How to Save Money on Groceries
Simply stated the cost of groceries continues to rise! We see it every day and let’s face it – once prices go up, they rarely go back down to their original amount. It’s just a simple fact of life.
And while in some cases nothing can be done to help us get the best value for our dollar at the store, there are some things we can do to save a little bit at a time. Remember, every dollar counts so whatever you can do to continually save a few cents can, and will, eventually lead to dollars.
So with this in mind, here’s a few clever ways to save money on your groceries.
Shop at Discount and Bulk Stores
- Discount grocery stores such as Aldi, Grocery Outlet and Winco as well as bulk stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club will do much to save you money.
- Both discount grocery stores and bulk stores often have lower prices than traditional grocery stores but, keep in mind, usually offer fewer selection.
- Another consideration when it comes to bulk stores is such purchases usually involve buying items in large quantities.
- While this is fine when purchasing for a family, individuals who purchase for themselves and/or fewer individuals may find bulk shopping results in a lot of excess that is either not used or goes to waste.
Meal Prep
- Preparing meals is probably something more of us should practice, but very few do.
- Nonetheless, there are multiple benefits to adopting meal prep as a lifestyle choice.
- For one, it gives you one less daily thing to worry about as everything has already been decided with only finalization of the meal being needed.
- So, no more debating or arguing about “what’s for dinner?” because the decision has already been made.
- Having this decision made not only helps to save time but also avoids the general “go to” choice of eating out or ordering in.
- Doing this, of course, generally results in less healthy food, such as pizza and hamburgers, being consumed which, in turn, eats into your bank account – no pun intended.
- Plus, prepping meals can do much to assist with weight control and greater nutritional intake as proper, balanced consumption can be planned out as opposed to being made on a whim.
- Additional savings can also be found in purchasing items which are “in season,” which carry a lower sales price.
- That’s why individuals and families who plan out their weekly meals tend to not only save a few bucks but also enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle!
Buy Generic Brands
- One important thing to consider is purchasing “generic” products as opposed to “name brand.”
- Simply stated, generic brands can be considerably cheaper yet provide the same quality.
- Take a can of black beans for example.
- Purchasing a can of generic black beans would cost about $.78.
- By contrast, name-brand black beans might run you somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.28
- That equates to a difference of $.50.
- Now, times that by other products and services in which generic is purchased over name brand and the savings becomes exponential.
Shop in the Middle of the Week
- Due to the nature of the work week, physical stores tend to have less foot traffic Monday through Thursday than they do other days leading towards and during the weekend.
- For this reason, it is not uncommon for stores of all types to run sales, discounts, coupon offers and “deals” during the aforementioned days in order to get people in their facilities.
- As such, shopping during the middle of the week can do much to introduce you to some savings you may not otherwise find.
- So try shopping during the middle of the week and once you find some success, adjust your trips to the store to accommodate some great savings.
Use a “Cash Back” Credit Card
- Let’s face it, any way you can save money on a purchase you either plan or need to make is a definite positive.
- Groceries are a perfect example of such necessities.
- So, when making your regular grocery purchases use of a “cash back” credit card is a win-win!
- It’s a win because you need groceries.
- And it’s a win because you get money back on the purchases you make.
- In addition, be sure look for and use a credit card that offers cash back on your biggest spending categories, such as groceries and dining.
- That way, you maximize the return on your dollar for the things you need to buy.
- And always remember, be sure to pay off your credit card balance in full each month in order to avoid interest charges.
Stick to a List
- Preparing a list of items to buy before going to the store cannot be understated.
- Now, it’s one thing to make a list but, more importantly, you must stick to it!
- Doing so plays a huge role in preventing impulse purchases made either on a whim or not within your budget.
- One way to avoid such distractions is by making your purchases online for “pick-up” at the store of your choosing.
- By doing this, you’re able to see your total before the purchase is made and even delete items if necessary.
- However, if you are someone who needs to visit the physical store be sure to do so after you eat.
- That way, you don’t “buy with your stomach!”
Remember, saving a little money helps you have more money to spend on the things you want! So, while none of the individual methods for saving money noted above will make a huge difference, collectively they will. As such, it’s important you keep all these strategies in mind as you move forward with our grocery shopping duties. After all, one less dollar spent at the store is one more dollar in your pocket!
Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/savings/clever-ways-to-save-money/