Many people sigh remorsefully when they glance at their grocery receipts and wonder how their budget got stretched out. But it’s possible to save money at the grocery store using simple strategies.
It’s all about knowing what coupon fine print to watch for and when the best deals are at different stores. Learn to coupon like a pro with these expert tips.
Don’t Forget Brand Loyalty
For many consumers, food is one of the most significant expenses in their household. That’s why creating a grocery budget and sticking to it is essential. However, keeping track of your spending can be tricky. With a little planning and discipline, it’s possible to make your grocery bill go further and save money simultaneously.
When shopping, use your store loyalty card to unlock special member deals and help you save even more. Also, try to avoid impulse buying and stick to your list. Adding items to your cart on a whim can cost you big money.
Lastly, clip coupons before your trip and take your coupon envelope. While it may seem like a hassle, you can save up to 10%-20% of your purchase just by using coupons. Don’t be afraid to look beyond the local newspaper for coupons. Many online resources and apps can help you find grocery coupons or exclusive deals for your favorite stores, such as Walmart coupons.
Another way to stretch your budget is to buy in bulk. When shopping, look at the unit price listed on the shelf sticker and choose a size that will allow you to buy more for your dollar. Also, shop produce when it’s in season. For example, purchasing fresh mangos in January will likely cost you more than waiting until August.
Shop at Multiple Stores
While hitting one store and calling it a day may seem convenient, shopping around can help you save money. Many grocery stores have different weekly deals on the same items, so checking the store ads and finding out where to get the best deal is essential. You can even sign up for a loyalty program at a few different grocers to take advantage of savings for their most frequent shoppers.
Grocery prices are rising across America, meaning savvy shoppers must spend more time maximizing their grocery budgets. According to a 2022 survey, impulse buys are the top way Americans overspend at the grocery store, and food and groceries are often the top items purchased on a whim.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of purchasing items marked with a brightly colored SALE sticker, but just because an item has a coupon attached doesn’t mean it’s cheaper. Some recommend paying close attention to the price per ounce or pound on packaging to see if you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Another critical shopping tip is to avoid grocery store crowds whenever possible. This can help you avoid impulse buys and make a more informed selection of products. It’s also a good idea to bring your cooler and bags for the items you plan on buying, as carrying large amounts of cold food in your car can be difficult.
Don’t Forget to Plan Your Meals
The first step to saving money on groceries is creating and sticking to a budget. Figure out how much you can afford to spend in a month on food (or whatever other categories you’d like to devote funds to), then break that amount down by week. That way, you’ll have a firm limit to stick to as you shop.
Next, you’ll want to plan your weekly meals and list the ingredients you need to buy. That will help keep you from making impulse purchases that rack up your bill, like those enticing bags of chips and soda on the checkout aisle. According to experts, meal planning also helps you reduce food waste and avoid buying harmful ingredients before using them.
Finally, shop for the best deals at your favorite grocery store. Check out weekly sales flyers to see if your store has a day of the week when certain products are cheaper. You may also find that some stores have higher markups on certain items, so visiting a few different places to compare prices before you purchase is worth visiting.
Following these tips can significantly lower your grocery spending and save weekly money. This will give you extra cash toward other goals, like debt repayment or emergency savings.
Don’t Forget to Keep Track of Your Spending
Regardless of how much you save by shopping at multiple stores, using coupons, or taking advantage of a grocery rewards credit card, keeping track of your spending is essential. A clear picture of how much you can spend on groceries each month will help you avoid the “impulse buys” that often add up in your cart at the checkout counter.
In addition to a food budget, creating a monthly savings goal and working toward that amount is also a good idea. This will help eliminate wasteful spending and free up dollars for other priorities, like debt repayment or an emergency fund.
Conclusion
Counting the cost of each item in your cart may seem tedious, but a small calculator or smartphone app can help you stay within your spending limit. Keeping track of your grocery costs can also help you identify areas where you could cut back, such as buying items that go bad quickly or stocking up on rarely used items.