Many of us have noticed that the price of groceries has skyrocketed during this pandemic. But there are ways to save money on your grocery bill. Try shopping at several stores to see which has the best prices for your favorite items.
- Avoid Pre-Chopped Produce
- Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time
- Shop at a Few Stores
- Buy Items on Sale
- Buy in Bulk
- Check the Sales Ads
Avoid Pre-Chopped Produce
While it may be tempting to rely on pre-cut veggies, fruits and shredded cheese for convenience, the grocery store typically charges a premium. Instead, opt for whole ingredients, like fresh or frozen veggies and block cheese. Similarly, while buying strawberries approaching their sell-by date is okay; you can save money by shopping at a different store where they’re in season. Likewise, many stores offer bulk produce packages at a lower price than individual items, so check these out when browsing the aisles. These steps can help you trim your grocery bill and free up some money for debt repayment or other savings goals. Plus, you can stretch your dollars further than possible by using coupons and online shopping. Amazon has helped homeowners in their grocery bill-lowering efforts. Please use the promo codes and start shopping online to avoid the hassle of going to crowded grocery stores!
Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time
Contrary to what you might think, preparing your meals before going to the store can prevent you from purchasing food you won’t eat. Finally, this can save you money and reduce your home’s waste. Having a meal plan can also make it easier to spot items that are on sale. For instance, “look for manager markdowns on meat” and store brands of things that are typically cheaper than national brand names, such as cereal, canned soup, pasta, and baking staples. Another tip is to never shop on an empty stomach. If you’re hungry, you’ll be more likely to impulse buy items that you don’t need. Try eating a snack or a light meal before you hit the store. And stick to one weekly trip to the supermarket.
Shop at a Few Stores
Spreading your shopping around a few local grocery stores is a good idea. That way, you can take advantage of their varying prices. Also, check to see if any food-related credit cards offer cash back on purchases. These cards can shave hundreds of dollars off your bill, but only if you pay them monthly to avoid high-interest rates. And finally, pay attention to using coupons. That may seem like a hassle, but clipping and keeping a coupon binder in your car can save you 10-20% on a typical grocery trip. Just be sure to only use them on items you plan on buying anyway.
Buy Items on Sale
Many grocery stores have loyalty or rewards programs that cost nothing to join and can offer generous member-only discounts and e-coupons. These programs can save you 30% to 50% of your grocery bill. Also, look for store-brand or generic products instead of name brands. These products are typically cheaper and, in most cases, comparable to the brand-name versions. Consider the store-brand versions of staples such as cereal, pasta, canned goods and baking staples like flour and sugar. Before you head to the grocery store, make a list of everything you need for the week. Then, take inventory of your pantry and refrigerator. You may be surprised you already have many items you’re shopping for. Plus, you might score big savings by buying bulk and freezing the extra food for later.
Buy in Bulk
With inflation, rising fuel costs and continuing supply chain issues, grocery prices are rising. But there are ways to save money at the store. Start by paying with cash, which will help you stay within your budget. Then, crunch some numbers while you shop by bringing a small calculator and rounding up the item prices to their nearest dollar. A $1.49 product becomes $2; that $7.75 is suddenly $8. That will give you a much clearer picture of how you’re spending your money. Also, consider buying items in bulk that you use frequently, such as household supplies like toilet paper or laundry detergent. Just check the unit price (per ounce or sheet count) to ensure you’re saving money. And be careful about buying in bulk on perishable items, as they’ll likely go bad before you can use them.
Check the Sales Ads
Despite rising grocery prices, you can still save money on groceries by comparing prices before purchasing. Look for sales at multiple stores, and use apps to see which store has the best price on particular items. Many grocers also have apps that highlight in-store deals. Lastly, look for manager markdowns on meat and other staple items. It can be a great opportunity to save up to 50% on these items, which can be the priciest part of your shopping trip. Avoid shopping with family members or partners, as impulse buying can lead to overspending. Bringing someone with you can also increase the likelihood of forgetting to bring home something on your list. It can be avoided by planning your groceries and getting a list with you when you shop.