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Besides frequenting the cheapest grocery stores, there is more you can do to lower your grocery bills. Here are 11 tips to help you grocery shop on a tight budget:
1. Plan Your Meals Around Sale Items
Check grocery store websites for the week’s promotions. If you make your weekly meal plan for around what’s on sale and what you already have in your kitchen, you save automatically by not paying the regular price for anything.
2. Make a Grocery List Before You Go Shopping and Stick To It
You’ve probably gone into a store intending to buy 1 or 2 things and come out with multiple bags of stuff. It’s easy to do with enticing displays, free samples, and other tricks retailers use to separate you from your cash.
You don’t have room for impulse buys if you’re on a tight budget. Make a shopping list. Don’t buy anything that isn’t on it.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Venture Out
If you go to the same supermarket every week, you’re probably not getting the best prices. Discount grocers and ethnic markets might have the best prices on groceries near you.
4. Keep Track of Prices in Your Area
How will you recognize a good deal if you don’t know how much things cost?
Start a spreadsheet or notebook and monitor prices on your staples through sales flyers and local grocery store websites. Before you know it, you’ll be able to spot a bargain immediately.
5. Only Buy Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Season
Produce is typically much cheaper in season, especially locally grown. If you don’t know what is in season and when the USDA provides guidance here. You can print out the list and stick it to your refrigerator.
6. Don’t Waste Food
Buying in bulk or stockpiling when a great deal comes along is no bargain if it goes in the garbage. If you’re unsure you can use everything before it spoils or expires, err on the side of it running out rather than throwing it out. Store your food properly and repurpose leftovers into lunches or new dishes.
7. Join Store Loyalty Programs
Store loyalty programs offer members-only deals, discounts, and coupons based on your buying habits. Some stores require a loyalty card to get the best prices.
8. Avoid Prepared Foods
Having someone put together a meal for you is convenient when you’re in a rush or don’t feel like cooking. Convenience comes at a high cost.
Ready-made foods or entire meals are almost never a bargain. You can usually make the same meal for much less.
9. Shop Online for Nonperishables
If you don’t have options for buying in bulk or a warehouse club near you, check online for nonperishable items. If you can get free shipping, you might be able to lower your food costs by buying in bulk online.
10. Use Coupons
Store coupons and manufacturer coupons offer extra savings. You can find printable coupons online, get them from newspapers and store flyers, or get coupons in the mail. Don’t buy anything you wouldn’t normally buy just because you have a coupon.
11. Make It Yourself
Making some foods from scratch can be much cheaper and healthier than store-bought versions. For example, you can significantly lower your grocery spending by making your own bread, bread products, and baking mix instead of buying Bisquick, sauces, soups, and more.
The 41 Biggest Wastes of Money
If you’re looking for ways to earn more money to put toward your goals, start by examining your spending habits. By tracking your spending and seeing where every dollar goes, you’ll likely find several instances of spending money you don’t have to. It could be little things that add up or recurring monthly expenses that are an utter waste of money. Once you eliminate your bad spending habits, that money can go toward your emergency fund, paying off debt, or other essential things. Here are the 41 biggest wastes of money to look out for.
- Read More: The 41 Biggest Wastes of Money
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