by Tashawna Hebert

Created on: March 29, 2009

Ahhh, clipping coupons. Some find it relaxing and therapeutic. I find it bothersome. I don't have the time to sit and clip coupons each week, nor do I have the organization to use them at the store. When I grocery shop, I often have my 15 month daughter in tow, and she's not patient enough to wait for me to dig out that .50 cent off coupon. Nor is the person standing in line behind me. Sound familiar? It's all too common. So how do you save money without clipping coupons?

First, comparison shop. Many times different stores have different things on sale, or offer lower prices on items they sell frequently. Keep a list of what store sells items for the cheapest.

Check with the stores to see if they will price match. Many stores offer price matching on regular items, not items that are offered for a gimmick(such as buy 1, get one free, or coupons.) If you know that Meijer's has 12 packs of Pepsi on sale for $1.99, but Wal-mart has them for $3.99, Wal-mart will price match. Sometimes you have to have the ad with you.

Join the store's customer loyalty program. Many stores offer a discount card of sorts, and many of the sales are available to those with the cards only. These are often free to sign up for, and usually involve a card that goes on your keyring. I saved $50 today by using Kroger's loyalty card!

Buy store brands. Skip the name brands, and purchase the store brands. Often times you cannot tell a difference, and you will save money. Store brands are often shelved next to, above or below the name brand items.

Shop the top and bottom shelves. Many times the good deals are harder to see. Always check the top and bottom of the shelves to see where the best deals are.

Prepare a weekly menu, and make a list then stick to it! Always go into a store with a list, and resist the urge to buy things impulsively. Also, never grocery shop on an empty stomach.

Buy in bulk if possible. Stock up on meats and such while they are on sale, and freeze for later use.

Avoid buying convenience items like pre-made dinners, etc. Sure these save time, but waste money! If time is a factor, prepare as much of the meal as possible the night before, so all you have to do is throw it together before meal time.

Don't get sucked into gimmicks. Many stores offer Buy 1, get 1 free, but the price is often a little higher than the normal item. Be sure to check these items to see if they really are a good deal.

Don't be afraid to check out your local dollar store. Often times these stores have useful household items, and best of all, they cost just $1 a piece.

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