Save Money On Your Grocery Bill
Sale Items Not Always The Best Deal
UPDATED: 11:59 a.m. EST February 25, 2002
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In today's tight economy, most families are trying to cut expenses. No matter how you decide to pinch pennies, you still have to put food on the table.
Though it won't fix all of your money woes, there are some ways to help you save money on your grocery bill.
When you shop the aisles, there are savings signs everywhere. But not every super-saver item, or buy-one get-one-free promotion is a good deal.
The key is buying only what you need.
Save money buying things like potatoes and apples in a bag rather than individually.
Avoid the deli counter. The foods look attractive and smells great but they can cost you more.
The sales displayed at the end of the supermarket aisle may seem like a good deal, but Hogan reported that often the item is not on sale at all.
The store might have over-stocked the product and placed it at the end of the aisle to help sell it.
Getting the store's savings card might be worth it. The card can save you 15 to 20 percent on items.
Don't forget the traditional method of saving -- store coupons.
For some families, saving money is easier if you send Dad or someone to the store who will stick to the list.
It is also easier to leave children at home. That eliminates getting pestered into adding little extras to your grocery bill.
If you just have a few items to get, grab a basket, not a cart. You'll have less room to fill.
Many stores offer discounts to employees. At Giant Eagle, workers get 10 percent off Giant Eagle brand products.
Sometimes store savings cards will give you the cheaper price on a brand name item. But in general, buying generic items will help you save money.
That's the idea behind Aldi's, a discount grocery store . The chain follows a no frills, substantial savings philosophy.
"You can buy a whole cart that would cost you $150 in Kroger or Big Bear and that will cost you about $80 at Aldi's," said Roger Blackwell, OSU marketing professor.
Aldi's is a great store to save on groceries, but it only offers about 800 staple items.
Shopping at Aldi's is different than most grocery stores.
Aldi's customers must rent shopping carts for a quarter, bag their own groceries and pay for the bags.
The reviews on Aldi's grocery stores are good.
Blackwell said that Aldi's products rank exactly the same in taste tests as the No. 1 brand.
"They have some of the national brands as well," Blackwell said.
For more money saving ideas -- click here.
For some families, saving money is easier if you send Dad or someone to the store who will stick to the list.
It is also easier to leave children at home. That eliminates getting pestered into adding little extras to your grocery bill.
If you just have a few items to get, grab a basket, not a cart. You'll have less room to fill.
Many stores offer discounts to employees. At Giant Eagle, workers get 10 percent off Giant Eagle brand products.
Sometimes store savings cards will give you the cheaper price on a brand name item. But in general, buying generic items will help you save money.
That's the idea behind Aldi's, a discount grocery store . The chain follows a no frills, substantial savings philosophy.
"You can buy a whole cart that would cost you $150 in Kroger or Big Bear and that will cost you about $80 at Aldi's," said Roger Blackwell, OSU marketing professor.
Aldi's is a great store to save on groceries, but it only offers about 800 staple items.
Shopping at Aldi's is different than most grocery stores.
Aldi's customers must rent shopping carts for a quarter, bag their own groceries and pay for the bags.
The reviews on Aldi's grocery stores are good.
Blackwell said that Aldi's products rank exactly the same in taste tests as the No. 1 brand.
"They have some of the national brands as well," Blackwell said.
For more money saving ideas -- click here.Copyright 2002 by Lifewhile.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
