15 Ways To Save Money On Groceries
Groceries make up a large portion of our monthly budget and can be very expensive. When most people ask me how to start saving money, this is usually the first thing I bring up.
Now if you've followed my blog for a while you will know the suggested ratio for your grocery budget......
$100 Per Person Per Month!!!!
So let's talk about ways you can save money on your groceries. These are very simple things you can do that will make a huge difference in your spending.
1) Don't buy what you already have
This is a common mistake most people tend to do. It's best to keep an inventory of your home that way you always know what you have and how much. If you use up what you already have then you won't be making an extra expense when you could've saved that money for something else.
2) Know the best time of year to buy pantry staples
Stores are always running sales on certain items. The trick is knowing when those items will be on sale. There are several websites and blog that have this posted. I suggest you do your research.
I will be posting the list here very soon.
3) Plan around what's on sale
The rule to always use is to base your grocery list depending on the sales paper. Always look at the front and back of the sales paper. That's where the really great deals are. Most of the items in the middle of the ad are just filler and isn't really on sale.
If chicken is on sale that week than you're not buying a roast that's marked at the regular price.....makes sense????
4) Shop clearance bakery shelf
Did you know that you could save up to 50% or higher on baked bread and other bakery items???? These are items that might be expiring soon and the store needs them off the shelf. If I'm looking for french bread then this is the section I go to first. And if you're going to use it that night why not save big on it.
5) Make a grocery list & use apps
Never ever....leave home without a grocery list. You will end up spending way more than you needed to. Also, more than likely you will forget things and you will make another trip to the store which will cause you to buy more things you didn't need to. There are several list apps you can download so that you always have it on your phone. When all else fails, use the notepad app on your phone.
6) Download rebate apps
I love rebate apps. They are easy to use and don't require action before you go shopping. When you get home, upload a picture of your receipt and scan the barcode on the item. You get instant savings.
Apps to download are: Ibotta, Checkout51 , and Mobisave
7) Download store app
It's always a great idea to go ahead and download your store app. Most of the time they have coupons you can download straight to your phone or rewards card. Some stores will even email coupons to you.
8) Use a cash back credit card that pays 5% for grocery purchases
9) Or use discounted gift cards at grocery stores
You can go to raise.com and get discounts on store gift cards
10) Use coupons for fresh produce
Download the following apps:
- Mobisave
- Checkout51
- Driscoll's website
- Whole Foods app
It's a proven fact that when you shop alone and on a full stomach, you're less likely to overspend and buy unneeded items.
Don't believe me? Test out the theory for yourself and see what the totals come out as.
You need to get in and out. Never buy what isn't on your list!!!!!!
12) Check for clearance meat deals after butcher closes
Find out when your store does discounts on their meat. Normally this is meat that they are trying to get rid of.
Also be on the lookout for the discounts on sliced deli meat. This is usually leftovers or meat that will also expire soon.
13) Avoid the health & beauty aisles
Just stay away from it!!!!! Never shop for non-food items in a local grocery store. The prices are almost ALWAYS marked up because they know it's convenient. Don't even travel in these aisles.
14) Use self-checkout to avoid impulse purchases
We normally always use the self-checkout. The main reason is that we're not tempted to buy those impulse purchases. You know the ones I'm talking about. Plus when you have a child, you definitely want to stay away from the candy and chips......Just Say No!!!!
15) Shop Amazon Pantry & Subscribe & Save
Did you know that you can buy groceries online through Amazon Pantry & Subscribe & Save????
Amazon Pantry allows you to pick grocery items to put in a 45lb box and have it shipped to you for a flat rate of $5.99. Fill the box as little or as much as you want.
Amazon Subscribe & Save allows you to subscribe to certain items and get monthly deliveries sent right to your home that way you never run out. You can save 15% when you subscribe to 5 items or more in one month.
The great thing about Amazon is that they ALWAYS have coupons. Check it out for yourself.
There are so many ways to save money on your groceries. Try a few of these and see how much you can save next time you go to the store.
*~ Cassie ~*
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