When it comes to saving money, grocery shopping can be one of the most effective places to start. Groceries make up a large portion of most households’ budgets, so even small savings can add up quickly. Here are 10 tips for how to save money on groceries and get the most bang for your buck.
1. Make a grocery list and stick to it. Before you head to the store, plan out your meals and create a detailed grocery list. This will help you avoid impulse purchases that aren’t necessary. It’ll also help you stay on budget.
2. Shop around. Don’t just go to one store for all your groceries. Different stores have different specials, so you can often find the same items for different prices. Check out store flyers and online price comparisons so you can find the best deal.
3. Buy in bulk. If you know you’ll use an item often, it can be cost-effective to buy in bulk. Just make sure you are actually using the item before it expires, or you’ll be wasting money.
4. Shop the sales. Keep an eye on store flyers and look for items that are on sale. If there’s an item you buy often, stock up when it’s on sale so you can save in the long run.
5. Don’t shop when you’re hungry. We’ve all been there—you go to the store hungry and come back with more than you planned to buy. To avoid impulse purchases, try not to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach.
6. Buy generic items. Generic items are often just as good as their more expensive name-brand counterparts, but they cost a lot less. Look for generic items when you’re searching for good deals.
7. Plan meals around what’s on sale. Take a look at store flyers and plan your meals around the items that are on sale that week. This can help you save money while also eating interesting and delicious meals.
8. Don’t buy pre-cut produce. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables tend to be more expensive than their whole counterparts. So instead of buying pre-cut produce, buy the whole item and cut it yourself.
9. Avoid convenience foods. Frozen dinners, pre-made sandwiches and other convenience foods are often more expensive than making the food yourself. For example, making your own sandwiches for lunch is usually much cheaper than buying pre-made ones.
10. Shop at discount stores. Discount stores can offer great deals on general items, like toiletries and home supplies. So if you’re looking for a good deal on these items, try shopping at a discount store instead of a regular grocery store.
Saving money on groceries doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these tips, you can make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck and putting more money in your pocket.
