11 easy ways to save money on the grocery store, say the experts
These tips can help you spend less for your next trip to the supermarket.
Everyone likes to save money, whether they are when they online shopping Or make a big purchase of tickets. But with regard to daily expenses, there is undoubtedly more savings than on your grocery bill. Being able to keep a few dollars when taking food and essential elements can have a significant impact on your budget, especially with prices where they were recently. Read the rest for easy ways to save money on the grocery store, according to experts.
To reduce the stress of the grocery store - or any shopping - it is crucial to create a plan in advance by preparing a list of races or by placing online commands, said Jennifer Seitz , Certified financial education instructor (CFEI) and Director of Education in Greenlight.
"The research of the [National Retail Federation] NRF show that buyers have started their vacation purchases earlier in the last decade to distribute their expenses and avoid the stress of rushing. The same can be s' Apply to food purchases, "she explains. "Your non -spans can be purchased in advance - with an additional bonus that you don't have to worry about the last -minute low stock on the unavoidable canned ingredients. Control of your budget and time eliminates the uncertainty."
2
Look for offers.
The search for what to buy is not only important when you make a purchase of large tickets. Experts say that comparison purchases for grocery store can always save you big.
"To stick to your budget, plan to ask yourself additional questions like" can I find a better deal? "This may involve comparing brands and the cost per unit on different product sizes," said Seitz.
You can also compare prices in different stores to find the best price for the item you have selected. "By doing this, you can save money and keep an additional money in your pocket," she explains.
You can also check the circulars of your favorite online grocers for all sales before setting up your meal plan and the list.
"The construction of your meals for the week around the biggest savings can bear fruit," Todd Stearn , financial expert and founder of The money manual , tell Better life . "Buy-one-Un (Bogo) The offers are in particular a great opportunity to fill up on guard products you have the freezer space."
3
Spend brand names to store brands.
We all have our brand loyalty for certain products. But as difficult as it can change, sometimes opting to The generic version of an article can go very far.
"It is a way to avoid narrowing and save money," explains Trae bod ,, smart shopping expert on Truetrae.com. "Store brands often have the same ingredients as the brand name - they are sometimes made in the same factories! - and are generally much cheaper." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
Others point out that a premium price is not always a better quality indicator.
"Generic brands in grocery stores can offer the same quality as brand items, just at a lower price," explains Mary Hines Droesch , head of consumer, small businesses and wealth management and loan management products America Bank . "Although it may seem that a difference from $ 2 to $ 5 will not make a breach in your total costs, saving a few additional dollars on a few items in your basket can really add up. Do not forget: it's Quality, not the brand.
4
Make a meal plan.
Are you looking for an additional bonus to save money? Meal planning can be good for your waist tower and wallet.
“The increase in food costs can be particularly intimidating for larger families. In fact, Greenlight data show that 55% Parents and adolescents have identified inflation as their greatest financial concern, "said Seitz.
You can also consider doing certain items instead of buying them pre-pay. "Things like Houmous and Granola can cost the store dearly, but they can be made at home quite easily for a fraction of the cost," explains Bodge.
No one likes to run out of food in the middle of the week, but it is probably worse to throw the fresh ingredients that have been wrong. This is why experts say that reduction in food waste can also help reduce global food costs.
"If you regularly have unused products or pantry items, note that you can be aware of the amounts you really consume. Then you can plan your purchases accordingly," suggests Seitz.
6
Order some things online.
The use of online grocery services is a great way to save time. But it also offers other advantages, including the ability to save.
"Online command facilitates price comparison and the use of savings tools, such as browser plugins", suggests Bodge. "For example, once you have installed the Sidekick by couponcabin.com , it will automatically alert you money backing opportunities, coupons and free delivery offers, and it will even test coupons for you at the checkout. I find that this is particularly useful when I buy large amounts of items that I use regularly. ""
7
Include your children in the process.
Make grocery products for your family? Form your children to be frugal buyers by involving them in purchases.
"Consider making them take the lead during a future grocery trip. Share the details of the grocery budget, including the number of meals you need to prepare, how long the snacks should last and last and All food restrictions.
This can be particularly useful during the decision to change brands. "It can sometimes be difficult when you have children because they want the element that is familiar to them, but do not be dissuaded: do a moment of learning and explain that you change to save money to That you can allow yourself other things they appreciate, ”says Bodge.
8
Take advantage of the grocery award programs.
Choosing to be a repeated customer can have advantages outside how to get and get out of the supermarket quickly. This is why Seitz says to make sure you enjoy the rewards.
"These can be specific to the store rewards as fuel points, helping you save both food and gas. With each dollar spent, you can win gas discounts, which can add up Over time.
Many buyers are devoted to warehouse retailers such as Costco and Sam's Club because of their unique offers and their membership benefits. And picking up loose items can help you save a lot in the long term.
"If you buy a larger family, remember to buy in bulk with a wholesale club, which can save you up to 40%," says Bodge. "Small families can also buy in bulk, but must stick to non-peoples to avoid the risk that your purchases will be bad."
10
Use the right credit card.
Credit card rewards are another option, "but be sure to understand the program and repay the balance each month to avoid interest costs," said Seitz.
Often, the best credit card is that with a reward structure that aligns your current budget and your spending habits, as this will allow you to harvest the rewards that the card offers, explains Hines Droesch.
"As your cash rewards increases, you can use your income to help you compensate for costs during your next grocery race," she adds.
"If you get the Sunday Journal, be careful with coupons? It may be useful to see if you can find coupons for the products you buy," says Stearn. "You can also get a coupon application or check the online couponing sites or the websites of your favorite brands for more offers."
This story has been updated to include additional inputs, verification of facts and copying edition.