This is a guest post from Paidtwice of I’ve Paid For This Twice Already…
You can make the list based on what you need plus what is on sale by looking at the circulars for where you are going. Menu planning for your week by what is on sale in the circular can really save you a lot of money.
Everyone says this but it really is true. I even had trouble once when I went not hungry, but wearing chocolate-scented lotion. I kept smelling chocolate and seeing it too in the store and eventually I gave up and bought ice cream. Temptation is everywhere!
Some stores, like my local Kroger, have member cards that are free and you only get the sale price if you have the card. And if you don’t get coupons at home in circulars, you can find them online as well. Just google “coupons” or “grocery coupons” and you’ll find lots and lots of sites to help you.
If you aren’t familiar with the store, look at the signs on the aisles. Don’t just wander through every aisle aimlessly – you are bound to find extra things that are just begging to end up in your cart.
Take out the stuff you don’t really need, wasn’t on your list, or you didn’t mean to buy but looked good when you saw it. You can even give it to the cashier and tell them you don’t want it any more if you don’t want to put it back.
If you always buy the same brand of something, but you get to the store and another brand is on sale or costs less, don’t be afraid to substitute for the sale/cheaper brand! But make sure you don’t buy a year’s supply of something you’ve never tried… you may not like it as much.
Lots of them are made by the same people who make the branded items! Again, like the above, don’t buy 15 of something the first time, but buy a box of store brand whatever and try it. You may be surprised!
Don’t bring kids, they’ll distract you and beg you to buy things that they want. I can’t do anything with all of my attention on my kids. But really, it is best to go alone. Bringing someone will cause you to lose focus on just getting what you need, and getting the best deal.
Buying in bulk is a great money saver, but on items that expire, it can be wasteful. Buying 50 cans of corn might seem like a great deal at the time, but 7 years later when you are throwing out 23 cans, not as good an idea. Just have an idea of what you use on an average week or month and don’t go crazy. Check the expiration date carefully, because some stores put things on sale when they are about to expire.
I’m not brave enough for this one, but if you only bring cash, you can’t overspend. On the down side, if you don’t keep track of what in your cart, you may end up embarrassed at the checkout lane.
So there you have it, my top suggestions for saving money at the grocery store – nine of which I use myself! I am still working my way up to number ten, at which point I will become the Zen grocery master.

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Don’t forget the calculator to help you figure out the good deals!
As far as the cash only – you should give it a try once. You might be surprised how helpful it is. I only take extra cash if there is a sale that I am sure of (and only enough for that).
Tammy – welcome to Moolanomy and that’s a good tip. It can be challenging to calculate everything in my head, especially when I am trying to get unit costs. Thanks!
Using a credit card that gives you cash back is another way to save money. I would suggest using the card if you can control yourself.
My favorite of the all is using coupons, i save at least 10 % by using freebie coupons from site like swoopup.com, coupon.com, etc were we get great promotional offers and vouchers for free.