Try not to shop when you're hungry, tired, or rushed. I know that's difficult, but it will make a big difference in your shopping experience, ending with you saving more money. If it's possible to go shopping without your kids, do it! Remember, stores are designed to attract impulse shoppers, which of course all kids are.
When you get to the store, look for fliers near the door that offer special buys or one day only sales, and add them to your list if they fit in your plan or if they are easily stored. For instance, I always look for bottled water specials, and when they are 99 cents for a six pack I load up the cart.
At the produce aisle, avoid prepared fruits and vegetables if you're trying to save money. These 'value-added' products are usually quite expensive, and I don't think they are as fresh as whole produce. Take a look at How to Prepare Fruits and Vegetables for tips on purchasing and storing produce.
As you shop and go through your list, make sure that the products you buy match up to the stipulations on your coupons. Compare prices constantly. You may find that even with a coupon, name brand products are more expensive than generic products. If you haven't tried generic products, please do! They are the same quality as the more expensive name brands, usually packed by the same packer, and are less expensive because no advertising costs are built into the price. Most grocery stores now have unit prices posted on the shelves; that's the price per ounce or piece. Study these to find the best buy for your money.
Check use-by and sell-by dates on every packaged product and buy the product with the latest date. Be sure that seals are secure, that cans aren't dented or leaking, and that packaging is not ripped, torn, or missing.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Supermarket employees are trained to be helpful and they know where everything in the store is located. Rather than spending 10 minutes looking for unsalted peanuts, ask!
If the store is out of an advertised special, ask for a rain check. The check will be mailed to you when the product is restocked, so you'll be able to get the sale price even if the rain check arrives weeks later.
Always keep food safety in mind when you're shopping. I double bag fresh meats and seafood to avoid cross-contamination with fresh produce. Don't put raw foods that need cooking on top of food that are eaten as is. Try to plan your shopping trip so cold foods are some of the last items you put in your cart so they stay chilled all the way home.
At the checkout counter, don't fall prey to impulse buys! Since you usually have to wait here, stores stock the most tempting items; candy bars, batteries, magazines, and odds and ends. Keep an eye on the scanner to make sure the prices you are being charged are correct, and remember to hand the clerk your coupons!
When you're done shopping, go straight home and get all of that food into the fridge and freezer as soon as possible. Remember, cold foods can be left at room temperature for only two hours (one hour if it's really hot outside) for safety reasons. Enjoy the feeling of satisfaction you'll get looking at your well stocked fridge and pantry, then put up your feet and relax after a job well done!
