Grocery costs are a significant expense for many families, but savvy shopping strategies can help you spend less. Planning meals and making a grocery list can help you avoid wasting food or buying items that you don’t need. Using apps to consolidate weekly flyers can also save time comparing prices and promotions at different stores. Plus, some retailers offer price-matching policies.
Scan the Shelves
The price of groceries and household staples is rising due to inflation and higher fuel costs, but there are many ways that shoppers can save money. Buyers can reduce their bills by finding coupon codes, using a grocery store app, and buying food in season. A great place to start is by scanning the shelves of your favorite grocery stores. Look for items in bulk or on sale, and consider purchasing two of each item if you plan to use it before it expires. However, be sure you have storage space for the extras, and don’t overbuy. Before shopping, compare the costs of several food retailers on their websites or mobile applications. Many supermarket chain apps have a price-check feature that can alert you to sales happening at nearby locations for particular goods on websites like RetailMeNot. Some let you “favorite” the products you frequently purchase so they appear on your weekly sales list without your intervention. Additionally, remember that some retailers show pricing differently on their end caps and specialty displays than on the standard shelf.
Look High & Low
Grocery costs comprise a large portion of most families’ monthly budgets, and many strategies exist to reduce these expenses. You can lower the cost of your food bill by using coupons, shopping at cheap retailers, and purchasing produce that is in season. You can also find savings through rebate apps, which offer cash back on purchases. You should link a loyalty card or submit receipts to each app to maximize these savings. Another way to save on groceries is to compare prices at several stores in your area. Try buying that item at that store rather than your typical grocery shop if the same product is offered for less money. Lastly, consider eliminating optional items from your cart, like batteries, paper plates, and greeting cards. Doing so can significantly cut your spending on non-food items, quickly saving you a Benjamin or two each trip to the grocery store. Maintaining a spending diary also helps you stay within your budget.
Check the Circulars
You can use the right discounting strategies to save money on groceries and stretch your grocery budget. However, it’s important to note that some grocery stores do not offer discounts on all products. Some may even promote unhealthy food such as processed meats, sugary drinks, salty snacks, and alcohol. The key to getting the best deals on healthy foods is to shop multiple places and compare prices. You can devote one or two days of the week to visiting different grocery stores. It allows you to take advantage of coupons and promotions at different stores.
Additionally, consider checking online for weekly sales circulars. Additionally, many grocery stores provide loyalty programs that let you receive coupons and earn cash back on purchases. These programs are frequently incorporated into the stores’ applications.
Plan Your Meals
The cost of groceries can take up a big chunk of your monthly budget. But with a little effort and savvy shopping strategies, you can save money on food without skimping on quality.
Look for foods that are cheaper when purchased in bulk. You can find these in the bulk foods aisle, usually at the store’s back or in warehouse clubs. When purchasing items in bulk, weigh and measure to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Another trick to cut your grocery bills is buying store brands instead of name-brand items, saving you up to 30% without clipping coupons. Try this on a few items the next time you go grocery shopping and see how much you can save! Another great way to save is to pay with cash. It will assist you in staying under your grocery budget and preventing impulsive buying of things like cookies or ice cream. Then, you can use that extra cash toward other essential areas of your budget, such as debt repayment or savings for emergencies.
Use Tally Marks
Americans spend a significant portion of their budget on groceries, and with inflation weighing in, it’s time to find ways to offset those rising prices. Whether couponing, shopping with the correct form of payment, or taking advantage of rebate apps, even small changes can add up over time. For instance, when buying groceries for a family of four, consider shopping in bulk. Not only does this reduce the number of trips you’ll need to make, but it also lowers per-unit pricing. Another way to save is to purchase store-brand items. According to a Consumer Reports survey, grocer-branded products often cost 20-25 percent less than name brands. Lastly, try to avoid grocery shopping on an empty stomach. If you’re hungry, you may be more likely to pick up food you don’t need or overspend.
