Ways to Save on Food and Fuel

Worried about food and gas prices? Soaring costs have many shoppers looking for ways to stretch their dollars. The skyrocketing food and gas prices affecting much of the world have many of us looking for ways to stretch our dollars at the grocery store and at the gas pump. Food for thought: Pay attention to how you shop.

Here are 10 tips for saving on food and everyday expenses. Buy local. You can save money on fruits and vegetables by buying local as much as possible. Planning your menus around food that is in season means fresher ingredients and that you won’t be incurring expensive food transportation costs. Comparison shop. Look around for the best bargains, and not only in grocery stores. Pharmacies and hardware stores often offer good deals on staple items.

If you find a good price, consider stocking up. Shop smart. Make a grocery list and a weekly spend limit — and stick to it. Even small impulse items can add up — as much as 10 per cent of your yearly grocery bill, according to some experts. Utilize store circulars and coupons. And be sure to check your receipts for accuracy. Accidental overcharges can add up to a hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.

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