I know I mentioned before that it is a bad idea to go shopping right before dinner/after you worked all day. Mainly because the grocery store is so crowded and you end up spending more time standing in line. But also because it puts you home later, dinner is later and getting out of the kitchen is later.

I have always heard “don’t go shopping when you are hungry.” I truly believe that is a good rule. It is for me, anyway. I find my shopping cart full of junk when I shop hungry. I have even grabbed a bag of those “Sweet Sixteen” powdered donuts and as soon as I get to the car, I eat three or four of them. If you want to save on your grocery bill, do not shop when you are hungry.

Another helpful hint, make a grocery list. I hate to get home from the grocery store and realize I forgot something that I needed NOW. Like last night, I forgot to buy Dawn. No list, no Dawn. I guess Dawn hasn’t been on sale lately or I would have had an extra one under the sink. I am rather “focused” on stocking up on food so it amazes me when I run of anything.

I like to keep a list as I realize I am out or almost out of an item. I keep the list on the refrigerator door. If I don’t make a list, I sometimes buy things thinking I need it and I already had an extra bottle hiding in my cabinet.

Another idea is to go through your refrigerator, freezer and cabinets before you head out to go grocery shopping. It will refresh you memory so you will be aware of what you already have at home.

Make sure you gather your coupons and put them in your purse, too. I even have a coupon that says you get $10 off for a purchase of $100 from Winn Dixie. Those are nice but I seldom buy that much food at one time for just me and my husband. I guess I just never get low enough on food that I need that much at one time.

Also, the circulars that come out weekly really help you save money. I often plan my menus from what is on sale for the week. There are certain foods I buy only when they are on sale….like T-bone steaks.

Seasonal foods are great to stock up on, too. During Thanksgiving and Christmas certain foods are on sale…like cranberry sauce, canned yams, hams and turkeys. Last year, I must have bought 24 cans of cranberry sauce. They were 50 cents a can instead of 99 cents. And why not buy an extra turkey. You can slice it up and make sandwiches or turkey salad. So take advantage of those seasonal sales.

Most people are too busy to really put much thought into grocery shopping. It is just one of those things you have to do. I truly feel that I save at least $100 a month by taking advantage of the circulars. I guess I have made it a game. I like to save at least 30% at Winn Dixie. My last shopping trip I spent $49 dollars and saved $23. That was without any coupons. And I only bought stuff I knew I would use.

When I do use coupons, I only clip out the coupons of things I normally purchase. It is very tempting to purchase items that you have a coupon for $1.00 off and think, “Oh, I think I will try that.” You end up spending more money. So don’t even clip the coupon unless it is a staple in your home.

So, I hope you will take advantage of the circulars and maybe clip a few coupons for things you use often. And don’t forget that grocery list. Happy grocery shopping. It is the only kind of shopping I enjoy. I know, I am a sick puppy as my daughters say.