Grocery Shopping

I've been cooking since I was 17, but only in the last few years have I taken responsibility for grocery shopping. I have friends that shop almost exclusively at Whole Foods or Trader Joes, and their bills reflect that. However, the bulk of my budget goes towards Harris Teeter and Safeway. Why? Weekly Sales.

I regularly save 20-35 percent on my shopping. It's very easy through http://www.redplum.com/ Now, I know a lot of people aren't into couponing, and most of my shopping doesn't involve coupons. Instead, Harris Teeter sends me their weekly sales every Wednesday, and most of my shopping list is made up of what's on sale (often at buy one get one free). Safeway also has sales which begin every Wednesday. I repeat, this is nothing like extreme couponing on TLC.

Many sources have talked about how one will save money by shopping with a grocery list. http://www.oprah.com/money/How-to-Save-Money-on-Groceries It is also common sense that if you buy groceries and eat at home, or make lunch to bring in to work or school, you will save a lot of money. You avoid sales taxes on food in restaurants (10% in DC), and the associated costs of everyone in restaurants who prepare your food (waiters, busboys, dishwashers, servers, janitors, etc.). But if you're not convinced, here are my top reasons to go grocery shopping more and use these weekly sales:

1: Preparing food at home tastes better (less salt, less fat)
2: Preparing food at home is romantic and sexy.
http://www.esquire.com/women/women-issue/funny-facts-about-women-0510 (339, 986, 144, 9)
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-relationships/love?cat=10390&tip=10398
3: Last year, using this method, I saved over 1,000 dollars at Harris Teeter and a similarly large amount at Safeway. Teeter tabulates your year to date savings on your receipt. What could you do with an extra $1000?

Don't have a Teeter or Safeway? Check your local grocery store for their weekly specials on their website, or try to find it on Redplum. Chances are they have weekly sales, and by going grocery shopping with the discipline of a list based on what is on sale, you'll save a ton of money and have more fulfilling meals.