October 10, 2008 2 Comments

I had an interesting experience the other day. I went to one of those national discount pharmacy stores to get some pineapple that was on sale. They had a huge display of TP on sale and it dawned on me that I wasn’t sure if it was a good deal. It has been such a long time since I have had to buy any because that is one of the items I never want to be without so I have much more than a 3 month supply. I know I’ll be able to trade that for anything if an emergency closes the stores! Anyway I have now done some research and I’m up to speed on pricing again.

The point here is really that I do not go to the store very often anymore. I still purchase milk, eggs, bread and fresh fruit and veggies, but there are times when I only go to the store to get one items that is on sale and I need to restock my food supply and I only walk up and down the isles about once a month. I guess that’s my first tip today. Limit your trips to the store.

Tip # 2…Convenience stores are death to the budget. In addition to higher prices they are also designed to tempt you at every turn to purchase things you don’t need. Occasionally if you are filling the tank it’s not a bad idea to grab that gallon of milk. It will cost more but if you can’t resist the “special” at the end of the grocery store isle it will save you money in the long run.

Tip # 3…Say no to store credit cards. I have seen lots of money saving tips lists that suggest you get a store credit card and take advantage of the discounts it affords. I look at the picture differently. First, we were just notified the interest rates are going up on all our credit cards so it you can’t pay it off each month you will be paying really exorbitant prices. And Second, remember when you add credit cards you lower your credit score so when you go to purchase a large ticket item like a home or car you will pay a higher rate on your loan. Skip and great 10 % savings now for a much larger savings later.

Happy grocery shopping.

Money Savers

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