Day #14: Below are some tips on how to avoid "Supermarket Rip-Offs" - the full article can be found in the February 24, 2012 issue of the "All You" magazine, wirtten by Teri Gault, founder of the TheGroceryGame.com; and Jeff Yeager, author of the Cheapskate Next Door.
Here are some of the biggest grocery store schemes and tips on how to outsmart them:
1. Big Packages: Items purchased in larger packages doesn't always equate to larger savings! Divide the cost by the number of ounces of grams to determine the best value. If you have a coupon, do your calculations after you factor in the savings it provides.
2. Salad and Hot food bars (deli): There's nothing wrong with picking up a quick entree or side dish for tonight's dinner but be careful what you choose. Since its sold by the pound it will probably cost much more than preparing it yourself.
3. Packaged lunch meat: Cold cuts are convenient but you pay a premium for pre-slicing and packaging. Buy uncut ham and slice it yourself for sandwiches. Serve thicker slices for dinners and use smaller pieces to flavor soups or pastas. Freeze anything you don't use right away. Do the same with a whole turkey breast.
4. Bottled water: Even at its cheapest, 1 cent per ounce, bottled water is still more than 300 times as costly as tap water. Drink your tap water. Install a filter if taste or contaminants are a concern.
5. Sale prices in multiples: For example, a 10 for $10 deal on applies might sound great until you realize that you are paying $1 per apple. Use a calculator to ensure that you are actually getting a bargain!
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