Grocery Smarts

This article is designed to help you save time and money when shopping at the supermarket.

This may seem like a lot of work initially, but it is a one time process.

Divide a sheet of paper into three columns. Create a checklist of every single item you normally buy at the supermarket and list them in the first column. This list is only a rough draft.

My Grocery Checklist is a website with ideas to get you started.

Next, design a map of the supermarket noting the aisle numbers and where each grocery item is located.

Rewrite the checklist so the grocery items are ordered by the path you take through the supermarket.

In the second column, write down the lowest unit price for each product.

The third column is for the brand name of the product.

After you have perfected you grocery food list, make copies. You will use these templates for shopping excursions.

Don't forget to bring a pen, notepad and calculator. Bring a friend. You will be able to cover more ground in the supermerket thereby saving time.

Grocery Saving Tips

Try not to waste saran wrap, aluminum foil or ziplock bags. Store leftovers in reuseable containers and/or cookie jars. Buy matching reuseable containers for organization and convenience. Invest in a large deep freezer and good vacuum sealer (Foodsaver). My large deep freezer I purchased at Wal*Mart only uses $25 of electricity per year.

Buy day old bread and store it in your deep freezer. Thaw out only what you need at one time in the microwave.

Use manufacturer coupons when your supermarket doubles them.

Buy generic vs. brand name when grocery shopping unless a coupon would be cheaper.

Avoid convenience. Don't buy groceries at convenient stores. Never buy impulse items when in line at the checkout counter.

Visit GrocerySavingTips.com to find out what's on Sale at your grocery store this week.

Designate space in your home (if you have the room) for bulk purchases. Buy items in bulk when there is a huge sale (even if you don't need them now). Make sure they are non-perishable and try not to spend over your budget.

Compare unit prices.

Stock up on Pepsi and/or Coke when they are on sale.

Buy a magic bullet.

Do you have ideas on ways to save on time or money when grocery shopping?