Frugal Friday: Checking prices at the cash register

One of the tips you'll see over and over again about saving money at the grocery store is to watch the cash register screen as they ring your prices, to make sure you're not getting overcharged. But one of the best ideas I ever read for implementing this, I've only read once.

When possible, do NOT get in the shortest line. Don't get in the longest one, either - just get behind someone who's only about halfway done, if you can. This gives you enough time to get settled in and get most - hopefully all - of your own groceries on the belt by the time the person in front of you is done. Then, when the cashier starts in on your stuff, you are free to pay attention to the register screen and watch the prices, correcting any mistakes before you actually shell out money.

Now, those of you with young kids who STILL can't pay attention to the screen, don't come crying to me. I never completely figured that one out, myself. ;-) (Having a shopping partner, like Dad, comes in handy at those times.)

Of course, you should still check your receipt before you leave, but it's far easier to catch the mistakes at the register and have them corrected there, rather than having to wait in yet another line and go through the hassle.

Be sure to visit Crystal's blog for more frugal-ish goodness!