Okay, time has been spent cutting, sorting and filing coupons; the sales papers have been studied for the best place(s) to shop and the time has come to save money on this week’s grocery bill. To make things even better, upon reaching the store, there are several unadvertised specials that appear to work out to an even better price than what the coupon can garner, but how does one determine the best price?
Tips for Saving Money
By learning how to compare and save based on a products unit price, one can save money-even without a coupon. Comparing unit prices is just as effective, especially in the meat and produce department as using coupons. To efficiently and accurately compare and save in groceries, keep these tips in mind:
- While in many cases, buying the larger size may be better, this not the case every time --think cereal aisle. Be sure to compare the unit price between same-brand items (i.e. 8 oz. vs. 4 oz of a specific brand of corn).
- Check the cost between frozen, fresh or canned on the same food. When one compares unit price, it is often found that fresh/frozen is cheaper than canned.
- Be sure to re-calculate the unit price of an item with the coupon amount factored in. (Simply deduct the coupon amount from the price then divide the number of servings into the new cost to find the unit price.
- When comparing prices, be sure to compare ounces to ounces/pounds to pounds.
- Don’t be afraid to purchase store-brand products. Often times the taste is the same as a national brand, but cost less. If unsure about the quality, just buy one can or bag to see whether it something the family will eat.
When shopping with coupons, it is important to take the time to compare prices between brands for the same product. Sometimes, the savings may only be a difference of a few pennies, but every little bit helps! Also, if one buys more of a product than can actually be used or stored, then the savings—no matter how big—are negated.
How to Compare and Save through Unit Price Shopping:
Just because two products appear to be the same size, does not mean that they are. Use these steps to compare unit prices-
- There will generally be a small sticker on the shelf below the item that will list the unit price; it is usually in ounces or pounds.
- If necessary, convert the unit measures so they are the same (pounds to ounces: divide price by 16, for ounces to pounds multiply by 16)
- Determine the needs of one’s household. If the product will be purchased bulk, make sure that there is somewhere to store the unused portions
There are many online sites that have useful grocery coupons, as well as coupons for clothes, toys and other household items. Yes, it takes time to print, cut and organize the coupons, but that time can result in big pay-offs at check out. And, when it comes to saving money, a few minutes sorting coupons is well worth the invested time.
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