The best way to keep your grocery bill in check is by shopping with cash. That way, you’re only spending what you have and are less likely to bust your budget with impulse buys like ice cream or cookies. Shop at a variety of grocery stores to compare prices and sales. Purchasing bulk when your products are on sale is another way to save money.
Take Stock of What’s in Your Pantry and Fridge
With food prices rising, maximizing your grocery budget is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to lower your grocery costs and free up more cash for other expenditures like debt repayment or emergency fund savings. A great place to start is by taking stock of what you already have in your pantry and fridge before you head out shopping. It will make it easier for you to refrain from acquiring products you already own or, worse yet, from buying them out of season. Online shopping will make this easier for you since all you need to do is add to your cart in the comfort of your home. You may save money and spend it wisely on Amazon by using coupons and staying focused on purchasing the things you need.
Check Your Store’s Weekly Ads
It can be easier to stay within your shopping budget if you keep an eye on sales. Check out the ads at supermarkets, big box stores and warehouse clubs to find the best prices. Many grocery stores also price-match competitors’ flyers, so comparing prices before purchasing is worth comparing. Another way to save money is to try store brands or generic items instead of big-name products. You might not be able to tell the difference in taste or quality, and it can cut your grocery bill! If you want to stock up on certain items, monitor the sale prices over time and jot down when things are lowest. It will help you know when to buy bulk or stock up on staples like dishwasher tablets, toothpaste and cleaning supplies.
Don’t Forget About Expiration Dates
As food prices continue rising, getting smart with grocery shopping is more important than ever. Even the best shoppers can only spend on food with proper planning. When you have a plan, you can avoid overbuying and wasting money on foods that will go bad before you can use them. A budget grocery list will help you stick to your plan and avoid impulse buying. Many grocers offer steep discounts on produce, meat and other items that are about to expire. You can save up to 80% or more on your shopping expenditure by purchasing these things, many of which are still fit for human consumption. Another way to keep track of your spending is by switching to a cash envelope budgeting system, where you put specific amounts of money into individual envelopes for each expenditure category, including groceries. It will make it much harder to overspend and help you save on interest charges if you pay with a credit card. Also, check out grocery rewards cards that give you cash back or points on purchases at the store.
Don’t Forget About In-Store Promotions
Shopping for things on sale is one of the simplest methods to reduce your grocery bill. You can find some of your favorite brands in bulk, which can also help you keep within your budget. Many grocery stores have versions of popular name-brand products, so try them out instead. Typically, store brands are cheaper than national brands (especially without coupons), and you may need to find out the difference. Using an app or a spreadsheet to track your spending and to help you save money on groceries is a good idea. Grocery prices fluctuate daily, and scouring your local area for the best deals is important. Another great way to save money on groceries is to do meal planning. It will ensure that you only buy the ingredients you need each week. It will keep you from busting your grocery budget and free up funds to put toward debt repayment or your emergency savings fund.
Don’t Buy Pre-Cut Veggies or Pre-Shredded Cheese
While you may scoff at the person in front of you at the grocery store who is loading up their cart with bagged lettuce, pre-chopped mirepoix, and already-shredded cheese, those foods cost more than just their price tag. They also add money, time, and space to your fridge (which could be better used to store fresh produce). Even though sticking to a budget can be challenging, one expense that may allow you more leeway is your grocery cost. Using this advice, you can shop wiser and save a lot of money. Start paying attention to when your favorite groceries go on sale and for how much. You may notice a pattern. Use that knowledge to stock up during the low times and buy just enough to last until the next expected sale. Also, remember that food is usually cheaper in season, so shop accordingly. And finally, always shop with a calculator and tally up everything in your cart. It will help you stay under your budget on every trip to the store.
