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Poor Girl’s Guide to Grocery Shopping

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Ottawa chapter.

There is nothing worse than opening your fridge to find nothing inside. When your stomach starts grumbling and you’re looking for something good to eat, the last thing you want to find is that you have absolutely nothing to work with. This can only mean one thing… it’s time to go to the grocery store. 

However, going for your weekly food run doesn’t have to be a burden on your wallet. There are quick and simple ways that you can save money. All it takes is a little time and a bit of research, and soon you will own that checkout.

Make sure you know the weekly sales!

Flyers are actually good for more than just papier-mâché! By checking the weekly sales that your local stores are having, you ensure that you don’t miss any of the great deals. There is absolutely nothing worse than buying a big-ticket item at one store only to learn it was on sale at another just down the street.

Coupon! Coupon! Coupon!

While it is sadly not possible to extreme coupon in Canada like it is in the United States, (sorry ladies no mountains of toothpaste for us) there are still a variety of ways to save money using everyone’s favourite pieces of money-saving paper. When you first enter the grocery store make sure you check the coupon display that they have located just above where you pick up the flyers. Often times these coupons correlate to specials that they are already having so you can end up getting twice the bonus!

Also, make sure to take advantage of the online sites that send your chosen coupons right to your mailbox. Safe and efficient, these websites offer savings that are as easy as the click of a button! Click here and here for my personal favourites.

Know when to shop!

Here in Ottawa, the downtown Loblaws offers a 10 percent student discount on Tuesdays! Not a fan of standing in the long lines? Try going at a less busy time. The sale literally runs from midnight to midnight, so try early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds.

Take Advantage of Store Point Systems!

You’re going to be buying the products anyways, so why not take collect points towards money off while you do! Programs like PC Points and Club Sobeys are quick and easy to sign up for and can save you real money at the register!

So good luck my fellow hungry students! May the savings be ever in your favour.

 

Photo Credits:

1, 2, 3

 

Sarah Kirby is a fourth year Joint Honours BA History and Political Science student at the University of Ottawa. Born and raised in Southwestern Ontario, Sarah now is proud to call Ottawa home. Sarah is also proud to be the Editor of News for the 2014-2015 Her Campus UOttawa Team.