The big warehouse superstores are convenient and can save you money, but only on certain items. We read a recent John Matarese “Don’t Waste Your Money” article on when to buy in bulk. For example, apparently you shouldn’t buy cereal in bulk. We had never heard “the sale price at supermarkets on name brand cereal is almost always less per ounce.”
Matarese shares how buying items like paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, detergent and diapers can save you hundreds of dollars a year, and won’t expire before using them.
However, some items will go bad before you can even use them so buying them in bulk may not save you any money. In fact, it may end up costing you money when you have to throw them away and replace them.
Here are a few of our tips for healthy shopping and ways to save money at the grocery store:
- Take a look in your pantry and around the house to see what you need.
- Make two lists: one for items to buy in bulk and one for items needed from the supermarket.
- Think about a new vegetable or fruit that your family can try together. Buy one or two just to try.
- If you’re out of ideas for healthy recipes, look one up and write down what ingredients you need.
- Try to buy only one or two “bad” items. That way you don’t deprive yourself of something sweet, but also don’t have a freezer full of ice cream.
