5 ways to waste money at the grocery store right now

Navigate the growing prices of food due to coronavirus following these money saving tips.


Whento verify at the register after agrocery store, you hear each bip-beep-beep of the scanner and your invoicealways seems to add quickly. Then you launch COVID-19 in the mix and the subsequent rise in food staples and household requirements destroyed only your budget even more.

According toAmerican office of labor statistics, Between March and 20 hero 2020, grocery prices climbed at the highest rate we saw in 46 years. The food index of food, poultry and fish increased by 4.3%, and the price of eggs increased by 16.1% massive.

It is always helpful to know exactly where your money happens when you grocery stores your family. Many consumers regularly exceed unnecessarily without the knowledge - and on the heels of a viral pandemic, save your sub-deaths can only have advantages. So, here are five easy tips to hit a few dollars from your supermarket bill from there.

1

You are always faithful to the brand.

Heinz ketchup
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Some people have trouble overcoming the mental obstacle of the generic Ketchup purchase on Heinz - but looking after the label, it's a great way to save money. According toConsumer reportsStore brand food and drinks roll at 20-25% less than known nominal trademarks of the same article. With pantry staples (for example, sugar, salt, flour, spices), "most of these articles have only one ingredient, a brand can not do it differently than a cheaper generic alternative, "says the expert in budgetingANDREA WORCH.

If you are looking to save money, always compare the prices of items through the brands to see which gives you the best shot for your money. A dollar saved here and there adds over time! (In touch:These are the safest grocery chains to buy right now.)

2

You are overbulging fresh products.

washing produce
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As you are trying to avoidFrequent travelers in the store during COVID-19, Buying that all your bulk food may seem warned. However, fresh fruits and vegetables have a short shelf life and your family can consume only a lot in a few days. Storage of fresh products - Even though these big bags of oranges and lettuce containers are on sale, they will finally start food (and money) in the trash.

To avoid expensive food waste, plan your meals in advance and go to the store with a list, and then hold it. "Buy enough fresh products for what recipe or meal plan calls," says Woroch. (In touch:How to write a list of efficient grocery shopping.)

You can also consider buyingfrozen products, that youcan Buy in mass; It also costs much less than fresh options and is just as healthy. In addition, you will have all the ingredients of the last minutesmoothies and traffic-fries.

3

You are not exaggerated offers.

grocery shopping
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Grocery stores are filled with sales and offers if you know how to find them and enjoy them. Even during COVID-19, many retailers always accept paper coupons that come in the mail. Checking the weekly circular of the online store before leaving and planning your meals depending on what is on sale, is a great way to save money. Then, once you are in the store, ask a partner if there is a clearance section - it's a good place to start shopping for household items on your list.

You may also like "Consult manager marks for discounts on meat, fish and products that could approach their expiry date," says Woworch. "Even if you do not plan to cook right away, you can probably freeze and store for later."

There are also applications on your smartphone that can help you recover money on your purchases.Fetch Rewards, For example, allows you to earn points by scanning an image of your grocery reception; Then you can redeem these points for free gift cards to popular retailers.Checkout 51is another one that gives discounts on projectors in your favorite stores (you can then cash what you have earned once you have reached $ 20). (In touch:7 genius grocery tips to make you a safer customer.)

4

You shop with a trolley.

woman wearing a yellow coat scans the produce section of a grocery store
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Basket In the department stores are so big that they may seem out of bottom - no matter how many items you throw, it still seems to be room for more! The perspective of this can encourage you to continue to follow the aisles and continue to add groceries, of which you do not do itreally Need (like these $ 6 of banana biological chips in fun packaging).

"When running for a fast and fast shopping tour, use a basket instead of a carriage," says Woroch. A basket will fill up quickly and will become heavy once you have seized the essentials, leaving no room for past pulse purchases.

5

You overlook payment errors.

cashier checkout
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While the associated store quickly scans your food products at the cash register, what is the monitoring of the registry display screen? In2010It was estimated that consumers lose $ 1.5 billion each year due to scanning errors at the cash desk. "From the punch in the wrong production code for the disappearance of a sale currently promoted, it is possible to overcome if you do not review your bill," says Woroch.

Instead of readingUS Weekly At the checkout, make usually pay attention when scanning (and this also applies to automatic control kiosks), and then check your printed receipt. If there is a mistake, do not be afraid to go to customer service and ask for your money, even if it represents only 50 cents. For more useful advice, make sureSubscribe to our newsletter and read theseTips for a secure grocery race.


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