by: Shannon Rubio
There are actually a lot more signs we overspend on our groceries. This list could be SO much longer, but I narrowed it down to just 5. Becoming more aware of grocery store lingo and ways to save while shopping will make you more proud (rather than depressed) when you swipe your card to buy your groceries. Check out these 5 signs that we overspend at the grocery store.
1. You never do BOGO deals.
Maybe you don't know what BOGO deals are. There are actually people out there that do not know what BOGO stands for. I'm not kidding. A few years ago, I taught a Couponing workshop and one of my friends my age didn't realize that is what it stood for. We still laugh about it now. I LOVE BOGO (BUY ONE GET ONE FREE) deals, especially at Publix. Publix gives you the option to buy one at half price, but Winn Dixie does not. BOGO deals are usually lower than walmart prices, so be sure to check them out. Even if you eat all organic and have a non-processed diet, you can still find BOGO's worth making a trip to the store for. My favorite BOGO's are the fruit trays, peanut butter, and chicken breasts.
2. You buy the number of products listed on sale. 2/$4, 3/$5, 10/$10, etc.
This doesn't mean that you have to buy two or three or whatever # is says. Don't buy more than you can chew (ha!). I do think it's a marketing strategy to get consumers to purchase more. It's good to know that you can buy the product individually and get that sale price. Add some coupons to these products and you'll get a super deal!
3. You automotically pick the item that is on sale.
When I shop, I am scanning the aisle and looking for the best deal I can find. I don't let a sale sign determine my decision. To me, buying generic dishwasher detergent is a no brainer if it's the cheapest. I may see Cascade is on sale for $3.99, but I will be sure to check out the generic's price, which may still be lower than the sale price. If Cascade is cheaper than the generic, then heck yes that's what I'm buying. Checking all your options will get you the most bang for your buck.
4. You don't pay attention to package size or count.
You should always look at the ounces or count in the product to determine the best deal. You can usually view price per ounce or price each online when you are shopping. If you in the store, break out your calculator if you need to!
If you look closely at the top of the pics, you can see that the Parent's Choice are 7 cents less per diaper. If you like this diaper brand, go for it! This strategy applies to so many items you need in a store. When buying toilet paper, compare sheets per roll. When buying peanut butter, look at ounces. This may sound crazy to do this, but saving a little at a time will save you big in the long run. And just so you know, buying in bulk is not always the best option.
5. You don't use coupons in the store.
- In Store Coupons: These are usually located in their fliers as you walk in. Both grocery stores and pharmacies have these.
- Peelies: (see pic below) These are usually found stuck to the product. You can use one per product.
- Blinkies: These are the coupons that you pull out of the blinking machine in the aisle. Grab 2 if you are buying 2 containers of sour cream, for example.
- Catalina's: These are the coupons you get either out of the store machine or after checking out. CVS gives out some great Catalina's!
If you buy 2 bags of Doritos, then grab two peelies and use them at check out! They are there for us to grab. Just don't grab 20 down the aisle :)
Just tonight I went to Dollar General to get some Shampoo & Conditioner. They were $3.85 each. On each tresseme bottle were 50 cent off coupons. There was also a $2 off purchase of $8 or more Tresseme products sign. I ended up knocking off $1.16 off of each bottle with the coupons and the store deal!
Think about this. If you saved an extra $10 each week from trying these tips, then you would save your family $520 for the year! $20 a week would double that. Have a great day!
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