There is a lot of talk these days about grocery prices. But it really is not a new issue. And the good news is, there are established methods to help you save on the everyday items your family needs. Regardless of the state of the economy, we should always be looking for ways to save on groceries. Here are a few tips to help you:
1. Make a shopping list and meal plan
If you’ve ever walked into the grocery store with no list and ended up spending more money than you thought you would, you can appreciate the importance of planning ahead. Decide on the meals and snacks you’d like to have for the week, and create a list that only includes the necessary ingredients.
2. Shop alone if you can
Impulse buying can be one of the costliest habits at the grocery store. Shopping with others may increase the likelihood you’ll buy something on a whim. Rather than bringing your family members with you to the grocery store, add their requested items to your shopping list in advance so they’ll still get some of their favorite snacks without the risk of added impulse buys.
3. Shop during the quietest days of the week
Crowds can have a negative impact on your grocery budget. When you’re in a busy store, it can be more difficult to take a good look at the selection and find particular brands or sizes that are most cost effective.
4. Swap ingredients for cheaper options
Consider swapping your meat choice or vegetable choice for one of the lower-cost options. Depending on your dish, you may be able to swap out a certain vegetable for one that is in-season and cheaper.
5. Buy generic products
There’s no denying that brand-name products are more expensive than their generic counterparts. While saving an extra $2 or $3 may not seem like much, saving a few extra bucks on 20 items can add up.
6. Avoid buying hygiene products at the grocery store
Many people buy household products at the grocery store without realizing how much they’re likely overpaying for those items. You can often find hygiene products for less at places like Walmart or Target.
7. Stick to the store’s perimeter
Generally, the aisles in the center of the supermarket contain processed foods, which tend to be pricey, whereas the outer walls are where you’ll often find things like fruits, vegetables and other unprocessed foods that can be more cost effective.
8. Pay with a grocery rewards card
Grocery rewards credit cards offer cash back or points on purchases at the supermarket. Getting a little bit back from each shopping trip will help offset the costs of inflation. However, it’s imperative to pay off your credit card bill in full each month to avoid paying interest on your balance as well.
9. Use a calculator while shopping
Pull out your phone while shopping to add up the cost of your groceries. This can be especially helpful if you’re sticking to a strict budget.
10. Shop the sales
Be sure to check your local newspaper circulars, store apps and a store’s website to know what’s on sale and when. It can pay to plan your menu based on what’s currently on sale.
For even more tips, you can read the full article here.
An ongoing assessment of spending habits is an important aspect of building a strong financial foundation. Regardless of the state of your finances, looking for areas where you can save money is never a bad thing. Even better when you can identify ways to decrease spending on the things you need!