More Savings for More Clothes - Grocery Edition

If you recall, I recently did a post about cutting expenses to save for a nice pair of jeans. Part of that post advised you to start making your own lunches. However, I know that many of you out there lack a mastery of the grocery store. One must proceed with caution into said stores or it becomes very easy to overspend and thus negate your clothing savings efforts.

A few tips for those of you that are starting to B.Y.O.Lunches:

-Make a list. Inventory your fridge and pantry and decide what you need to add. Write it down.
-Sign up for store emails. Just like retail stores, grocery stores have promotions too. Jewel Osco (or Albertsons, depending on where you live) has their weekly ad online. You can drag and drop the items you want onto a virtual shopping list and print it out to bring with you.
-Coupons. You might feel like an old lady clipping coups, but they are your ticket to more clothes! I once saved $15 with coupons in a single trip.
-Preferred cards, Fresh Value cards, etc. Store savings clubs are KEY. They're free and save you major dough.
-Don't discount generics. Did you know that most generics are the same products as brand-name but with a different labels? Ryan Seacrest isn't going to ask who made your soup at the lunch table. ("It's Campbell's!")
-Think outside grocery stores. I rely on Target for condiments like salad dressing and pasta sauce. They tend to be about $2 cheaper there. Crackers and cereal are more affordable too. I also buy my produce from a local veggie wholesaler in Chicago. I normally walk out with a full bag of goodies for around $4.

Okay so I guess I should make this post a little more about fauxshion... I've found that my local Jewel is a great place to test out new outfits. You wouldn't believe how many people will notice and comment!
Happy (grocery) shopping!

Want even more budget friendly advice? Hop over to mscareergirl.com for her "Don't Go Over in October" challenge!