Last fall, I did a series of posts called “Kroger 101” as part of my Wednesday 101 series.
Since one of my main goals for 2012 is to help YOU save money, I’m starting a new 101 series called “How To Spend Less”. This series will give you strategies for lowering the amount you spend on groceries, household supplies, and personal care items. Look for a new article every Wednesday!
How To Spend Less: Buy On Sale
One of the simplest ways to spend less is to buy the things you use when they’re on sale!
I’ve talked to lots of shoppers who admit they don’t usually pay any attention to the weekly sale papers! Most shoppers go to the store each week to buy the items they are out of at home.
I’ve learned to shop a different way. I scan the sale papers thoroughly every week. If something that my family uses is on sale this week, I’ll buy that item (maybe even several of them) even if we already have that product at home. Some people may think it doesn’t make sense to buy that way, but I’ve learned that spending less is all about timing.
Here’s an example:
Let’s say you make spaghetti twice a month. If you use a box of pasta each time, you’ll use 24 boxes this year. Let’s say the regular price of pasta is $1.09/box. You’ll spend over $26 on pasta this year paying regular price.
Pasta can occasionally be found on sale for around $.50/box. If you buy the pasta only when it’s on sale, you’ll spend only $12 on pasta this year. That a savings of about 50%. How did you achieve that savings? By buying at the right time. Buy items when they are at their lowest price – not their regular price! This doesn’t mean you have to buy all 24 boxes at once. Just buy a few boxes every time pasta is on sale. Buy at least enough to last until the next sale.
Now, just imagine that you make a point to buy all your groceries when they’re at their lowest sale price. Can you see how you would spend less money this year by buying on sale?
Like I said, it’s all about timing! Scan the sale papers each week and buy those items that are at their low price. You’ll save money without even using coupons! Stay tuned for next week’s article. I’ll share how you can spend even less by buying on sale with a coupon.
