1. Make a price book listing products and their cost per unit to you - this will help you to recognize real bargains.

2. Carry a calculator with you to check cost per unit - sometimes the biggest container is not the cheapest.

3. Always shop with a list, and avoid the areas where you know you don't need to buy anything.

4. Try generics (no-name) and store brands. Both are cheaper than the name brands, but they're not a bargain if you don't like them or won't use them. Don't buy a case lot - buy one and see if will work for you.

5. Coupons are good, but only if they are on items you would be purchasing anyway. And many times name brand items bought with a coupon are still more expensive than the no-name or store brand - be wary.

6. If your local supermarket is closed on Sunday, shop late on Saturday. You will often find markdowns on meats, dairy and produce that are close to expiry.

7. Buy bulk. Staples such as pasta, beans, flour, seasonings, oatmeal and sugars are often much cheaper in the bulk bins. Invest in some reuseable containers to store items in at home.

8. Don't shop hungry. Your resistance is much lower when your stomach is rumbling.

9. Buy vegetables carefully. A lot of fresh produce goes to waste when it spoils before it is used, so try to buy only what you will need. Keep frozen vegetables on hand - less waste, less salt and more crispness than tinned and you can use just what you need.

10. Buy the fixings for lunch. Not only will you save money over purchasing a lunch, but you can control both your portions and your preferences. Invest in an insulated lunch bag and resusable hard-sided containers to keep your lunch edible.

11. Don't buy bottled water. Invest in a couple of good Nalgene bottles and use tap or filtered water to fill them.
To get through the day, try filling a bottle a quarter full and freezing it. Next morning, top up with water and use to cool your lunch and give cold water for hours.

12. Plan a few meatless meals per week. Pasta with a meatless sauce, beans in numerous ways, oven-baked omelettes, stir-fried vegetables with rice, pitas with grilled vegetable filling - all stretch your budget while being tasty, too. Or try breakfast for dinner - pancakes, waffles or french toast can make a fun meal.

13. Don't bother with mixes - things like biscuit or pancake mix can be made at home for a lot less. http://www.budget101.com/102mi x.htm is a great site. Or just make it from scratch - it's not much more time.

Learn more about this author, Jackie Laderoute.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Ways to save money at the supermarket?
We want to hear your view. Write now!