Think Outside the Grocery Store Box

Many people know the value of coupons and the value of different coupon clubs, but there are other ways to save on your grocery bill by thinking outside the box. Your local grocery store isn’t the only place to go for food. Other stores and chains can offer fabulous deals in the hopes of just getting you in their store. Of course, they hope you will spend money on some of their other items, but if you have the willpower to resist impulse buying, here’s where to look for some great deals on groceries:

Drugstores and Pharmacies

If you’re needing milk, over the counter medications or personal care items, a drugstore like Walgreens can offer some surprisingly good deals. They and other pharmacies hope that when they offer milk for a dollar less than the supermarket, you’ll also buy some higher priced stuff, too. At my local Walgreens, a gallon of 2 percent milk is $2.99, at Kroger, it’s $3.89.

Supercenters

If you’re looking for cereals or cleaning supplies, check out your local Walmart, Kmart, or Target supercenter. As an added bonus, these stores will probably accept competitor’s coupons and match sale prices. You can buy a lot of staples here as well.

Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse clubs such as Sam’s, Costco, or BJ’s sell pantry staples, meats, and even prescription medications at great prices, and many of these sell gasoline at a substantial discount, making it very easy to recoup the annual membership fee. I have to be careful in warehouse clubs because there are lots of tempting goodies (edible and otherwise) that call to my wallet! You can also buy in bulk, but be aware that bulk buys aren’t always everything they’re cracked up to be.

Discount Grocers

For anything else, try Aldi’s or another discount grocery store. These stores usually sell private label products instead of brand names, but in many cases prices can be 20% lower than at a regular supermarket.

Surplus Stores

Most communities have a surplus store but I would only buy dry goods here. When a truck is refused by a supermarket or a portion of the merchandise is damaged in an accident, surplus stores buy the remaining good stock at a very steep discount, sometimes as much as 70%. But buyer beware, these items can be damaged, almost expired, and some completely expired. The deals can be excellent, but you’ll have to be extremely cautious. Check for quality before you buy.

Don’t get into a rut by always buying the same things at the same place without occasionally checking prices. Getting out of your comfort zone just a little can add a few dollars back to your checking account. Give it a try! Remember: a penny saved is just another way to make extra money!

[tags]drugstore, grocery store, supermarket, pharmacy, Aldis, discount store[/tags]

photo credit: NatalieMaynor