Don't Fall for Supermarket Rip Offs!!

I got todays All You Magazine , if you haven't gotten these yet, you really should!  They are full of COUPONS and some really great money saving ideas!  You can purchase them at Walmart or get a subscription. Anyways they had some great tips when it comes to shopping at the Supermarket, here are a few:

Rip Off #1 ~ BIG PACKAGES
Stores try to trick you into thinking the biggest package means the best value.  Just as at warehouse stores, it always pays to do the math.
Outsmart It: Scan the self tag for the cost per unit- you might find that the medium size offers the best value. No shelf tag? Bring a pocket calculator (or on your cell phone) and divide the cost by the number of ounces or grams. If you have a COUPON do your calculations AFTER you factor in the savings is provides.

Rip Off #2 ~ SALAD & HOT FOOD BARS
There's nothing wrong with getting some food from these for a quick meal but be careful what you choose, since everything is priced per pound. If your buying and inexpensive item such as macaroni and cheese or baked beans, your probably paying too much.
Outsmart It: Purchase only items that are pricey to begin with, such as roast beef and chicken parmesan. Don't be fooled into spending $4 on .15 worth of Jello-0

Rip Off #3 ~ PACKAGED SLICED LUNCH MEAT
Cold Cuts are convenient, but you pay a premium for pre-slicing and packaging.  A 7.5 oz container of slicd ham can run more then $10 a pound!! While large smoked ham is only around $3 per pound.
Outsmart It: Buy uncut ham and slice it yourself for sandwiches. Cut them different thicknesses and use some for salads or as a main dish.  Or you can stock up on the great deals that are to be had at Hannaford this week!

Rip Off #4 ~ BOTTLED WATER
Supermarkets devote shelves to bottled water, and often have refridgerated bottles at the register. Even at its cheapest, 1 cent per oz, bottled water is still more then 300 times as costly as tap water! (CRAZY!) IF you drink one 16 oz bottle of water every day for a year at $1.50 per bottle that's more then $545!! Then multiply that by every person in your household!
Outsmart It: Drink your tap water! Install a filter, which only cost about $35. Plus you help the environment!

Rip Off #5 ~ SALE PRICES IN MULTIPLES
Do you go straight for those three for $5 deals in the store? Watch out for such sales, some prompt you to buy more than you would otherwise.  Most stores like Shaws have 10 for $10 deals, and most people don't know that you only need to buy 1 or 4 or 7. You don't have to buy all 10 to get each item for $1. That's how they get you to buy more then you need.
Outsmart It: Use a calculator and coupons to get the best deal.


~Amie & Paige