Be Smart with Your Cart

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Times are tough and it’s important for everyone to not only save, but also to get the best value for their money. It’s not always about buying cheaper, it’s about buying smarter.  This can start before you even leave the house.

Be a Virtual Coupon Clipper

With the internet, you no longer have to wait for coupons to come in the Sunday paper; you can simply go online and let the virtual clipping begin.

For those of us who are brand loyal, a great place to start is the manufacturer’s website.  Companies update their sites frequently and it’s a quick and easy way for you to find great deals on the products you love.

Another place to look for savings online is coupon websites.  These sites scour the web for great coupon deals that you can use in any of your favorite stores.

Stock up on Sales

Always start by looking at what’s on sale but it’s important to remember that quality counts just as much as quantity.  If a store offers a two for one deal on peanut butter but it’s not the brand that you like, move on.  There’s no need to buy something that you won’t eat and will sit in your cupboard for months.  When your favorite brand is on sale, make sure you take advantage and stock up!

One way to track items and when and where they go on sale is to keep a price book.  Write down the price of the items you purchase along with the date you purchased it and where. 

This can help you track prices so that when your favorite brands are on sale, you’ll know it.  It can also tell you which stores have the lowest everyday prices on the things you buy most often.

Plan Your Menus

Everyone knows that you shouldn’t go food shopping on an empty stomach.  Take that one step further by planning your menus for the week.  That way you only buy what you need, when you need it.  Another great tip is to make double portions of some of your more elaborate meals and then freeze them.  When you’ve had a long day and don’t feel like cooking, you’ll have a great meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. 

Cheaper Isn’t Always Better

You’ve finished making a mess in the kitchen and now its time to clean up – both the dishes and the stains on your kids’ clothes.  Are all cleaning products created equally?  Not usually.  When it comes to laundry detergent, many of the low budget options just don’t cut it.  They contain nearly twice the amount of water than a brand like Tide. 

Whether you’re in the produce section or the laundry aisle, remember, shopping smart means getting the best value for your dollar, not just settling for the cheapest item on the shelf.   That makes perfect sense!

Related Links:  Tide.com, FamilyDollar.com