Always looking for the next big way to save money, I decided to track the difference between store brand vs. name brand items. I have always been a big proponent of using store brands-after all, when it comes down to it, the ingredients are almost identical. However, I will say that there are some items that I do refuse to purchase the generic of, and that's ok! I can justify spending a little more on items I know are better quality by buying as many store brand items as possible. I made a grocery list and then wrote down both the cost of the generic item and the name-brand item. I was amazed at the difference in costs of some of these items. See below:
| ITEM | STORE BRAND PRICE | NAME BRAND PRICE | PRICE WITH COUPON |
| 1 GALLON WATER | $0.99 | NONE | |
| 1 GALLON ICE CREAM | $5.49 | $6.99 | |
| ROASTING CHICKEN | $3.99 | $6.99 | |
| 18 EGGS | $2.24 | NONE | |
| ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR (5 LBS.) | $1.64 | $2.24 | |
| SHALLOT (1) | $0.58 | $2.99 (PER BAG OF 3) | |
| FROZEN VEGGIES (1 BAG) | $0.99 CENTS | $1.89 | |
| SMOKED SAUSAGE (1 PKG.) | $2.39 | $2.54 | $1.54 |
| CREAMED CORN (1 CAN) | $0.69 | $0.92 | |
| REGULAR CORN (1 CAN) | $0.69 | $0.92 | |
| CORN MUFFIN MIX (1 BOX) | NONE | $0.47 | |
| GREEN PEPPER (1) | $0.89 EACH | ORGANIC $1.99 EACH | |
| ZUCCHINI (1) | $1.99 EACH | ORGANIC $1.79 EACH | |
| BREAKFAST SAUSAGE (1 PKG) | $1.19 | $1.89 | |
| ROTEL (1 CAN) | $0.69 | $1.02 | |
| VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP (1 CAN) | $1.09 | $1.32 | |
| TOMATO SOUP (1 CAN) | $0.57 | $0.79 | |
| WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE | $0.99 | $1.99 | |
| GARLIC POWDER | $1.89 | $2.79 | |
| | | | |
| TOTAL: | $28.99 | $38.21 | |
| | | | |
| TOTAL SAVED: | $14.40 | |
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As you can see, some name brand items were actually cheaper than the generic brand, but you can see the savings added up. If you take the amount saved and multiply it by 4 (the number of trips I make a month to the store), that adds up to almost $60 in savings. Factor in coupons and you can save even more! Just be sure to do your homework when in the store and check the prices.
Another way to save is to become part of a store's loyalty program. Last month on a trip to target, the clerk that was checking out my purchase told me of a new Target "Debit" card. It's not a regular credit card, but a card that links directly to your bank account. It's free to sign up and there are no fees, and it applies a 5% discount to your purchase any time you shop at Target. I did this, and now just using the Target card alone I save about $5 a shopping trip. You can also sign your children's school up to receive 1% of the amount of your purchase. They also send me regular coupons in the mail. On my last trip between the card and two coupons, I saved almost $30. It truly does add up! Many stores are starting to offer similar programs, so don't be afraid to ask the next time you go shopping.
