Money Saving Strategies on Food

• Shop with a list - always carry a calculator
• Don't shop hungry
• Use coupons - shop on double coupon days - Search Internet for freebies and manufactures coupons.
• Join wholesale superstores like Sam's club or Costco
• Check prices on sales - make sure there is real value and savings in price per units
• Buy generic brands - experts say this can reduce your annual on average over 40%
• Buy non-perishables such as make up an toiletries, at discount drugstore vs grocery stores they can have up to a 25% mark up at a grocery store.
• Buy non-perishable when they are on sale and stock up on them.
• Cook from scratch more often - Prepackaged items cost more. Keep quick meal ingredients handy to avoid impulse eating out.
• Watch for sales on items that will expire soon, Savings can be 50-70%
• Prices on average are generally cheaper on Monday's for grocery shopping.
• Grow your own garden
• Shop at dollar stores for non-perishibles like toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, steak sauces, ziplock baggies, cleaners; bleach is the best all purcpose cleaner and can save you money.

• Brown bag it more often during the week rather than eating out - estimated savings are projected to be $500 year.
• Have friends over for a potluck barbeque instead of eating out.
• Avoid fountain and specialty beverages in restaurants, most people don't check prices and they generally have enormous mark up.

I did research on some of the top suggested coupon sites and below are my findings, there were some great savings offered but do require some time commitment along with some others:

Coupons.com- was by far the best, sorts offers based by your zip code, the site was easy to navigate and with a simple printing download I was printing coupons in now time.

ValPak-had some great values but they are not strictley grocery so it takes more time to surf and find things that you may want or need.

Smartsource- Also has some great namebrand coupons, they also have a simple download requirement befor you can print off coupons and sorts by your zip code as well for convenience.

Wowcoupons - has a large selections of providers that offer retail coupons. The list is large and the links take you directly to the providers. Again not strictly grocery related offers.

About.com - also has an extensive list of a variety of coupons from providers.

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Q-pon.com and Frugalshopper.com- list a variety of paid advertisments from different providers.

Coolsavings.com- defaults to Shop at home, they offer coupons from name brand providers for online shopping with savings on purchase price and shipping. You will have to answer a long servey before you actually get to the coupon area, they also solicite you to sign up for various services tempting you to take several detours befor reaching your objective - saving money!

It is smart money to plug the big holes first in your financial boat, such as interest payments on your mortgage and debts. Then looking at the small things adds to a strong financial portfolio for anyone!

It's your money, make it work for you not you working for your money! Play a smart money game and reap the rewards.

Cammy Stubbs