Tips to Save Money on Groceries
no matter where you shop.
Food prices have been on the rise for some time now which can lead to all kinds of stress. Your favorite food product that was so affordable may have skyrocketed in price. Look at the price of eggs! Here are several tips you can use to start saving money on groceries:
Make a List
I usually start my list within a few days after one of one our 4–6-week trips to the big city. Some items I will pick up at the local market when I go for milk, others will have to wait the 4-6 weeks till we go to the Big Box stores again. Making a list can help you stay within your limits, reduce impulse buying and help plan ahead to save yourself time. You can also use a list to help stay organized. Shop dry and canned goods first, then produce, meat and dairy, and frozen food last.
Check on What You Have at Home First
Taking a quick look in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer will help you avoid purchasing things you already have. I usually have very little produce left at the end of 6 weeks, maybe a couple apples or an orange.
Buy Staples in Bulk
If you find yourself restocking the same things week after week, you may want to consider buying in bulk. Things like paper towels, toilet paper and Kleenex have an unlimited shelf life. I order these items and more (laundry liquids, batteries, toothpaste, etc.) online with a Sam’s Club Plus membership and get them delivered right to my door. No more lugging around large awkward packages. Other things like eggs, butter, flour, sugar, (I like to bake!) I will purchase in store, in bulk. Be mindful not to let impulses take over, it’s only a good deal if you can use what you buy in a reasonable time. If you have to throw some out, you’re not saving much.
Check for In-store Deals and Coupons
We shop Albertsons Market and Sams Club most when we go to the big city. I spend a day or two before we go checking sales and price comparing. Albertsons has their “Digital Deals” which can be clipped to your rewards account and discounts will be applied at checkout. A Sam’s Club Plus membership offers a “Cash Back” program, I usually get $5-$7 back each time we go.
Try the In-House or Store Brands
While the packaging may not be as attractive or the name as recognizable, these products are usually just as good, if not better, than the name brand products but at a lower price. At Sam’s Club look for Member’s Mark, Albertsons Market – Signature Select, Signature Farms, Signature Care, Signature… Our local market carries Food Club products.
Know When to Splurge on Organic Food
It has become well known that organic food can be better for you, our planet, and farmers, but if it pushes your grocery bill beyond your budget, you may need to cut back. There is no need to spend more on organic foods that have a protective peeling such as avocados, bananas, lemons, etc., as you will be discarding the peelings anyway. If you plan to use the zest of citrus fruits, wash them well with cool water and you should be just fine.
Stick to Groceries at the Grocery Store
You go to the grocery store for food, not shampoo, cleaning supplies, or kitchen wares. These items usually have the highest mark-up due to convenience and are better purchased at places like Family Dollar or Dollar General. If you are pressed for time a big box store such as Walmart that has fresh groceries may help you find everything at lower prices and curb spending.
Don’t Shop When You are Hungry
Shopping when you are hungry will lead to bad decision making and more impulsive purchases. Just because it looks appetizing, is it something you would normally buy? If you must go shopping at mealtime, grab a healthy snack that contains protein and fiber to hold you over till checkout time.
Avoid the Busiest or Peak Times
Nothing is worse than all those people rushing up and down the isles with screaming me-me kids. It can prove to be distracting and even stressful! Usually, the busiest or peak times are from 4PM to 6PM when people are getting off work and madly trying to pick up something for dinner. We typically try to get to the store before 9:30AM (remember, we are 1-1/2 hours away from the big city).
Prepare Ahead for the Trip Home
Depending on how long the trip home is, an insulated bag or small cooler may be sufficient. We have a Coleman cooler that plugs into a cigarette lighter, this holds dairy, lunch meats and cheese. Then we have 2 heavy insulated bags, one for meat and one for frozen foods. We also have a pop-up insulated chest shaped bag/box that holds most of the produce we buy. Lastly, we have a few cardboard boxes that hold dry goods and canned foods, so they don’t roll around or rattle all the way home.
