5 Easy Tips to Save Money at the Grocery Store
These days, everyone is looking to save money in any way they can. Though you may not think that it is much at first, every dollar counts and it can add up when at the grocery store. Besides clipping coupons, here are a few ways to help you save a buck here or there when food shopping.
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Eat Before You Go
This one may seem silly, or a given, but you would be surprised how many people overspend just from going to the grocery store on an empty stomach. Staring at all that food when you're tummy is growling can really put a dent in your wallet. If you don't eat first, you end up buying things you want as opposed to things you need. My advice is to grab a snack (Nutella on whole-grain toast or peanut butter with celery) that will fill you up and give you the energy to hit the store and save money.
Make a List and Stick to It
Before you even head out, go through your fridge and cupboards to find out exactly what you need to buy. If you head to the store without a list, you are more likely to spend more money and come home with items you don't need as well as without items you do need. I keep a list on my refrigerator and add to it during the week as I notice things running low, this helps me remember to get everything.
Buy a Water Filter or System
If your family drinks water from water bottles, as many families do, you can save hundreds by investing in a water purification system. Water bottles add up like you wouldn't believe. You can get a filtration system for your sink faucet, a filtered pitcher to keep in the fridge, or a stand-up water system that you refill at your local grocery store. All of these options will save you tons in the long run.
Plan Your Meals First
Another trick to help you know exactly what to get at the store, so you don't go over budget and understocked, is to make a meal calendar. You can plan your meals for every day of the week and check for what ingredients you will need for every dish. This way you will save from quick trips to the local grocery later on in the week (which almost always leads to overspending).
Take Advantage of Sales and Membership Cards
This one seems pretty obvious, but a lot of people don't pay attention to the sale tags when trying to rush through their grocery shopping. If you shop at a smaller chain, as opposed to Wal-Mart, they oftentimes have membership cards that allow you to take advantage of store savings. If they need to get rid of a product to restock, there will be buy one get one free sales and other savings that you should make sure to take advantage of. Don't get engrossed in savings, however; if you don't need the product don't buy it just because it's on sale.
Hopefully, these little tricks help you save a buck or two on your next trip to the grocery store. The most important thing to remember is just to shop smart. Planning ahead is a huge help as well. As long as you pay attention to what you buy and only buy what you need, you will always save money and feel better.
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20 Comments.
Meal planning and having a list are big for me! I also like to “shop the perimeter” as that’s usually the food that’s more fresh, in season, and less processed.
That is a great tip as well! Thank you!
Oh, man, is eating before you go important. I will spend at least $40 more if I go to the store while I’m hungry.
Same with me! I make myself eat so I don’t spend so much money on things I don’t need at the store.
Meal planning is one of the best ways to save money on groceries, bar none. It makes prep easier, and you only buy exactly what you need.
I couldn’t agree more!
These are all great tips. If I go to the grocery store hungry I need to stay away from all snacks, which is impossible. I also love planning my meals before so I don’t overbuy and waste food.
Every little bit helps save money!
These are really some great tips. We all want to save money on groceries. I love to make lists and plan my meals.
Planning defintely plays a key part in saving money!
These are great tips, I like to make list and stick to them. Thank you for sharing these tips!
You are welcome! I hope they help.
Hehe….eating to my full before I go grocery shopping always gets the job done. I don’t have space to put anything else.
I do that as well. LOL
I completely agree with your tips. I always eat before I leave and I actually carry water bottle in my bag. It helps.
It really does! Saves money and the planet!
We really need to start making a list! It’s hard for us to say no to our little treats!
Yes, we do. Thank you for stopping by.
These are great tips – there are SO many ways to save money!
Thank you!