Slash Grocery Budget and Take Advantage of Sales
Save Big When Supermarkets Have Sales; How and When to Shop
Oct 12, 2009
Does it always seem like everyone else gets to grocery store sales first? Smart consumers know how to be the first one in line on sale day, and ways to really take advantage of those bargains.
How to Save Money at Grocery Store Sales
First, before ever even heading out the door, download the sales flyer from the supermarket web site. These are chock full of items that are on sale that week, and then plan a menu around those items. Say chicken leg quarters are specially priced. Plan a week's menu around chicken. Make chicken in the crock pot, sautee it on the grill, even cold chicken makes great sandwiches! Then head to the internet for some free chicken recipes. Family sick of chicken already? Freeze it for next week.
After a couple months of studying those sales flyers every week, shoppers will begin to notice a pattern to the supermarket sales. Prices on certain items will likely get reduced on a rotating basis, say every four to six weeks depending on the store. Planning menus around those price reductions can really slash a household budget.
Talk to the Manager About Upcoming Sales
Looking out for something special for the holidays, say a leg of lamb or a ham? Ask the manager or the butcher when certain cuts of meat will be on sale. They know better than anyone, and most would be happy to share their insider information, especially with good customers. Establishing a relationship with the butcher, or the manager or even the cashier will make shopping more fun, and could help save money in the process!
Don't Forget to Shop in the Deli
Often shoppers go all over the store, but forget the deli section which offers some great ready-made salads and pre-cooked dinners. Often certain items will go on sale at the end of the day, and make for an easy (and inexpensive) family meal.
Stock up on Frozen and Canned Goods
If canned vegetables go on sale and that price is not likely to be seen again anytime soon, load up! Nowhere to store the cans? No problem. Think creatively...underneath the bed, in closets, on the hat rack, wherever there is space!
Be sure to peruse the sales carefully this month. As November rolls around, and people get ready for the holidays, supermarkets may be less likely to put popular items on sale. Grab that canned cranberry relish now, and stock up on pumpkin pie mix as well as ready-made crusts. After the holidays, however, all bets are off, and consumers can find great deals on holiday cards, frozen turkeys and boxed mashed potatoes. There's something to be said for a big home-cooked turkey dinner in January!
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