Hello everyone! This is Justin, the new owner of Northern Cheapskate. I am determined to keep the central theme on this site regarding saving money, but also adding a new twist, how to earn money online. For now, this article will focus on the low hanging fruit of saving money without the hassle of coupons. Stay tuned for more of this and the other as the months roll on. If you have any comments or thoughts, or topics in particular you are interested please don’t hesitate to contact me.

If you are like many and go into a store for a few items and come out with a shopping cart worth you are not alone.  I heard someone say one time to stick to the perimeter of the store, that is where you will find your important goods as far as fresh fruit, meat, dairy, and frozen items, without getting lost in the middle isles of junk foods.  Of course that is not always possible but when you do go grocery shopping you need to have a plan of attack in how to save the most you can, without sifting the coupons, buying items that you would not normally buy.

Stick to Your List

You will be less inclined to make impulse purchases throughout the store if you keep your head down and stick to your shopping list.  Make your list at home, on a full stomach, which will especially help if you have ever gone to the store when you are hungry; you buy many unnecessary items that sound good at the time.

Use Store Rewards Card

Often time the store will give extra incentives to use your store rewards card by offering promotions such as buying 10 items for $10 or if you purchase a certain number of items that are on sale you will receive additional money off.  In addition to saving on groceries, you can also accumulate fuel points which will save you money at the pump.

Shop During Mid-Week

Why would stores need to put items on sale on the weekends when huge crowds are expected anyways.  If you go during the mid-week, you will find additional sales, but be prepared, shelves may start to get bare.

Download Store Mobile App

If you are over getting the Sunday paper and clipping coupons to bring to the store, then download the store mobile app and stock up on digital coupons that will load directly to your rewards card.  You will have to remember which items you have coupons for, but you can also print a summary before you go.

Stay Away from Prepared Foods

If you look how cheap fruits and veggies are, look at the upcharge for those that are already cut and packaged for you, probably 4-10 times as much.  Same goes with the prepared food in the deli area, save your money and make food at home, otherwise it is the same markup as eating out.