Budgeting Tip: Loss Leaders
I used to ship the loss leaders at the grocery stores more for the thrill of it. I was home with an infant and had the tie to put her in her carrier and go from market to market, picking up the items that the grocery stores put at amazing prices that are at cost or below cost just to get you in the door. They count on getting you there and that you will do the rest of your shopping there, so that they can recoup the loss.
I shop the loss leaders for a whole other reason now. I feel like I am spending so much on food and gas per week now that my budget is taking a considerable blow. I shop the loss leaders simply to get the best buy and make my food bill stretch a little more.
If I can find coupons to combine with the loss leader item, I will often try to stock up. This is particularly useful for non-food items like shampoo, deodorant, and laundry detergent. I bought about a dozen jugs of Tide’s Rose and Violet variety when I found them at a price too good to believe. It’s not going to go bad and I have room for it in the garage. Plus, I love that scent and I think they may have discontinued it, so I am a happy camper to even still have access to it.
Of course, if you are planning on stocking up on a loss leader item, check the expiration date before you decide just how much to purchase.
Now, the trick is to go in, get it, and get back out! Don’t give in to impulse buys while you are in the store shopping for loss leader items. And, try to plan your meals that week around the loss leaders.
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