Savings Advice

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Although the recession is officially over, expanding your savings is still a top priority.  Groceries are still at the top of the monthly expenditure, making many budget in other areas.  With a little help and discipline, you too can save a lot of money each month.

One easy way to save money on grocery purchases is to use credit cards that offering cash back or points on grocery purchases.   For instance, Chase Freedom Visa and Citi Diamond Preferred rewards Card both
offer no annual fee card that either offers a 5% cashback in rotating categories (Chase) and 5 points for purchases made at supermarket (Citi).  Just be sure to pay your card in full as too many credit cards can be dangerous if you build up debt.

A simple rule that I use is to only purchase one thing a month on my card, then pay it off.  Not using your credit cards can hurt you believe it or not.  Not using your cards can lower your limit on the card and possibly, close your account.  


Here are a couple of quick tips to save money in advance:

•  Go shopping alone
• Have a budget and stick to it
  
• Don’t shop hungry
• Plan your weekly meals in advance
• Scan your cupboards and fridge before leaving
• Keep a running list of items you need
• Break your list down by store and plan your outing accordingly
• Buy store brands
• Buy the Sunday paper for coupons and flier
• Clip coupons for name brand items
• Check the store’s website for printable coupons
• Watch for “double coupon” days
• Stack manufacturer and store coupons
• And of course, pull them out to make checkout easier

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