The Easiest Way To Save On Groceries

I recently got into a discussion with someone about saving money, and I want to point out the number one easiest way to do it:

Know your grocery store. You'll hear me say this A LOT! You don't need to shop different stores (though it certainly might help). You don't need to clip coupons from the paper every week, or print coupons up at home.

The most simple way to save money off your grocery bill is to know the sales cycle by reading the sale ads every week, and plan your shopping around it.

Most stores go in a 6 to 8 week cycle where certain brands will be on sale. All you have to do is buy what's on sale that week, and stock up until the next cycle starts.

I'll use Fred Meyer's as an example since I write about their deals anyways. Every 2 weeks, milk goes on sale. It's either a half gallon for $1 or a gallon for $1.88. By watching the dates, I can usually end up with milk that's good for at least 2 weeks. I buy 2 weeks of milk at a time (after all, I'm paying what I would for 1 if it wasn't on sale)

Or take canned vegetables. FM often has canned vegetables 3/$1 or 5/$2, about every 8 weeks or so. I buy enough to last those 8 weeks until the are on sale again, instead of buying 2 a week at 79 cents each.

By continuing in this sale cycle, I'm shaving money off my grocery bill after a few weeks - no Sunday paper needed, no driving around to several stores. (I used to do grocery shopping via the bus, so I understand only being able to buy what you can carry!)