Are you saving up for a new kayak, pinching 
pennies for a new pack, or scrimping in the hopes of buying new skis this winter? Don’t overlook the savings you can rack up in the grocery store. Rachel Singer Gordon, the author of Point, Click, and Save: Mashup Mom’s Guide to Saving and Making Money Online, has some ideas on how you can save money grocery shopping for the rest of the summer—heck, for your whole life—so you have a few more dollars to put toward your kit. Can’t wait to splurge on a new bike? Read on for myth-busting and money saving tips:
Myth #1: Buying in bulk, at stores like Costco and Sam’s Club, is better penny-pinching than shopping at the grocery store.
But…
- Most warehouse stores don’t take coupons.
- There are no sales at warehouse stores. Also, good sale prices at grocery stores beat everyday prices at warehouse stores.
- Grocery stores often offer money-back coupons. On deals like “buy X brand toothpaste for $3.00, get $3.00 off your next shopping trip,” use a $1.00 coupon to make $1.00 by shopping!
So, if you match coupons with sales, and watch for money-back offers you save more than you would with big-box prices.
Myth #2: Buying store brands, instead of national brands, saves money.
But when you . . .
- Use coupons, most coupons are for national brand items.
- Shop sales you’ll find sale prices on name-brand items generally beat everyday prices of generic items. Also, match sales with coupons you have to really save.
- Look for loss leaders or super sale items and match them with your coupons items are practically free.
So, brand-name items are always cheaper on sale, with coupons.
Myth #3: Coupons aren’t for “real food.”
But if you . . .
- Look for organic or natural coupons on company websites like Stonyfield Farm and Earthbound Farms there are printable coupons and opportunities to sign up for mailing lists.
- Email companies for coupons you will find many companies send coupons to loyal customers, if you provide them with your mailing address.
- Check major coupon sites and newspaper inserts, you will find coupons for conventional products can work on organic versions.
- Shop farmer’s markets, because small farms can’t afford the USDA organic process, but they may have acceptable practices.
If you take time to plan you can save so much more! Rachel saved enough money to buy a playground set for her kids, which is about the same price as that new kayak you’ve had your eyes on. So start saving!
If you want to hear more of Rachel’s ideas on how to save money, she blogs about money-saving tips at MashupMom.com, or tell us about your tips and tricks to save money on groceries!
– Lauren Kelly
