Evening Edge

Angie Galloway adds up the savings every time she goes through the supermarket checkout line.

A recent trip to the store netted $216.73 worth of food, and cost the Alpharetta mother just $91.38.

Allen Sullivan, aesullivan@ajc.com/AJC (ENLARGE)

Angie Galloway stores groceries from a shopping trip Thursday at her Alpharetta home. She saves money by using coupons and selecting products on sale. 'Seventy percent of it is timing and where you go,' Galloway said.

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Galloway figures she saves as much as $4,000 a year on groceries for her family of five through strategies that range from buying items when they're on sale, to subscribing to online bargain-sources such as www.couponmom.com and e-mail groups. She uses some of the savings to give food and toiletries to those in need.

Galloway used to look for brands, but now she buys whatever variety is on sale or has a coupon— and stocks up. She also plans meals around what's on sale.

"It's a pretty simple, fast way to save money," she says.

Want more? Galloway teaches cost-cutting classes periodically at First Redeemer Church near Johns Creek for a $5 fee, to cover supplies. A five-week session starts July 30 and childcare is free. For information: Call Karen Weaver at 678-513-9400.

31 Ways to Save

During July, 31 metro Atlantans will share their money-saving strategies for everyday expenses such as food, clothing, transportation and utilities. They'll also give tips on taking affordable vacations, dining out and how to have fun on the cheap.