It happens to the best of us. I’m all about smart shopping, and still, I sometimes find myself at the end of the supermarket checkout with a total that’s higher than I thought it would be. I make a list at home, and I try not to shop when I’m hungry because, as I’ve learned, that’s a sure way to come home with several bags of $7.00 gourmet chips, or more produce than I could possibly use before it starts to go bad. And I’m careful to check prices because sometimes what looks like a really good buy isn’t actually all that good. I am a careful and informed shopper, but supermarket marketers still sometimes get the better of me.

I’ll never forget the time I came home to unpack a container of banana chips. Banana chips! Who really buys banana chips, anyway? Um, I did, because when I was starving I thought they’d make a good snack. Or the time I bought half a year’s supply of pasta. True- it was on sale for a very good price, and pasta is basically a staple that doesn’t go bad. But I spent way more than I should have on that shopping trip. Not to mention the challenge of finding a good place to store all those boxes!

I have my tricks to help keep me in line and within budget, but since they don’t seem to be enough to get me the results I want, I figured I could learn someone else’s tricks and see how they help. I came across this fascinating post that lists 15 Money-Saving Ways To Outsmart Your Supermarket.  There are some really smart tips here, and I think they can help. Check them out for yourself and learn some tricks to help you outsmart your supermarket!