We've all been there: You're standing in the checkout line with a cart full of groceries and you realize that you've spent more than you'd planned.
This is where being a budgeting newbie can be challenging. You don't know how much things should cost and comparing prices is hard.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to save money on your grocery budget this year, even if you're not sure how much things should cost or how much of your budget goes toward groceries.
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Saving money on your grocery budget is easier than you think.
We've got a few easy ways to cut costs without sacrificing flavor or quality.
- Use a Grocery Budgeting Planner
A grocery budgeting planner is a tool that helps you determine how much money you need to spend on groceries each month. It also allows you to plan your meals and menus, ensuring you don't go over budget while still eating healthy and tasty foods.
We've made it easy for you to create your grocery budgeting planner right here on our site!
- Buy in bulk
Many products can be purchased in bulk and stored at home, saving you money on the product and the cost of keeping it. You'll also be able to save time by cutting down on trips to the store!
- Use coupons
Coupons are everywhere these days, even online! If you're willing to take some time out of your day to clip them, you can save hundreds of dollars annually by buying what's on sale with a coupon.
- Bring your bags
Paper or plastic? You decide! But bringing your reusable bags when you go shopping helps keep more waste out of landfills and saves a little bit of money each time you shop at stores that charge for plastic bags (which is most of them).
- Shop seasonally
If certain foods are in season where you live, buy them when they're cheap and plentiful, so they last longer than if you had bought them out-of-season.
- Meal plan
Plan meals and make a shopping list before heading out for groceries. This will save you time and money by preventing extra purchases at the store.
- Check the newspaper
Check the newspaper or flyer before making your list to know what's on sale and which items are in season.
- Don't Buy What You Don't Need
It could be tempting to stock up on food when it's on sale, but if you don't need it now, don't buy it! Buying too much food will only cost you more in the long run because it will go bad before you can eat it all.
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- Show the lowest price
Shop at the store with the lowest prices, not necessarily the closest store to your house or work. You might be surprised!
10. Buy meat on sale for freezing
If you're going to have it for more than a week, buy meat when it goes on sale and freeze it for later use.
- Compare prices
Compare prices between stores before making purchases, so you know where to find the best deals for your buck! You may be surprised by what stores offer when it comes to discounts or coupons for certain items each week :)!
- Make sure to write a list
Please bring a list with you when you shop, and stick to it! This way, you'll only buy what's needed and not waste money on items that aren't on the list.
- Sign up for store rewards programs
You can earn points that you can later use to redeem coupons or free products.
- Time your shopping trip
For items with a shorter shelf life, like in the bakery section, time your trip so that you can take advantage of clearance prices as they try to get rid of yesterday's inventory. If you want fresher bread or are willing to sacrifice quality for savings, go earlier in the morning.
- Check your receipt
Sometimes, The cashier may not have registered a sale price, or they might have rung you up for the wrong item. Be sure to get any price adjustments before leaving the store.
- Look at the upper or lower shelves
Many stores display their more expensive items at eye level. Keep an eye out for cheaper alternatives on lower shelves or in the clearance bin.
- Avoid impulsive purchases at the checkout lane.
The store's last-minute attempts to get you to spend more money are on the checkout lane. Resist them; you've already spent enough!
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- Salvage food before it spoils
Foods on the verge of spoiling can be turned into delicious dishes.
- Learn some basic couponing skills
Although initially intimidating, you can get used to stacking coupons quickly.
- Organize your fridge, pantry, and freezer.
A well-organized kitchen makes it easier to find things and use them before they spoil.
Saving money on groceries doesn't have to be impossible, but it takes effort.
With a little extra effort, you can cut your grocery bill significantly, saving money that you may have spent on more expensive options.
It also helps to prepare and scope out the deals before heading to the supermarket.
In other words, if you plan, you'll likely save a few bucks by using coupons and reading labels carefully. If even one tip inspires you to save money, it is worthwhile. A few dollars saved each week will add up over time.
I hope these 20 tips have helped in your quest to save cash on groceries!
