Nearly half of the household budget is spent in supermarkets and grocery stores. How to get out of the supermarket with money in your wallet? How to learn to save on food without denying yourself a healthy diet or products that you really like? It may sound impossible, but there are several ways to reduce your grocery expenses, thanks to which you can save up to 30% of the family budget per month. Let’s take a look at the most effective tricks that will help you plan your grocery budget smartly.
Effective Grocery Shopping Secrets
No matter how much you earn, we doubt that you are ready to spend all the money in a grocery store. For this not to happen, we want to share some grocery shopping tips with you.
#1 — No Shopping If You’re Hungry
Don't go shopping when you are hungry and don't take your credit card with you. Pay in cash, so you know how much money you spent.
#2 — Order Online
Some supermarkets have this service: you can select products through the website or app and check their price. What is more, you can also keep an eye on Walgreens weekly ad to know about all grocery super deals and discounts. With this approach, you will have more time to think about your purchases, compare prices, look for discounts, and save your precious bucks.
#3 — Do Not Buy Pre-Prepared Food
Instead of wasting a lot of money on ready-made food, learn to cook yourself. This will save you a lot of money. What is more important, your homemade meals will be free from preservatives, food colorants, and other inorganic additives.
#4 — Create a Menu and Follow It
Make up a menu for the whole week. Then you will know exactly what you have for dinner today and what you will eat tomorrow for breakfast. You will be able to use food rationally and cook it just as you like. Buy food less often and follow the menu that you have created.
#5 — Have a List of Products to Buy
Go for grocery shopping with a list of products (it should be made following the menu you have created). Strictly follow the list, without purchasing unnecessary items or products.
#6 — Don't Forget About a Discount Card
Some grocery stores offer great discounts and special prices to their loyal customers. So, make sure that you do not forget your discount card at home. This is one of the Kroger shopping tips that many follow.
#7 — Choose the Right Products and Buy in Bulk
Buy long-term storage products for your household from wholesalers. Sugar, potatoes, and cereals can be bought in large bags, which gives you an opportunity to pay less.
#8 — Give Preference to Local Manufacturers
It is better to give preference to local manufacturers because their transportation, marketing, and advertising costs are significantly lower, so local products are cheaper.
#9 — Check In-Season Provisions
Remember about the seasonality of vegetables and fruits. They are cheaper during the hot season. If you have a good freezer, learn the art of freezing food, especially when it comes to berries and herbs. This will help you save money on groceries in the winter.
#10 — Make Preparations for the Winter
Canned/frozen vegetables and fruits will allow you to save the family budget and make up for the lack of vitamins in your body in winter.
#11 — Set Aside a Small Amount of Money
The easiest way to slowly integrate bulk grocery shopping into your budget is to free up the extra money each week and set it aside for that purpose. If you are limited by a tight budget, then even $30 set aside for two months will be enough to stock up on at least one item.
#12 — Make a List of Priorities
Another important thing is to draw up a list of the products you need as well as research possible places of purchase for the best prices. You can then estimate the total savings and start saving monthly for your first purchase. Of course, it's easier to go and spend a few hundred bucks at once in one place, but it is not cost-effective at all.
What Does It Mean to You?
We do believe that you have probably heard these very simple tips more than once. But if you really want to start saving on grocery shopping, then it is time to make them a habit.