Find grocery shopping boring?  Then you haven’t played “Fun & Games at the Grocery Store,” which can translate savings at the checkout counter into a college fund, new wide-screen TV … even a vacation.   

The average weekly grocery bill in America comes to between $175.50 and $208.60 for a family of four (2007 numbers), according to U.S. government statistics.  For the sake of discussion, let’s say the average cost comes to $200 a week.  Note:  This does not include meals out.

These days, the computerized grocery receipt often shows how much money you saved by buying on-sale or discounted items, so you can easily track your savings. 

What to do: 

• Look for items on sale.  If you save 10 percent (or $20 a week) off your average grocery bill, that adds up to $1,040 a year.

• Take a second look at generic products.  In the past, generic and store labels were noticeably inferior to brand names.  No longer.  These days, many store labels are of just as high a quality as brand names.  But the price can be 20-30 percent lower.  If you cut a modest $10 from your grocery bill each week, that adds up a not-so-modest savings of $520 a year.

• Put those savings in a clear, glass cookie jar.  This is important because it lets you see your savings.  Then deposit them into a “dedicated” savings account at your bank or credit union, naming it for purpose you are saving: vacation, college, that new boat, etc. 

Total savings in one year:  $1,560! A petty decent gain for absolutely no pain, just by following the above steps! 

Start today.  Then next year, you’ll have a nice stash of cash for your children’s college fund, a new appliance or maybe a mini-vacation. 

Want to learn more about how to get the best value for the money you spend? Check out The Back to Basics Book of Money! A Couple’s Guide to Financial Peace.  The book contains 10 valuable Couple Money Skills.  Plus, the Back to Basics Book of Money Workbook (which dovetails with the main text) offers 31 practical, hands-on Wealth Builder activities that can help you and your partner build financial and domestic stability. 

Both the book and workbook, which retail for $31.98 plus S & H, are available at the Family Finances Conference Center website for $27.99 total. 

Or order the two-book set directly from the address below for an additional savings of $3.00, or just $24.99, including shipping. 

The Family Finances Conference Center tailors programs to the unique and individual needs of client organizations and their members and employees, based on the principles of the book and workbook set, The Back to Basics Book of Money!  A Couple’s Guide to Financial Peace.   

For more information, contact me at the Family Finances Conference Center by email (john@b2bbookofmoney.com) or my direct phone line (920-559-3722).

John Ingrisano
Director
Family Finances Conference Center
204 Lakeview Drive
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
john@b2bbookofmoney.com
 
“Helping families find money for
what they truly want and need.”