AP9 Saving Smart Puts the Brake on Rising Food Costs
Norwalk, Conn. (PRWEB) March 28, 2008 -- SavingSmart (SM), a premier membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC, shares Americans' concerns about rising food prices. Here are 10 strategies to help families save money when grocery shopping.
1. Factor in gas when chasing sales
It may not make sense to drive to multiple stores each week for different sale items if the money spent on gas exceeds grocery savings.
2. Don't be store-loyal
Supermarkets aren't the only retailers selling groceries these days, notes AP9*SavingSmart. Many big-box stores, drug stores, warehouse clubs, discount supermarkets and even well-known online retailers offer groceries, household cleaning supplies and personal care items.
3. Sign up for email sale circulars
Sign up for supermarket email circulars containing each week's sale items to help plan ahead, advises SavingSmart. Signing up for more than one can help organize supermarket runs, based on which store is offering the best sales. Try to organize the family's weekly menu based on what's on sale that week. Use coupons, which most supermarkets double, to coincide with a sale and save even more.
4. Compare prices by unit costs
Always compare prices by the unit cost, which is based on the cost of the item per ounce, quarter, gallon or pound, not the item cost. This can help shoppers determine what size package offers the greatest cost savings. Larger quantities don't always offer the best prices.
5. Store brands rule
Store brands are less expensive than name brands, and there is no difference in quality.
6. Buy in bulk
Most discounted items go on sale in regular 10 or 12-week cycles, says Saving Smart. Stock up on items the family regularly consumes. Remember that many items, like milk, orange juice or bread, freeze well.
7. Go vegetarian
Consider replacing red meat in at least some meals with a less expensive (and more healthy) source of protein, such as beans, suggests AP9 SavingSmart. Free online recipe sites like www.recipezaar.com offer plenty of meal ideas. When choosing red meat, save money by buying cheaper, less tender cuts of beef, such as round, chuck and shoulder, and use the pressure cooker or slow cooker to make an equally delicious meal.
8. Stay in season
Never buy fresh fruits and vegetables out of season, when they're priced highest.
9. End aisles
Pay attention to the supermarket end aisles, where sale items are usually placed.
10. Look up; look down
Trying to rush in and out of the store means overlooking the best deals, so take the time to compare prices. The brands that dominate the market are placed at eye level; look at the top and bottom shelves for lesser known but more affordable brands, suggests SavingSmart.
About Saving Smart
SavingSmart is a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC. Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., Adaptive Marketing is a category leader in both membership and loyalty programs, bringing value direct to consumers through an array of benefits in healthcare, discounts, security, personal property and personals. Members may access their benefits at SavingSmart.com. With broad online and offline distribution capabilities, Adaptive Marketing offers its corporate client partners effective tools to enhance market presence, strengthen customer affinity and generate additional value through programs such as AP9 Saving Smart.
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