How to Save Money Without Clipping Coupons

While couponing is a big way you can save money, it also requires some time and motivation which many people do not have. Don’t be fooled into thinking you cannot save very much money if you don’t use coupons. The fact is that it simply is not true. There are many ways to save on household needs such as groceries and personal care items even if you don’t clip a single coupon. Let’s look at some now.

How to Save Money Without Coupons

Compare store prices. Even without coupons, you should be aware that one-stop shopping is not always the best way to save. If you are looking for something in particular, make sure you compare the prices at local stores to get the best deal and be willing to go to different places to shop around. You can use apps like Flipp to help you compare prices between local grocery stores.

Sign up for rewards. Many grocery stores and drugstores have reward programs for loyal shoppers. Just by making purchases, you can save on future ones and still get some items for very cheap or even free.

Don’t automatically buy generic. It is not always the best price. You can often find name-brand items for less than the generic, even not on sale. Pay attention to the prices on your favorite items so you know when to stock up on a good deal.

Shop the “scratch and dent” section. The “scratch and dent” section is often located on the end-caps in the back of the store at drugstores and near the restroom or stock room at grocery stores. I have been able to save half price or more in these areas, and nothing is wrong with the products, they are just out of season or overstock.

When you find a great deal, stock up, even if you don’t need it right now. As long as the item is not perishable, stocking up on products you use a lot of means more savings for months to come. A couple of weeks ago, I got some dishwashing tabs for 99 cents off the scratch and dent aisle of the store, and I bought 5 of them. I didn’t even have to use a coupon to get all five for what one would have cost me.

Meal Plan. Meal planning saves tons of time and money. In my ebook, Meal Planning for Busy Moms, I teach you how to meal plan like a pro in no time. With Meal Planning for Busy Moms, you can plan out a week’s worth of meals in a short period of time, head out to the grocery store once a week and know what’s for dinner every.single.evening!

Stop buying convenience. You will waste so much money on these products that are completely unnecessary. Many of these convenience products can easily be made with fresh ingredients that will be healthier alternatives for you and your family. By making your own convenience products, you can moderate how much sodium and other seasonings go into your food which makes them healthier for you in the long run. While making these foods will take extra time, the health benefits alone means your family is taken care of and getting better nutrition in their diets.

Buy items in bulk to save. Some things are incredibly cheap already if purchased in bulk. Great items that you will see huge discounts on include spices, candy, baking products, drink mixes, and sometimes even animal food.

Shop “outside the box”. In other words, a big box store is not always the best place to find deals. Farmer’s markets and co-ops offer some great discounts on produce and locally produced dairy. You can also find some good deals at locally run area stores as they try to be competitive with the chains.

Do your shopping later in the evening. When you shop later in the evening, grocery stores begin to mark items down because they have to get rid of them. These products are not outdated, but they have to sell them before their sell-by date. You can get bread, dairy, meat and produce at 50% off or more this way and it’s the same products that were on the shelf that morning for full price.