Spending on food is one of the highest household costs outside mortgage payments. In the United States, a family of four spends about $ 1,000 a month on groceries.
So how do we spend less and stretch our budgets more? Try some creative ideas for grocery shopping, shopping, and what to do after you’re done shopping.
These tips can help anyone cut costs and start saving at the grocery store in no time.
1- Abide by Your Budget
Creating an item budget for any home is helpful, but when trying to save cash in certain areas, this is a crucial step in saving.
Studies indicate that Americans overspend an average of $ 7,000 per year when they don’t have a budget. Sit down and map your income and expenses and make any necessary adjustments.
Then when you hit the aisles of the store, you will have a goal to aim for.
2- Pay Cash
Once your family has budgeted, consider using cash. There is a mental trick that occurs when we choose to use credit. It doesn’t seem like we’re spending that much money.
However, most will spend less when they have to physically feel that money is coming out of their hand to pay for their food. Reports show that consumers who paid in cash reduced their revolving credit by 2 percent in just six months.
So get off the green before going to the supermarket.
3- Stick to Your List
Making a list of what your family needs at the store will likely result in less spending on impulse purchases while shopping.
Build your list around the meals you plan to make during the week and the ingredients you will need. Almost 70 percent of female shoppers report making a list before going to the store to save on expenses.
Make your list and stick to it.
4- Shop Locally
Whenever possible, shop at locally owned and managed stores. Skipping the big chains and franchises can allow you to connect with real people in your community who are more likely to alert you to big sales and savings as they arise.
Plus, shopping at local farmers’ markets can provide big savings during specific times of the year. With nearly 9,000 farmers’ markets in the US, there are plenty of options.
So it is best to get your reusable bag and shop locally.
5- Shop the Seasons
Nutritionists recommend “eating the rainbow,” meaning choosing various colored fruits and vegetables to get the most nutrients.
Similarly, shopping with the seasons will allow you to save more on fresh produce, whether you find them at the farmer’s market or in the aisle of your regular store.
Using tools like this seasonal food guide can help you buy the best and freshest while saving the most cash.
6- Look Low on the Shelves
Eye level does not necessarily mean the purchase level. Reports show that the design of their supermarket chains is specifically designed to market more expensive products and impulse purchases to their shoppers.
Products displayed at eye level tend to be more expensive versions of similar products found on lower shelves.
Get down and you can save money.
7- Have Meatless Mondays
Buying meat to feed your family can be expensive. Consider cutting meat one day a week to lower your overall food budget.
Studies show that reducing our meat consumption could save on our grocery budget and overall spending.
Pump the brakes on the beef to save money.
8- Shop Fresh Later in the Day
Looking for deep discounts at the deli and other fresh family-friendly items? Try to buy late.
Most special places, like bakeries or farmers’ markets, are more likely to cut a deal and even give away items when it’s the end of the day and merchants don’t want to have to take the items home.
So wait to load up and look to shop at smaller local places to save the most on bagels or day bread for the whole family at deeply discounted prices.
9- Understand Your Discounts
Veteran coupons will tell you that there is a method to marketing madness. Some stores have rules about how and what discounts.
Know the rules and you can stretch your budget.
You may be able to implement special savings such as double coupon days, use more than one coupon, or even pair a store coupon or offer with one from your brand.
This yields the biggest savings, so put your coupon folders apart and get serious savings.
10- Utilize Store Rewards
Many supermarkets are struggling to compete with the big box stores that sell wholesale items.
To keep up, they offer special in-store rewards that can look like gas station savings or specialized savings delivered right to your door, like free grocery pickup or even home delivery.
Sixty-two percent of Americans report belonging to a grocery store loyalty or rewards program. Put that reward card on your keychain and start saving.
