You'll need to act as if that is all you have in your bank account. If you spend more, your account will be over drawn. Also, make a list. Don't guess what you need. You'll end up with three ketchups in the fridge before long.
The second step to saving your money is to not buy prepared foods. This may be tough with all the delicious looking prepared potato salads, shrimp salads, fried chicken, etc. It would be preferred to avoid the deli altogether. Grocery store lighting makes this food look even better. They're happy to make your food but in the cost you'll be charged for labor, containers, labels and all in the price of your $6.99 a pound potato salad. It's highway robbery!
Third, when shopping in the produce department, buy only whole-produce. Some produce departments offer fresh made orange juice, salad dressings, cut fruit, etc. All for more than what it's really worth. Think about it, would you rather buy a whole ten-pound watermelon for $3.99 or pay $3.99 a pound for that sucker to be cut up? Also, try to buy fruits and vegetables in season, for they tend to usually be on sale when they are. Your fresh made orange juice may minus preservatives, but for the price find the one on sale in the dairy department.
For my fourth tip we are on to the meat department. The key to meat buying is to get the best grade for your money. Ask your butcher for a beef chart that will tell you the top grades on down so you can compare prices. It is best to buy your meat at a supermarket that still has butchers that cut the meat in the store. Some grocers get off by sending in the meat already prepackaged. This does not give you the best "shelf" life out of your meat. It saves them on labor, but who knows how long ago it got cut, who cut it, and how long it sat at their warehouse before it got shipped to your store. Buying more in a package will tend to save in the long run. For example you can buy chicken in a bag: quarters, legs, thighs for cheap. All you have to do is divide it up into meals and freeze it when you get home. If you are not satisfied with any quality of your meat purchases don't hesitate to take it back. Some supermarkets offer double your money back guarantee.
Better choices will help you save money. In the “grocery” department you can save money buy buying store brands. Most store brands taste the same as the name brand. Only you know what generics will taste good to you. Do not buy impulse items. This is product they shove in your face for your quick purchase. An example is lets say you're on the baking aisle. You want to get a box of cake mix and low and behold there's a "marketing" basket with sprinkle shakers in it. If you weren't going to buy it in the first place, don't get it. This is the same for the check out stand. How many times have you been hungry while grocery shopping and bought a seventy-nine cent candy bar? You will also need to pay attention to signs and tags throughout the aisles as you shop. You can often find good deals on closeout items. Most go on sale for half of the retail price.
Finally, you can save money with coupons. Some supermarket chains give you double the money on coupons up to a dollar. Some honor advertisements from other competitors. Lastly, double-check your receipt. It is important to watch the screen of the register as your items scan. Many supermarkets will give it to you free if it scans wrong. Count and round to the nearest dollar on everything you put in your cart (for tax). Before you check out you'll have an idea of how much your grocery total should be when you check out. I'm saving money don't you want to?
