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Grocery Shopping TipsFor bargain hunters like me, shopping at the Commissary can be a nightmare and a dream come true at the very same time. Fortunately, with just a little bit of extra effort and time, anyone can learn to navigate the aisles smartly and cut down on your weekly grocery bill. Unlike most grocery stores, where prices remain the same until an item goes on sale, prices of goods at the Commissary fluctuate frequently and drastically. (For example, an 8oz package of shredded cheese can range between $1.00 and $2.29 on any given week.) I am convinced that most people don’t pay attention to these prices and instead assume that because they are shopping at the Commissary, not a chain store, they are saving money. While this is probably true, there is even more money to be saved by careful shopping. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to remember the prices of each and every item you frequently buy. For this reason, I highly recommend keeping a Price Book. I use a small binder and have a page dedicated to each of the items I usually purchase. Then, I write down the date, the price, and the size of the item and I also calculate the price per ounce (or pound or liter). This Price Book comes with me every week, and it is a huge help when it comes to saving grocery money. When I find an item that is priced at it’s cheapest, I stock up (It’s not unusual for me to buy 10 boxes of cereal at a time, or a dozen bags of shredded cheese). My Price Book has also been helpful at the case-lot sales. I have found that even though items are selling for less than they normally do, they are not usually selling at their lowest price. While most people are filling their carts, assuming they are getting a deal, I am able to pass those items by. (For instance, at the last case-lot sale, I started to grab a 2-pack of ketchup in those gargantuan sized bottles. But a quick glance at my price book told me it’d be cheaper, per ounce, to go inside and purchase a smaller bottle of a different brand.) Some of the items I have found rock-bottom prices on at case-lot sales include canned vegetables, barbeque sauce, diapers, brownie mix, freezer storage bags, and trash bags. In most cases, it is because these items also had coupons attached that made them good deals. Smart shopping at the Commissary also requires you to pay attention to the unit price of an item. We have been trained to reach for the larger sizes, because at one point they were actually cheaper than the smaller packages. However, if you take the time to compare sizes, you will probably find, like I have, that in the majority of cases the smaller package is actually the best deal. This doesn’t require a calculator; it just requires a quick glance at the shelf labels, which list the unit price for you. Do pay attention to special coupons that are available at your Commissary (larger stores will even have manufacturer reps passing them out). I have gotten Betty Crocker box meals for 50 cents each, cereal for 75 cents a box, shredded cheese for 79 cents a bag, and countless other great deals, by taking advantage of these coupons. On the other hand, be aware that just because you have a coupon does not guarantee that an item is a good deal. (This is another instance where your price book will come in handy!) While we are on the subject of coupons, I highly recommend www.thecouponclippers.com and www.thecouponmaster.com. For a small handling fee, you can get coupons for those items you buy on a regular basis. (Make sure you NEVER buy an item just because you have a coupon for it!) Finally, never pass by the bargain meat freezer without diving in. Just today I came home with a $12 package of steak for less than $2! I routinely find hamburger, pot roasts, and pork at fantastic prices and the only meat I don’t buy from the bargain freezer is chicken, which never seems to be marked down. As you can see, saving money on your grocery bill not difficult, it just takes a little extra time. Educating yourself on Commissary prices can result in some pretty significant savings and a whole lot of satisfaction. ~ Lanette |
