Five Ridiculously Easy Ways to Save Money While Shopping Unprepared

Saving money has become a huge focus for me, because I am working towards living my dream life. One way I have been able to drastically “tighten” the budget belt is by cutting back on food expenses. Planning is the most efficient way to save money on food, but no matter how hard I try I still find myself unprepared at the grocery store.  Because it is inevitable that I will randomly show up at a grocery store, I “discovered” 5 tips that help me save money even when I am unprepared.

Tip 1: Use In Store App

The great thing about technology is that most stores now have their own apps. Many of these apps have coupons you can load to your rewards card, or scan at the register. Most of the apps I have seen include the weekly ad, locations, and hours of operation.

Every store app is different, and some are definitely superior to others. I would suggest that you make a mental note of every store you shop at frequently, and check out those store’s apps. I love the apps that include manufacturer’s coupons, because when I am in a hurry I can just look for items I am already buying, and add the coupon. There have been many times, while I was waiting at the register, I found coupons for items I was about to purchase. I felt sneaky, quickly adding that extra coupon to my card, last minute!

If you don’t like the app delete it, since these apps are free you really have nothing to lose.

Tip 2: Shop Clearance

I have saved an enormous amount of money just by shopping for clearance items. Usually stores put items on clearance when they need more space for newer items, or items that are close to expiring. This is great for those that love getting great deals. Here are some tips when shopping clearance that will help you maximize your savings.

First, I recommend you learn where the clearance is in the stores you frequently shop in. Some stores don’t have a specific clearance section, and just mark down items in the aisle. Even if there is a specific clearance section, refrigerated or frozen items will most likely be marked down in the section they are usually kept.

Second, it is important to remember that just because an item is on clearance, doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. For instance an item on clearance at store A, may still be more expensive than the same regular priced item at store B. It is important to learn baseline prices of items you shop for, that way you will really know if you are getting a good deal.

Lastly, even if an item is on clearance, if you don’t need it, and won’t use it, it is not a good deal. Don’t ever buy items just because they are “a good deal”. It is important to only buy items you will utilize, otherwise you are just wasting money. Also check the expiration date before you purchase the item. Some clearance items are dangerously close to being expired, so if you won’t use it by that date, don’t buy it.

Tip 3: Find Manufacturers Coupons in the Store

Even if you don’t have time for couponing, you can usually find manufacturers coupons on or next to certain products in the store. I was in a store the other day and there was a “Buy 1 get 1 free Pita Chips” sale. Next to these pita chips were strategically placed manufacturer’s coupons for $0.55 off 1 bag of pita chips. The pita chips were normally $3.99 a bag, and I was able to get each bag for $1.45. I had not planned on getting these, but I knew I would eat them (Happily).

Stores secretly love manufacturer’s coupons, because they get reimbursed the full coupon amount, and you buy the product at their store. Stores will put out coupons next to products in order to entice you to buy that product. If you are in a hurry and planning on buying that product anyways, utilize the manufacturers coupons. Don’t ever buy a product just for the coupon, but definitely use it if you can.

Tip 4: Check Out Day Old Bakery and Deli Items

I love bread, especially giant loaves of delicious french bread. The problem is, bread can be expensive (especially artisan bread), but luckily it loses freshness quickly. Why would I be happy bread loses freshness quickly? I’m happy because this means stores must clearance off bakery items in order to avoid having to throw those items away.

Most stores that have an in store bakery will have another area of clearanced baked goods. This section is usually placed far away from the bakery, to the back of the store (because they would rather you buy the full priced bakery items). You can find all sorts of breads, cakes, doughnuts, muffins, bagels, ect, marked down drastically. I have found that these bakery items really taste just as good as the “fresher” full priced items.

I also recently discovered that putting bread in the fridge extends freshness drastically. You can also freeze extra loaves of bread so it  lasts even longer.

Similarly with the bread, in store deli products also have a fairly short window of freshness. If you arrive at the store about 30 minutes before the deli closes, you may be able to get deli items half priced. Since I make sandwiches often, and deli meat is expensive, I will buy pre-sliced deli meat for half the price. This allows me to get the expensive high quality meat at a more affordable price. You can also get potato wedges, salads, chicken, and more for dirt cheap. If you are unsure if the stores in your area offer these deals, just ask!

Tip 5 : Compare Generics to Brand Names, and Prices Per Ounce

If there are no sales, coupons, discounts, or clearance on the items you need, there are two more simple ways to make sure you are getting the best deals.

The first way is by purchasing generic or store brand items. Often time I find these items are just as good as the brand name items, but much cheaper. If you compare the ingredients on the back, you will see many generic items are identical to the brand name items. Things like canned and frozen fruits and vegetables for instance are nearly identical both generic and brand name items.

The second way is by checking the price per ounce. Whether you choose to buy generic or not often times the products you want come in a variety of sizes (condiments are a good example), so how do you get the best deal? Well instead of taking out the calculator and figuring out the price per ounce, stores now do that for you. So if you question what size is really the best deal, you can look right on the tag.

Saving Money Take Practice

Whether you are trying to save money to reach a particular goal, or are just sick of living paycheck to paycheck saving money takes time and practice. Once you develop the skill, you will be able to spot good deals from a mile away (like a money saving ninja of sorts). I encourage you to be patient with yourself, and continue to strive, in order to help you live your dream life.

What money saving tips do you have when finding yourself unprepared at the grocery store?