THE FATHER LIFE | the men's magazine for today's fathers

Take Stock of Your Greenery

By: Howard Ludwig
Image By: Nathaniel Dodson
June 9, 2008

Have you ever spent $40 at the grocery store only to realize that you are leaving with three bags of food?

It's happening to a lot shoppers lately as the high price of gasoline is being passed on at the checkout line. Using corn as a gasoline additive is further driving up the cost of food. Anything containing delicious high fructose corn syrup is going to cost more.

Newspapers and television stations have taken notice, offering their audience frugal tips for the grocery store. The problem is these "tips" are usually obvious.

I mean doesn't everyone already know that you can save money by shopping at Aldi? The discount grocery chain has nearly 900 stores in 28 states from Kansas to the East Coast. Aldi's bring-your-own bag approach is routine for most cash-strapped families.

I think I can do better. So here are a stay-at-home dad's tips for saving money at the grocery store.

- Take inventory. Before leaving for the store take a look in the refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Ask yourself what you can make with what you already have? Mark down the needed ingredients on a list.

- The list goes on. Keep a running list of what you need from the grocery store. If you try to make a list minutes before leaving, you're sure to forget something. Start a new list as soon as you get home from the store with any items you may have forgotten the last time.

- Carting coupons. Keep your coupon book in the car at all times. The only thing more frustrating than clipping coupons is leaving them on the coffee table.

- Eye the flier. Most stores have their latest flier available as you walk into the store. Take a moment to browse the ad. If possible, take a copy with you. The best deals are usually on the front page.

- Spend money to save money. Buying certain cooking gear and gadgets can often lead to savings. Having a good cheese grater can save you from buying pre-shredded cheese. Having a toaster oven can save you from heating up the entire oven for one Chicken Kiev.

- Strategically stockpile. Soda goes on sale twice during the summer – Memorial Day and Labor Day. Look for deals and stock up. I once cut off an ambulance when I saw a grocery store sign advertising a case of 24 cans for $3.99.

- Set a time limit. Go to the grocery store before an important event. This way you'll be sure to stick to the list and won't dawdle. You're less likely to wonder what red bananas taste like if you have to pick up the kids in 45 minutes.

- The can can. You might see something on sale that you have always wanted to try but don't know how to cook. If the item is in a can or a box, look on the side of the package for suggested recipes. The manufacturer isn't going to suggest something bad. They want you to buy their product again.

Hope this helps... obviously.

Howard Ludwig is a former business writer who traded his reporter's notebook for a diaper bag, becoming a stay-at-home dad. He can be reached at howardaludwig@yahoo.com.


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Take Stock of Your Greenery By: Howard Ludwig Image By: Nathaniel Dodson June 9, 2008 Have you ever spent $40 at the grocery store only to realize that you are leaving with three bags of food? It's happening to a lot shoppers lately as the high price of gasoline is being passed on at the checkout line. Using corn as a gasoline additive is further driving up the cost of food. Anything containing delicious high fructose corn syrup is going to cost more. Newspapers and television stations have taken notice, offering their audience frugal tips for the grocery store. The problem is these "tips" are usually obvious. I mean doesn't everyone already know that you can save money by shopping at Aldi? The discount grocery chain has nearly 900 stores in 28 states from Kansas to the East Coast. Aldi's bring-your-own bag approach is routine for most cash-strapped families. I think I can do better. So here are a stay-at-home dad's tips for saving money at the grocery store. - Take inventory. Before leaving for the store take a look in the refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Ask yourself what you can make with what you already have? Mark down the needed ingredients on a list. - The list goes on. Keep a running list of what you need from the grocery store. If you try to make a list minutes before leaving, you're sure to forget something. Start a new list as soon as you get home from the store with any items you may have forgotten the last time. - Carting coupons. Keep your coupon book in the car at all times. The only thing more frustrating than clipping coupons is leaving them on the coffee table. - Eye the flier. Most stores have their latest flier available as you walk into the store. Take a moment to browse the ad. If possible, take a copy with you. The best deals are usually on the front page. - Spend money to save money. Buying certain cooking gear and gadgets can often lead to savings. Having a good cheese grater can save you from buying pre-shredded cheese. Having a toaster oven can save you from heating up the entire oven for one Chicken Kiev. - Strategically stockpile. Soda goes on sale twice during the summer – Memorial Day and Labor Day. Look for deals and stock up. I once cut off an ambulance when I saw a grocery store sign advertising a case of 24 cans for $3.99. - Set a time limit. Go to the grocery store before an important event. This way you'll be sure to stick to the list and won't dawdle. You're less likely to wonder what red bananas taste like if you have to pick up the kids in 45 minutes. - The can can. You might see something on sale that you have always wanted to try but don't know how to cook. If the item is in a can or a box, look on the side of the package for suggested recipes. The manufacturer isn't going to suggest something bad. They want you to buy their product again. Hope this helps... obviously. Howard Ludwig is a former business writer who traded his reporter's notebook for a diaper bag, becoming a stay-at-home dad. He can be reached at howardaludwig@yahoo.com.