Now, look at your list. If you have any snacks, canned goods, chemicals, or drinks left on the list, go to your local dollar store. There are some dollar stores where everything is actually a dollar; these are the best. Chemicals for your home are especially good buys at the dollar store. You can buy many name brand chemicals for a dollar--at least half what you will pay in a grocery store. Snacks also can be a real bargain. Chips are usually about .20 cents cheaper and cookies can be as much as half off. Think about off brand soft drinks. The taste has really improved and they are only $1.00 per 12 pack! Even if you mix them with name brands, they will make the soft drinks go much farther on hot summer days.
Step 9: Farmer’s Market
If you have a local farmer’s market, take advantage of it, especially during the summer and early fall months. Before you get out of the car, put $20 in your pocket. You will come back with tomatoes, peas, beans, squash, and watermelon. You may even have a couple of pennies left over. Most of the produce is very fresh and delicious. During the summer months, visit the farmer’s market once a week for your veggies and fruit.
Step 10: Day Old Bread Store
Now, is the time to go to the day old bread store. Even most small towns have these. You can get bread for sometimes less than half of what you will pay in the store. True, the bread may not be as fresh, but I doubt you or anyone in your family will notice. Along with bread, they also have chips and sweets. Compare these prices with the dollar store and grocery club to see which has the best prices.