5 Tips For How To Save Money On Groceries
Want to know the secrets to save money on groceries. (Spoiler–It’s not always using coupons!) These 5 simple strategies & tips can save you hundreds each month on the food your family already buys.
Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries
Saving of groceries can seem like a daunting task. But once you realize these simple tips you too will be amazed on how simple it all can be. You don’t have to be an extreme couponer to save BIG at the grocery store. In fact, you can skip the coupons and follow the other tips listed below. Nowadays, with digital savings (or eCoupons) stores make it a lot simplier.
There is no need to sort through coupon inserts for savings. You can simply turn to your grocery store’s main website and “clip” money saving manufacturer coupons right to your store loyalty card.
In the video interview (with my local Fox23 station) below, I walk you through these same steps.
5 Tips For How To Save Money On Groceries
As mentioned in the video, I have 5 great and easy-to-use methods of how to save money on groceries. You won’t have to be scrambling each week to feed your family, nor will you be always eating things like rice and beans. These tips can make an enormous difference in your grocery budget, and thus your overall household budget.
“Every penny saved adds up.” – Jen Schreiner
Make a list
One thing my parents taught me as a child about saving money on groceries, never go into the store without a list. This is critical and the market experts will tell you, not to remember your list. You will gladly spend more money on groceries if you do not plan out your shopping trip.
This is important; Don’t just jot down a few things you know you will use. Write out a full inventory list. Go through your cabinets and open that fridge. Take the time to make sure you don’t already have the item in your pantry and also double-check those regularly used items. If you use a menu plan, go over any ingredients needed, and verify what should be added to your list. There is a statistic out there that states “if you walk into a store with no list or a partial list expect to spend 60 percent more than your budget for”.
It is also important to stick with your list. Avoid the temptation of buying any extra items that are not on your list. Stick with your needs and not your wants.
There is a statistic out there that states “if you walk into a store with no list or a partial list, expect to spend 60 percent more than you budgeted for”. This is why creating a list is imperative. Avoid the temptation of buying any extra items that are not on your list. Stick with your needs and not your wants.
Use Your Store Loyalty Cards
Love them or hate them, card-carrying members receive incentives such as lower-priced items while shopping at the store. Keep in mind that stores track your purchases and will reward their members with mailed coupons and store published magazines based on your spending habits. Other rewards associated with loyalty cards are family, baby and pet clubs.
Ask at your local grocery or market about their loyalty card offers.
Take Advantage of Coupons
If you are really looking for how to save on groceries, then don’t shy away from the Sunday paper, 70 percent of grocery coupons come from the newspaper. Clipping coupons may seem like a lot of extra work, but it doesn’t have to be and can save you money. An investment of 20 to 30 minutes each week can help save you as much as $40 or more on your weekly grocery bill.
Coupons can be found online
Many stores are now offering electronic coupons that go directly onto your store loyalty card. Do not forget to check out social media sites as well. Your favorite brand name companies are out there, follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Companies love to reward their fans with in the form of money-saving coupons.
Plus, you will want to take advantage of these FREE money saving smart phone apps. Get cash back on brands that you love. It is easy. There is no reason not to try them out.
Invest in a simple coupon binder or filing system. This will help you stay organized week to week making it easier to manage when making your grocery list and comparing prices.
Stock up on sale items
When you see an item on special for the week that you use regularly, and you have a coupon, stock up. No one will shame you for purchasing extra items that your family will use. In fact, your friends will be asking you how you save so much money off your grocery bill.
Don’t forget those Loss leaders. These are products offered at bottom prices and are a great way to stock up on items you use regularly without paying full price.
Read More about Loss Leaders
Know your Prices
It is important to know the actual prices of products you shop for. The goal is to buy primarily sale items and use coupons. Purchase enough to last until the next sale. Particular items will be offered for sale every eight to twelve weeks. Others will go on sale every six weeks.
Creating a price book for your favorite stores with a list of shelf prices on your regular items can help you know the best places to shop for the best deals when you have a coupon.
The average shopper can save at least $1,000 a year by spending just 20 to 30 minutes a week by compiling a grocery list, seeking coupons & deals. How much you save depends on the effort you put into it. If you are serious about knowing how to save on groceries, these tips are ideal for keeping you on track with your budget.
What are some of your favorite money-saving tips on groceries? We would love to know. Drop us a comment below. I am sure others would love to hear your tips as well.
More Budget Tips:
6 Food Purchases That Kill Your Budget
Top Tips To Improving Your Budget Overnight
Top Budget Mistakes You Don’t Realize You’re Making
Wonderful!! You shared important information!!
Thank you RS!!!!
Thank you for sharing, your article is so good I was able to save a small amount of money through this post.