Grocery store sale flyers are mailed weekly. Don't throw them away, look at them. Otherwise, you are passing up a lot of good offers. Additional savings can also occur when using manufacturer coupons for purchasing the grocery items on sale. Be sure to compare the sales from different stores because the same or similar item(s) may be offered at different prices during the same week. Also, keep in mind, just because an item is on sale does not necessarily mean it is the best price. A larger sized item may be cheaper when comparing the price per ounce. Carry a calculator with you to compare prices per ounce or look at the price label in front of the item that may indicate the cost per ounce.

     Stores must abide by their advertisements. If an item is no longer available/sold out, request a rain check to purchase the product at the discount price when their stock is replenished at a later date.

     Beware of the advertisements attempting to entice you to purchase more groceries than you need. Avoid purchasing two items advertised as 2 for $3.50. You are typically not required to purchase two items. Therefore purchase only one item at $1.75.

     Another method to save even more money is to purchase several of the items you use on a regular basis when they are on sale, storing them for future use. You will then have a supply to last for a while without having to purchase additional products at full price when needed. You will spend more money now on the sale items, but over time you will save.

     CAUTION: Don’t buy more products than can be consumed/used before the expiration date. Also, check the expiration date carefully.

     An item may be on sale because it may soon expire. If an item is not on sale, but it is about to expire, then ask the manager of the store to give you a price reduction (assuming you will be able to consume the item soon). Purchase items that can be frozen so they will last longer.

     The proper method for stocking merchandise is to store the products with the oldest expiration date behind the products with the more recent expiration date. Grocery stores want to sell their oldest supplies first. Therefore they place the older items closest to the customer's reach. Instead reach for the items in the back that are harder to reach.

     Ensure you prepare a shopping list and that you are not hungry before entering the grocery store. Otherwise, you may be inclined to purchase more than what you really need. Impulse buying will cost you a lot of money.

     Occasionally, grocery stores may offer coupons or specials allowing a manufacturer’s coupon to be redeemed for double or even triple the face value of the coupon. The grocery stores may limit the number of double coupon redemptions for each visit. If you have more double coupons than can be redeemed in one visit, then visit the store more than once. Purchase the nonperishable items first, place the groceries in the car, then return again using the other double coupons.

     Consider membership in a buyer's club or warehouse store, such as Sam's Club® or Costco®. Items are offered at a discount because you are required to purchase most of them in bulk. As long as you can use the greater amount purchased, then you may save over the long run. Keep in mind the regular cost for items at the warehouse may be the same or more when compared to items offered by other store chains for items on sale. Greater discounts may be earned when using coupons because they are typically not accepted at the warehouse stores. Be aware of grocery prices, then compare. Membership stores may or may not always offer lower prices.

     BEWARE: Watch the prices as they are scanned; the wrong price may appear. If the price is higher than expected, alert the cashier. Some grocery stores will give you the first item scanned incorrectly at no cost, all subsequent purchases will be at the correct price.


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