18 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON GROCERIES
It’s easy to rack up a hefty bill when buying groceries, but there are ways to prepare meals that are budget-friendly and don’t cost you much. Saving money on groceries and other household essentials doesn’t just happen at the store. Some smart preparation habits can help you significantly save with every trip to the store.
There are many steps you can take to help cut costs before and after shopping.
Below are some tips I’ve gathered from experts that can help you save money and cut costs on your grocery bill.
1. Make a Meal Plan
Planning your meals for the week helps prevent impulsive buying. You can avoid overspending by going to the grocery store with a list based on what you intend to cook for the weeks and by making sure to include snacks for the family, including your young ones. Sticking to the list will greatly help you avoid making impulse purchases.
2. Keep Track of Your Food Inventory
Make sure to check your refrigerator, pantry, vegetable and fruit basket, of the food that you already have. This will help you make your ideal grocery list. You could also snap a picture to help you remember. Many tend to drive to the grocery store without having taken inventory of their food, and this can lead to overspending food products that they already have.
3. Make a Grocery List, and Stick to It.
Start making a list if you’re looking for the best way to save money on grocery shopping. Visiting the store without a list makes you more likely to buy things you don’t need, like unhealthy desserts and snacks. Write out all the food and healthy snacks that you and your family need for the upcoming weeks, whether it’s by hand or on your cell phone. Carry this list with you when you visit the store, and only buy what’s on it.
4. Sign Up for Your Store’s Loyalty Programs
Most grocery stores nowadays offer customer loyalty programs that are free to join. By signing up, you can benefit from member discounts that automatically deduct at checkout without the need for coupon clipping.
5. Join a Wholesale Club
If you have a large family, joining a wholesale club like Sams, BJ, or Costco can help you save up for buying in bulk. Also, remember not to buy items that you know you and your family don’t consume all the time, as they may expire and ultimately become a waste of money. Note that these clubs may require a membership fee to join, starting from around $50 to $120.
6. Clip Coupons
Choosing clip coupons is a good way to save money. You can do this by downloading your favorite grocery store’s mobile app, browsing for any available discounts based on your list for the week, and clicking on the coupons on your digital loyalty card. When you checkout in-store, the discounts will automatically be applied. You can also look out for the weekly circular in the mail and look through the pages for deals that apply to your meal plan.
7. Compare Store Prices
Whether or not you live in the city and are lucky enough to have multiple grocery stores near you, try to compare products and prices across the board and shop where you can find the best deals. You can download the store’s app to find and compare the best prices.
8. Shop Alone
When you shop with kids or your partner, you are much more likely to be persuaded into buying items you don’t truly need. Try to go to the grocery store by yourself and stick to your grocery list.
9. Buy Items on Sale
Grocery stores are always running a variety of promotions and sales that can help you save on products. Look for sales that are often displayed in prominent locations throughout the store, either at the entrance or at the ends of the aisles. Also, always look for the expiration date before purchasing, as some items may be nearing their expiration date.
10. Buy in Bulk and Freeze the Leftovers.
A lot of items are much cheaper when purchased in bulk. To save money, you could try to buy items in large quantities to freeze the rest for later use, especially for those with large families to feed.
11. Buy Produce That are in Season
Produce can be very expensive when they are not in season, so find out which products are. Knowing which items are in season may help you significantly save and have you enjoy your fruits and vegetables!
12. Avoid Online Grocery Shopping
I love online grocery shopping, as their services are very convenient, but they can also be very costly. You may not find the right type or size of the items you are looking for and may be forced to buy alternative brands that are more expensive. Also, some online grocery stores are fulfilled by third-party sellers, and these could carry shipping costs, which add to your bill.
13. Buy Store-Brand Items
Some store-brand products have the same ingredients as brand-name products. For some products, you can do without the brand name to save you some money.
14. Shop During the Quieter Days of the Week
Find out the quietest days and times of the week when fewer people tend to shop at your favorite grocery store. This can help you focus more on sticking to your list. Crowds can have a negative impact on your grocery list, and you might end up spending more than you planned for.
15. Shop on a Full Stomach
Going to a grocery store when you’re hungry could cause you to overspend. You’re much more likely to grab a handful of groceries that you don’t need when all you can think about is your growling stomach.
16. Avoid Buying Personal Care Products at the Grocery Store
The prices for the hygienic products in some grocery stores can be very high. Avoid buying these products at grocery stores and buy them at places like Target, Walmart Super-center, Sam’s Club, or Amazon, instead.
17. Use Credit Cards Strategically
Check your credit cards to see if you can earn cash back or other rewards when using them for grocery shopping. Most rewards credit cards can pay 1% to 6%, which could shave hundreds of dollars a year off your food costs. To reap the best return, make sure to pay the card off in full each month rather than carrying a balance. Otherwise, the interest charges may impact your savings.
18. Use the Rebate App
There are a handful of rebate apps, such as Ibotta and Rakuten, that will give you cash back for buying groceries. You can register for free with one of these services to save more, on top of loyalty benefits and credit card rewards.
Bottom Line
A little preparation can go a long way when you’re looking to save money on groceries!