Shopping tips help reduce grocery bills

Nov. 7, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Buying groceries takes a big bite out of a monthly budget. With a little thought, there are ways to make putting food on the table a little less painful.

--Make a list. Inventory your pantry and freezer. Plan your meals in advance using what you have, then jot down other needed ingredients. Avoid buying anything that is not on your list.

--Shop alone. If you can, leave the kids or significant other at home. Shopping will be easier and faster. Each person increases the temptations to buy impulsively.

"The weekly circulars are the best way to save money," said Michael Long, store director for HyVee at Barlow Plaza. "Manufacturers spend millions of dollars promoting items to the stores, and that savings is passed on to the consumer."

--Check out the ads. Loss leaders are very good deals that grocery stores advertise to get you in the store. Some people shop only for those items and go to several stores every week. Stock up on sale items, but be sure they are non-perishable and brands you normally use.

"Buy off season," Long says. "T-bone steaks are at their highest price during summer grilling season, and the price of turkeys goes up around Thanksgiving. It's a matter of supply and demand."

--Use coupons. In addition to the flyer offers, many Web sites offer coupons that can be printed and used. Use coupons wisely; many are for convenience foods that can be made cheaper from scratch. Compare the coupon price with a less expensive, generic brand.

--Compare cost per ounce. Buying in larger quantities may save you money, but if you're purchasing perishable goods, large quantities might spoil before you can use them.

--Add some convenience foods. When busy days leave little time for food preparation, use short-cut ingredients, like minute rice.

--Shop clearance. Items reduced for clearance are perfectly suitable to consume; the store may be discontinuing a brand or items are close to expiration date.

--Know the store. Most grocery stores are set up with fresh food and produce on the outer perimeter with non-perishables on the interior aisles. End caps usually offer items at a discount. If you are stopping by the store to pick up fresh fruit and bread, resist temptation by avoiding middle aisles.

--Don't shop when you're hungry. Many people buy on impulse when they're hungry.

--Ditch the disposables and reuse. Think of all the money you could be saving by switching from plastic bags to permanent or plastic food containers.

Buck Stretcher is our daily 2 cents on how to make your paycheck go further. Got other ideas for saving money and spending it more wisely? Send it to mblock@postbulletin.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0171-29371443