Top 9 rules for shopping from Crystal Godfrey at Everydayfoodstorage.net

I bought Crystal Godfrey's book 'I can't believe it's food storage' off Amazon.com and have been enjoying the information and recipes. I thought today I would share with you her top 9 rules for shopping edited for this format with Jan commentary :)


1. When you purchase something that you're running out of, buy two. My mom's philosophy of life was if one is good then 6 are better. I always buy in bulk so I can keep ahead of the curve. Even for things like shampoo and dog food.

2. Keep your three-month-supply list nearby when you go through grocery ads or coupons. When you see an item on your list on sale, either at the grocery store or with a coupon, stock up. Of course this requires that you have your three-month supply list done :)

3. Make a list of items you need to buy each week and take them with you to the store. How many times have you purchases items off the list? If you can control this you will more easily stay in budget.

4. Don't go to the grocery store hungry or you'll be tempted to buy items not on your list. If you go in hungry you will buy the first thing that looks good - trust me on this one, I have blown many a budget by going in and buying things that 'look good'.

5. Beware of Warehouse bulk buying. Just because you are buying it in a warehouse doesn't necessarily mean you are getting a good deal. Shop around and price compare. I find that the warehouse often time carries the 'exclusive' name brand items you just have to have but pay way to much for since the generic isn't always offered there.

6. Shop case lot sales. Do we have anything like that in California?

7. If you are unsure if the price of an item is high or low. Don't buy it. Watch it for a couple of weeks. I personally like to shop at the local grocery stores and then try the big box stores to see what the prices are in comparison. Helps if you keep a running list of prices of items you generally use.

8. Buy canned foods that look perfect - a perfect can has no dust on them, no bulging, no dents, no torn labels, etc. Don't try to save money by buying dented or bulging cans there is probably something seriously wrong with them. Nothing like a trip to the emergency room for food poisoning to wreck your budget for a long time - don't cut corners on this one.

9. Shop at off peak times. Sometimes it really does matter when you shop to get the best deals. You can often finds meat and baked goods at clearance prices. And donuts? :)

Enjoy!