9 Ways To Save Money At The Supermarket

Photo of a Key Food: SILive.com

As my Mom says when she looks at overpriced food, “Remember, we have to eat everyday.”

Food shopping is a huge expense for the average person, taking a big bite out of a monthly budget. So how can you "get more and spend less?" (That's right Mama, I do pay attention. :) 

Here are 9 ways to lower your grocery bills:

1) Buy unprocessed, real food: meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables (fresh and frozen) and whole grains. Not only will you save money, you will improve your diet. Shop along the sides of the supermarket where the real food is laid out and avoid the middle aisles, where sugary and processed foods tend to be.

2) Don't buy prepared food. With few exceptions, buy food you wash and cut up (and season) yourself. Fruits and vegetables you slice and dice yourself stay fresh longer, and it's not that much trouble. A whole cantaloupe is usually less expensive than slices.

3) Stock up on sales. Before going through the store, look at the weekly circular and circle items you normally buy, when they are priced to draw customers into the store. They are called "loss leaders," meaning items sold below cost.

Here is an example of what I circled recently:

Skarkist solid white tuna, 99 cents/ 5 ounce can
a dozen extra large eggs, $1.69

5 lbs Idaho potatoes, $1.79

3 - 8 oz blocks of cheddar cheese, $5
a bunch of fresh broccoli, 99 cents
plum tomatoes, 79 cents/lb
globe grapes, 99 cents/lb (big and juicy!)

frozen green beans, 16 oz bag – buy 1 get 1 free at a cost of $1.75

Stock up on staples: You might buy $10 worth of cheese, 10 cans of tuna and 4 bags of frozen green beans. They last for a while, and the savings add up. (Months ago I picked up a couple of cans of unsweetened pineapple and pureed pumpkin for 99 cents each. Nice!)

4) Unless you are planning a special dinner and need a certain type of meat, fruit or vegetable, plan your meals around the store's weekly specials. If beef, potatoes and broccoli go on sale, eat that for dinner. Cook pork chops and corn-on-the-cob when they go on sale. Have chicken, asparagus and wild rice the week they go on sale. Also pay attention to manager specials on food. Since new items go on sale weekly, you won't really want for anything, nor deprive yourself of variety. You'll just pay less if you are flexible, take advantage of specials and plan ahead. I see a few tuna melts in my future. (The pineapple might turn wine into sangria, and the pumpkin becomes either soup or a cake.)

5) Slowly change habits: Eliminate foods made with white flour and refined sugars like boxed cereal, pot pies, canned cinnamon rolls, or frozen french fries. Even on sale, they are not the real bargains, nor are they the best food choices. As a special treat, I might buy a frozen pizza or bag of corn chips, but mostly, if I want chocolate chip cookies or french fries (treats I formally bought), I have to make them myself from scratch. The result: you start to streamline your grocery list and eat healthy, saving a few bucks in the process. Grocery shopping for me takes less time too.

Photo: Frank, Jr.

6) Personally, I don't clip coupons, but I'm not opposed to using them. You can save some bucks if you find coupons for items you buy anyway.

7) If your supermarket offers a rewards card, sign up. Get something back for stuff you buy anyway.

8) Buying in bulk isn't always a good idea. Not all food has a long shelf life. Only buy what you will eat, plus a little extra, so you don't have to run back to the store the next day. Eat a variety of fresh food, so you stay healthy and don't get bored.

9) Never overbuy food (or any product) regardless of how low the price goes. Waste is waste, even if you get it cheap. If you have this tendency, scare yourself straight by watching an episode of the most frightening show on television, Hoarders. Seeing how bad it can get will cure you!

Now go back and read the words in bold to remember the 9 tips for reducing your grocery bills ... and yet still coming home with plenty of groceries.

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Combine Gift Certificates With Seasonal Sales

Every January I'm reminded of how much I like gift certificates. I like giving them, and I like getting them. Receiving presents from people who truly know your tastes is lovely. But, the next best thing is for family and friends to know where you like to shop and to buy you a gift certificate at that store. I've heard more than one school teacher express a preference for gift cards over gifts of food, crafts or wine.

No one has ever offended me with a gift certificate. If it's from a place I like to shop, I'm grateful and delighted to receive it. What I like about giving them is, I know for a fact the recipient will get something he, or she likes -- perhaps, something that was left out of his Christmas stocking. Plus, the person I'm trying to make happy has the option of adding money to my gift -- for a splurge on an expensive item that she can now afford without busting her budget. If your brother loves Apple products, a $50 gift card buys one computer accessory, or is a generous contribution towards software or hardware. So there are few downsides to gift certificates. [Frankly, I can't think of any!]

If the receiver is family or a good friend, we often plan a day of shopping together and catching up. So along with a gift certificate, you're also giving and receiving the gift of time. [These outings began when I was too young to drive and needed a parent to take me shopping. Now with adult friends and a new generation of youngsters, the tradition continues.]

I'm lucky to have my birthday in the summer, and Christmas in winter. When the bi-yearly sales hit, I take my gift certificates and make out like a bandit, often with markdowns of 50% - 75% off. And because I take friends and relatives with me to redeem them, I have a collection of warm memories. Clearly it's time well spent.

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Uniqlo's Contemporary Style Is Easy On The Eye And Wallet

Recently I stepped into Uniqlo,* an innovative Japanese clothing store for men and women, which opened in Soho in 2006. What I found was a massive place [36,000 square feet], consisting of 3 floors of stylish, comfortable and casual wear selling for a fraction of what you'd pay anywhere else. With extra fine merino wool skirts priced at $19.50, cashmere sweaters at $89.50 and women's corduroy pants for $39.50 you can't go wrong. It's definitely an upscale place to shop for basics. Dark denim skinny jeans are a reasonable $29.50, and stretch leggings are only $10.50. Uniqlo has every style and color of pants, scarfs, tops and shirts. They have cotton blouses, plain t-shirts, graphic t-shirts, crew-necks and v-necks, tanks, as well as, long or short sleeves. All are well made with durable, soft, mostly natural fabrics and listed at affordable prices. I saw a variety of colored tights for $5, smooth cotton hoodies for under $20 and fashionable parkas selling for $49.50. A preppy wool dress was $35, and a man's [100%] cotton oxfort shirt was priced under $40.

Uniqlo's New York flagship store is airy, colorful and organized. Its customer service is friendly and extremely accommodating. If the pants you select require hemming, they offer it as a free one hour service. And daily sales and special promotions are everywhere! Wednesdays are an especially thrilling day to shop. It's when the store is restocked with incoming "just arrived" merchandize, and new weekly promotions begin. If you need a smart casual essential, you won't leave empty handed. For telephone orders dial: 1-877-4-UNIQLO.

Undate: Two stores opened in Midtown: 666 5th Avenue at 53rd Street and 31 West 34th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.  And now you can order online.

*Unlike its many competitors, Uniqlo is turning a profit.

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Replacing Old Faithful With A New Printer

Okay, it finally happened. The inkjet printer I happily used for 8 years needs to be put out to pasture, not because it no longer prints, mind you, but because technology has moved so far ahead that the printer has lost some vital connections, like the ability to print a single page. This means if I'm reading a 50 page document and want to take a look at a hardcopy of page 19, I have to print all 50 pages to get it. Now that's just wrong. [And forget about printing PDF files. Very hit or miss.] But as it turns out, I can buy a spanking new all-in-one printer for $99.99, which is exactly the same price I paid all those tech years ago for the old printer! It really pays to shop around, and that includes looking online. I'm getting a great deal for a printer by buying from Canon's official e-store. They are running a 33% discount on the PIXMA MP620 Wireless I often eyeball at BestBuy and the Apple Store. By ordering online I get free Fed-Ex shipping, so I don't have to lug an 18 pound, plus box home. And I discovered that Canon has outstanding customer service and technical support. Certainly, I need the technical help to set up the wireless function of the printer. And I always appreciate when a company offers free returns should anything go wrong and you need a replacement.

As a bonus, the new printer will pay for itself in time. It's ink cartridges cost one-third less than the old printer's. And before I selected this model, I didn't realize when a printer's color cartridges are separate, you spend less on ink because you only have to replace the depleted color – in lieu of all the colors at once. It was time for a change ... at an unbeatable price.

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Moving Towards The Sun

Summer is here. It officially arrived on June 21, the summer solstice, a turning point in the earth's journey towards the sun. So unless you live Down Under {Hello Australia!!} let the longest days and warmest time of the year begin! I love the easy, breezy days of summer when the great outdoors can be enjoyed like no other time of the year. And isn't a summer wardrobe cheaper, easier … skimpier and more fun to put together? Even at swanky affairs you can get away with showing up in a no fuss dress, or light cotton slacks – looking comfortable, casual and smart. Leave your multi-layers and neutral beige at home. Whip out a spectrum of lively colors to go with the sunshine and adventures of the season. Now is the time to relax, kick back your heels and play.

This year the summer sales started early. Already retailers – with good price points all year around – are offering 20%-70% off on everything you need for the summer. They include:

Lands' End – Expect to find quality fabrics and well-made clothes, shoes and beachwear for men and women. Choose from a large inventory of 40% off. Prices range from $10-$35.

Newport News – They are known for their ultra low prices and cute styles. Sun-kissed tops, flirty skirts, pants and capris are listed from $8-$25.

Gap – They are offering 20%-50% reductions on summer clothes for men and women. For a limited time you can get jeans [in stores only] for $19.99. [Regularly: 49.50-69.50] Prices for most tanks and tees are $9.99.

Old Navy – They have weekly specials for men and women. You can get up to 50% off on tops, pants, shorts, dresses, swimwear and accessories. Prices range from a hard-to-beat $5-$30.

Victoria's Secret Catalogue – Their semi-annual sale is on. You'll find a big variety of tops, skirts, dresses, jeans, swimwear, shoes and accessories discounted 20%-60%. Prices start at $10 and go up.

All of the merchants offer weekly deals, so check their websites before you buy for up-to-the-minute savings, plus free shipping. Now go out and make the most of your summer.

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High Fashion Runway Meets Mass Market Retail

Like many woman, I try to buy beautifully designed dresses, skirts and pants that are well made and last many seasons – unless that is, I'm looking to add a trendy piece to my wardrobe. In that case, I don't mind if the dress or top only lasts a season or two, and I don't usually pay a lot of money for it. Sorry Tommy Hilfiger – but in general you can get away with spending less than $30 for fun (and summer articles) like tanks, shorts, tees and even dresses. Last summer I found a cute 100% cotton dress at H & M for $10, and honestly, I never fail to get compliments on it. Today, I wore it to a doctor's appointment, and my MD wanted to know where I got it! As it turns out, my doctor shops at H & M too. Obviously, our bad economy has hit everyone.

The exciting news is many leading designers, known for their high fashion couture and celebrity clients, are teaming up with mass retailers like H & M, Target, JC Penny and others to bring out a collection of affordable clothing for men and women. Now more than ever you can be cheap and chic at the same time. And why not?

Here are a few retailers who have hired famous designers and are offering trendy clothing at lower prices.
Target signed:
Alexander McQueen – He is known for his bright, vibrant patterns. Prices range from $23 - $80.
Carlos Falchi – He designs leather classic, yet modern handbags and accessories. Prices will be announced.
JC Penny hired:
Charlotte Ronson – Her line is called “I Heart Ronson.” She is known for her floral skirts and frilly dresses. Prices range from $15 - $65.
Uniqlo signed:
Steve Allen – He is known for his button down shirts and unisex, urban appeal. Expect to pay $39-$59.
Jil Sanders – She is known for her minimal aesthetic style and clean lines. Prices will be announced.
At Wal-Mart:
Max Azria – has joined Maley Cyrus to design a rock music inspired line of clothing and accessories for teens. Everything sells for under $20.
H & M signed:
Mathew Williamson – He is known for his fun, bold colors and prints. Prices start at $25.

And finally, remember the summer sales began at the end of June. You're sure to see generous markdowns and reap big savings.


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You Can't Always Get What You Want

Keith Richards & Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones

Don't get me wrong, I like nice things, but am not an overly materialistic person -- and I don't like to accumulate clutter which is what would happen if I bought everything that popped into my head. At the same time, when I need something I don't hesitate to get it.

When buying a product gives me pause, it's usually because I'm tempted by a good price or feature ... but I don't necessarily need that item. I either already have something comparable, an older version, or I probably wouldn't use it very often -- but having it " just in case" is appealing.

Every winter I wear a pair of black UGG suede boots which my feet adore! They are incredibly comfortable, toasty warm and ultra stylish when paired with jeans or dresses. And boy, do they hold up. Even after five seasons, they still look terrific. But they DON'T look brand new. So when I passed a shoe store that offered my UGGs for $50 off, temptation reared its ugly head. I nearly bought them on the spot. In the end, I decided, "no," because, 1) I'm not ready to throw out the old pair, 2) I have plenty of boots, and 3) I don't need another pair (not really). It took discipline, but ultimately I saved $110 by passing on the sale.

Now I'm going through the same temptation over buying a new printer. I have a compact Hewlett Packard deskjet that sits neatly in the corner of my room. It prints beautifully, but that's all it does. Lately, I wonder if I should get an all-in-one printer. If I needed to fax, copy, scan and crank out photos frequently my decision would be an easy "yes," and I'd replace my old inkjet in a heartbeat. But the fact is, I mainly need to print. On rare occasions when I need to copy, I have a drugstore across the street that charges five cents a page. Another drugstore on the opposite corner develops photos. And, my low tech printer shows no signs of wearing out. So the dilemma is, do I get what I want "just in case?" Or save $150 plus by keeping what -- so far -- fits my needs? What kind of a buyer are you? Do you over buy? Or under buy?

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Where Value And Convenience Converge

I love drugstores. Sometimes I go in to pick up one item like toothpaste or Alka-Seltzer and end up browsing for half an hour. There are just so many useful items in the aisles of a drugstore, including cosmetics, medicine, cleaners, groceries, electronic gadgets and other household necessities. You can find everything from cotton socks, comfortable slippers and beach wear to greeting cards, emergency gifts and lawn chairs. Enter and you have the possibility of one-stop shopping. I especially like the weekly specials drugstore chains run on goods most people need in their daily lives, like breakfast cereals, paper towels and laundry detergents. At my local drugstore, I can buy a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs for less than I pay at the supermarket. What I appreciate too is you get a wide selection of excellent personal care products, at irresistible prices, making it unnecessary to go anywhere else for them. Rarely do I feel ripped off after shopping in a drugstore. Usually I leave satisfied carrying home staples, things I truly need at unbeatable prices. And isn’t that a wonderful feeling?

Here are 10 of my favorites – often offered on sale at "buy one, get one free," – and I hope you will add a few of your own to the list:

1. Pantene PRO-V Shampoo – Rich and keeps locks healthy

2. Aussie DEEEEEP 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner – Super! It really works.

3. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly – I keep a jar at my desk while working and dab my lips with it all day long.

4. TRESemme Heat Tamer Protective Spray – Detangles hair and leaves no residue.

5. Olay Complete Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 – I use it as a face moisturizer and sun tan lotion.

6. Dove Beauty Bar – Creamy, great smelling soap.

7. TRESemme Shampoo – The big size – 32 ounces – is a bonus and feels pure to hair and scalp.

8. [Drug store brand] Antiseptic Mouthwash – In Vanilla Mint and Citrus favors.

9. Aussie Shampoo – Terrific stuff! [Yep ... unmistakable pattern - 5 hair products on list.]

10. Cetaphil Moisture Lotion – Dermatologists recommend it.

And finally, on your next trip don't forget to bring your manufactures' coupons and dollar rewards card for extra savings.

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The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

Take a look at my new dress. One glance at this crinkled, polka dot creation by Komarov, and I knew I wanted it. It wasn’t just calling, but chanting my name. However, the hefty price tag – $239 – was more than I usually spend for a daytime dress, even one this eye catching and flattering. Sure I was tempted – and I like adding a classic piece to my wardrobe each season. But $239 retail? Yikes! Good things, like saving $150, come to those who wait.

Everyone has a ceiling price, the most you feel comfortable paying for a garment. It depends on income and circumstances. I understand spending hundreds of dollars for a dress if you live a public life that involves walking across a stage before a television camera, with millions of people watching, as you pick up an award. And in similar circumstances, I'd head over to Harry Winston's … Valentino's … and Jimmy Choos'.

But my real world routine involves going to work and attending a fair share of dressy, low profile functions, so I can get away with simply looking nice. And thank goodness, I don’t require a different outfit for every occasion. The fact is no one remembers precisely what I wear. Most people just remember that I look decent or pulled together. Or at least, I hope so! There's really no need for me, or the average person to overspend on clothes.

Besides when it comes to clothing, most everything goes on sale at some time. So it's totally unnecessary to shell out full price, because what you want will eventually be reduced by 30-40-50%, or more. Over the years, I’ve learned what looks good on me, and I buy well-tailored, natural fabrics and classic pieces that won’t go out of style. I also save hundreds of dollars by putting items on a wish list, then waiting it out. This strategy works whether I shop in a department store, or over the internet.

I spotted my Komarov dress at Nordstrom’s at full price, put it on my wish list, and then waited for the price to drop to $89. Now I’m just waiting for the weather to warm up so I can wear it. The waiting may be the hardest part, but it’s always worth it. Now let me ask, how much are you willing to pay for a dress?


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