calculators first became cheap and easy to get. Nowadays, I rarely see anyone shopping with a calculator, but there are many good reasons to use one.

Boxes of potatoes bought on sale.

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February 5, 2009

In this economy food companies are shrinking package sizes as we have all found out. Pay very close attention shopping even at dollar stores.

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Check ounces on cereal boxes to get the best price for the most product.

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March 10, 2005

My tip for making grocery shopping easier. I bring my wife and follow her around while she picks the groceries. I find it to be a lot easier than going by myself.

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February 28, 2011

When I go to a big grocery store, it is such a time waster standing in line at the deli counter. Now, before I leave home, I write the order on the back of a business card. When I get to the deli, I just tell them I'll be back in 20 minutes.

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July 26, 2011

Have you noticed that all the fresh, least processed items are on the walls of the grocery store? Meats, dairy, produce, baked goods?

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This is where the majority of your healthy shopping is, along with the freshest seasonal items.

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October 6, 2005

I keep a large ($10 at Dollar General) cooler in the back of my van for cold grocery items such as milk and meats. It lets me continue my shopping and not worry about something spoiling.

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January 12, 2005

When I am shopping at a store that I know I will be making a purchase (grocery shopping) and not just browsing, I fill out most of my check information in the car as well as adding the info to my check register. Then when I am checking out, I can watch the prices being rung up.

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October 11, 2007

My grocery shopping is always a chore. We used to spend two to three hundred dollars a week for a family of five. I resolved to cut that back now that I have only one kid at home.

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Diamond Post Medal for All Time! 5,887 Posts
August 10, 2006

Clean out and re-organize your refrigerator and cabinets the day before you go to buy groceries.

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 519 Posts
November 17, 2006

My dear husband has found that it's easy to shop for groceries for us on Sunday evenings. Not only that, but they seem to have great specials.

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Diamond Post Medal for All Time! 1,298 Posts
May 9, 2018

When trying a new product, for the best value try to see if there is a variety pack. You'll be able to get an idea of what you like/not like.

Packages of Mighty Leaf tea on sale.

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February 8, 2016

As a self employed worker in a soft economy, I have learned to stretch every nickel to do a dime's job. One of my best strategies is to become acquainted with the department managers of my favorite grocery stores.

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These men and women have supplied me with valuable information regarding the foods in their departments.

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