Nobody likes grocery shopping, but with a little planning, trips to the store during the holiday season can be a great experience.

Prices Slashed

Typically, most stores slash their prices during the holidays, but grocery stores can take it even further with great coupon deals. My corner grocery store (Fryes) has made all manufactures and store coupons equal to a dollar, which really adds up quickly if you are a coupon clipper.

Most of you probably don’t live around the corner from me, so I thought the best way to talk grocery savings was to generalize on some of the shopping strategies I use to save money while shopping for food and grocery items.

Price Matching and Coupon Matching Policies

The next thing to know is that there are several stores out there that price match and coupon match their competitors’ prices. The best way to utilize these savings deals is to come prepared.

First, print out or bring in the competitors coupons or sales papers. There is no disputing an ad in hand. Second, visit this little site which contains lists of the top price matching stores and each of their price matching policies. Now, with a little careful planning you can minimize your shopping trips by taking deals from several stores, then hit only one or two that accept all the competition for your actual shopping.

Price Adjustments Policies

Know your store’s price adjustments policies. Some stores will refund the difference between the price you paid for a purchased item and an item’s sale price — if the item you purchased goes on sale within a specified period of time. The amount of time varies by store, but is generally within 15 or 30 days, and you will need to show proof of purchase.

This can be especially valuable if you purchase high-priced, non-food items at your grocery store.

Deals of the Season

Most stores place the majority of their baking items on sale during the holiday season. All the flours, sugars, spices, specialty baking mixes — like your cake boxes, brownies and cookies — are generously reduced during the holidays. Now for those of you that stock up for your yearly food storage, this is the time to do it. I buy several months worth of food storage during these types of sales. I have found powdered milk at a fraction of its normal price and canned fruits and vegetables for cents on the dollar. This is the time to stock your pantries.

In Short: Plan

Plan, plan, plan! If you take the time to plan out your daily menus, the items you would like to purchase as food storage or your holiday meals — you will save so much more than just your wallet. You will free up more of your time and finances, plus create great savings for your family during the holiday season. What more could you ask for?