The Grocery store isn’t the place you always want to be. It’s sometimes nearly impossible to navigate and a quick trip turns in to an hour! Some ways I save time and money:
Write a List
Whether it’s on a ratty piece of paper or typed up on your phone, it’s a pretty smart idea. That is, if you can stick with it. Make it a personal challenge!
Try not to shop when hungry
It’s so easy to toss some junk food in to your awaiting cart or basket. The hard part is trying to abstain from eating it once it’s in your house!
Check all the flyers you have in print or online
I write my list based on stores & prices. A lot of the time stores will have the same items on sale and it’s worth doing a side by side comparison.
Search for coupons for sale items
You wouldn’t believe how you can save. Some great websites are websaver, Save.ca (they even have an app now), Gocoupons.ca and Websaver. Some stores have coupons specific to them on their website that you can print out. Newspapers come with coupon inserts as well so ALWAYS check and hold on to them. Don’t be afraid to google search for your specific coupons. If you’re going to get in to couponing on a regular basis, check your dollar store for a small file or book to organize them in.
Take Advantage of loyalty card offers
All cards are different. Cards like PC plus only give you points if you’ve loaded your offers. It’s worth checking your email frequently to see what items you get more points on!
Check the ethnic foods aisle
I’ve been buying spices like no ones business as of late. The regular spice aisle can be a bit more expensive. If you want a larger amount at a fraction of the cost, mosey on over and check it out! Also great for things like canned items as well.
Check the clearance
It might be produce, cheese, bread or other items. Check the date, check the product. If it’s in fine shape it might be worth saving a few bucks. Generally expiry dates are loose guidelines. I purchase my bread this way and just stick it in the freezer until i’m ready to eat it.
Check your local Farmers Market
I definitely wasn’t prepared to spend $1.58 on one bell pepper at RCSS. I was able to purchase two peppers for less then that at my local Farm store. Most definitely worth it to stock up on your produce this way. I also know if i’m making a recipe and not using specific ingredients more then once to just buy what I need, it turns out to be cheaper for me and I have less food going bad.
Bring your flyers with you & match prices
Most stores will allow you to do this, some will also allow you to use coupons with the advertised deals too. I’m one of those people who will have a few flyers stashed in my purse. You can always use apps like flipp or websites like flyertown on your phone as well!
Familiarize yourself with the Scanning Code of Practice
If you’ve ever seen a piece of paper with some words and a few symbols at cash and never really paid much attention to it, you should. If a price of an items scans higher then the posted price, you’re entitled to that first item free up to a $10 value. Not all stores participate.
Download Checkout 51, Caddle and Zweet to earn cash back
Check out the offers and as long as you buy the item within the proper time frame, you’re good to go! Snap the receipt and watch that money add up.
Here’s a handy list of links to help you save:
Checkout51
Zweet
Caddle (Referral)
RedFlagDeals
Flyertown
Flipp
TheHealthyShopper
Websaver
Save.ca
GoCoupons
RetailMeNot
Ebates (Referral)
DISCLAIMER: None of these brands or products have contacted me in any way to promote their brands. These are things i’ve found out on my own accord and I am sharing it with you!
Navigating Life 