Costco Wholesale

Shop for sales especially on shampoo, toilet paper, etc...these items come very cheap once they go on sale! Avoid buying things in full price.

There are sales clerks who will try to sell you a certain item quite aggressively (asking questions/talking to you) but don't be fazed, they are just doing their job move on and do your shopping.

Don't assume endcap displays signal good deals. Supermarkets sell these end-of-the-aisle areas to companies so they can promote a specific product.

Take a closer look at "10 for $10" promotions. A "10 for $10" promotion boosts sales on an item even if the promotion actually increases the price per item! So always double-check that these specials are truly deals.

Do a little math before buying in bulk. Buying items by the piece in the produce section can be cheaper per pound than buying multi-packs. (Plus you'll be able to inspect each fruit or vegetable for defects, which can also save money.) Check out the prices and do a little math to figure out if you are getting a good deal or not.

Double-check the details of a sale price. Often a sale will apply to a certain size package, but the store will advertise the discount between the sale-price item and a different-sized, non-sale-price item. Check the details to make sure you are picking up the right one.

Start shopping in the middle of the store. You typically find the produce section in the front of the store, where the "bright colors put you in a good mood and inspire you to buy more." Stay on your game and stick to your budget by starting more in the middle, surrounded by the less vibrant boxed and canned food.

Ask store employees about complimentary add-ons. "The butcher will tenderize meat for you, the baker will slice a loaf of bread, and the florist will usually give you free greenery to go with your loose flowers," says one supermarket expert. So don't be afraid to ask!

Go beyond milk, bread, bananas and eggs when comparison shopping. These four items are the ones customers most commonly rely on to compare prices between stores, but you'll have an easier time identifying deals if you make a longer list of the items you purchase most and the price you usually pay. Keep it in your phone for easy reference while out shopping.

Don't feel the need to fill your shopping cart. Shopping carts are getting larger because testing reveals that they encourage customers to buy more. Make a conscious effort to not fill an enormous cart, or grab a basket instead of a cart whenever possible.