It’s not always easy to save money at the grocery store. But, with a little planning and some savvy shopping skills, you can learn how to save money on groceries and be on your way to saving $100 or more every month.
What are some ways that I can save money at the grocery store?
You might want to start by stocking up on items when they go on sale and then freezing them for later use. You’ll also want to take advantage of coupons, loyalty programs, and online specials offered by stores.
I know what you’re thinking, “how can I save money grocery shopping?” It’s not as hard as you think it is. There are a few ways to do this but the easiest way is by planning your meals ahead of time and then writing down everything you need on a piece of paper or in an app so that when you get to the store all you have to do is grab those items and head out. You’ll be surprised at how much more organized this will make your life, plus it’ll help avoid those unnecessary impulse buys too!
There are plenty of other ways you can save while grocery shopping as well! It just takes a little bit of creativity and patience in order to make it happen.
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1. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store
Have you noticed that all the essentials are either at the back of the store or on opposite ends of the store? That means you have to walk through the aisles and most likely you’ll pick up things you didn’t need. Try to shop on the outside aisles of the store and skip the snack and ice cream aisle.
2. Take advantage of grocery pickup or delivery.
One of the best ways to save money on groceries is by using grocery pickup or delivery. You are less likely to buy things you don’t need since you won’t be in the store tempted by sales or impulse. I personally use this service and it helps me get all my groceries in one easy trip!
3. Buy in bulk and buy what you need, not what’s on sale
There are some items that are cheaper or more cost-effective when you buy in bulk. It makes sense to buy things like toiletries, laundry supplies, and non-perishable foods in bulk when you can. And try to stick to things you need. Buying bulk items just because it’s a good deal but you didn’t really need it often ends up either tossed out or forgotten in the back of the pantry.
4. Plan your meals for the week ahead of time and make a grocery list based on what you need to buy
Meal planning leaves very little room for excess spending. Plan out your meals each week and make your grocery list based on those meals. You will save money because you won’t buy excess groceries you don’t need and you’ll also waste less.
5. Find coupons for the things you buy regularly
Don’t be afraid to use coupons especially for things you love and buy regularly. You can do it the old fashion way by clipping paper coupons or check the store’s website or app for digital coupons and discounts.
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6. Download cashback apps
Cashback apps like Ibotta and Rakuten let you earn cash back on groceries and many other household items. Just find your favorite store and look through the list of deals or coupons available. You will either have to take a picture of your receipt to get the cashback or you can make your purchases right there in the app.
7. Cook with ingredients that are already in your kitchen so you don’t have to buy them again
Before taking a trip to the grocery store, take a look at what’s already in the pantry or in your refrigerator. There may be some leftovers or a few things that can be put together for a nice meal. It will also make your meal planning easier.
8. Compare prices of store brands to name brands to see which is cheaper
An easy way to save money is to buy generic or store brands. A good rule of thumb when comparing prices is that if you like a store brand, it’s probably cheaper than its name-brand equivalent. By comparing store brands to name brands, you can see which ones are cheaper and save money at the same time.
9. Use a shopping list to avoid impulse buys
Before you shop, make a list and stick to it. This is not an easy task for many people. When you are in the store and you see that new item on sale, it’s hard to think about your list of things that need to get done this week or last week’s errands. But when we don’t have our lists with us, we end up buying items that we really don’t need or forget what was on our grocery list at home.
10. Shop at stores with discounts to save money
If you’re looking for a way to save money, then it’s time to start shopping at discount stores. For most people, this is not an option because they are used to shopping in the gourmet supermarket and paying full price. However, if you want to get your life on track financially speaking, then there is no better way than by starting with your budget-friendly choices!
As you can see, lowering your grocery bill doesn’t have to be hard at all. Learning how to save money on groceries just takes some planning and a little willpower and you’ll be close to your money goals in no time!
