HOW TO SAVE $$$ IN 2021

52 PROVEN TIPS AND TRICKS TO KEEP YOUR MONEY IN THE (PIGGY) BANK

- Bryan Borzykowski AND Rebecca Philps 

GROCERY BARGAINS

SHOP THE PERIMETER OF THE STORE

Where you shop in the store directly affects how big your bill is. Food essentials (produce, meats, dairy and bread) are usually located around the store’s perimeter. Middle aisles stock the more costly prepared and processed foods. Steer clear of those inner aisles and your groceries will be healthier and cheaper.

ORGANIZE, THEN LAYER ON THE COUPONS

Steal two simple tricks from the couponing pros. First, a little organization goes a long way: use a binder with photo-album inserts to sort coupons by category and expiry date, then haul it out before every trip to the grocery store. As well, think about using a manufacturer’s coupon with items already on sale at the grocery store—say a $1.99 package of taco shells is on sale $1.49. If you have a 50-cents-off coupon and the store allows double coupons, you’ll pay only $0.49.

SHOP LESS OFTEN

Try to stretch out the time between grocery-shopping trips. Instead of going once a week, go once every two weeks. You’ll be forced to make a more careful food plan and be even more likely to use the food you already have in the pantry and freezer.

EARN MONEY WHEN YOU BUY GROCERIES

Caddle, a Canadian app, pays you cash in the form of rebates when you shop online and in person. In exchange, you answer short online surveys and watch video ads. It’s available as a free download on iPhone and Android devices.

HIT FARMERS MARKETS JUST BEFORE CLOSING