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I always found that budgeting was probably the most challenging when it came to groceries. It’s easier to cut back on bills and cancel subscriptions, but you can’t always do that with food—-we need to eat!
It also doesn’t help that we are still dealing with inflation staying at an all time high post pandemic. Even McDonalds raised their prices and got rid of their $1 menu items. Yes, eating out is more convenient but the hike in prices should incentivize us a bit more to cook at home instead.
However with a few minutes of strategic planning and research, you can be on your way to maximizing your dollars and eating healthier too!
Tip 1: Check Your Pantry Before Shopping
It may seem obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ended up buying duplicates and having to throw away food. Checking your pantry will also ensure you use ingredients before they expire. This will also help with saving money by cutting down the groceries list which leads me to my next tip.
Tip 2: Plan Your Meals in Advance
Once you check your pantry, take some time to meal plan with the ingredients you already have on hand. Without a meal plan and budget in place, it’s very easy to overspend, waste food, and eat out more often. All which leads to added stress and just throwing money down the drain.
Using a weekly meal planner template and putting on the fridge where you can see it will help keep your meal planning on track. Remember that out of sight, out of mind!
Bonus Tip: try to meal plan around items that will be on sale for the week.
Tip 2: Make a Shopping List and Stick to It
When you have a meal plan it’s makes it easier to create a list and stick to it and not wonder off in the store and buy unnecessary items. This will also avoid any impulse buying from ordering take out or making multiple trips take to the grocery store.
I usually create my list on my Apple notes app and add bubbles bullets to check the items off as I go. Feel free to use whatever app you have on hand to create your list!
Tip 3: Take Advantage of Cashback Apps
One of my favorite cash back apps to use when grocery shopping is Ibotta. The free app offers cash back on everyday items you already use from hundreds of your favorite retailers to choose from. From toothpaste, diapers, meat, cheese to everything in between!
All you do is select the items that apply to your shopping list and scan your receipt to receive cash back! Make sure to also link your loyalty cards for the extra boost in savings.
Bonus Tip: If you sign up for Ibotta, and use code acbdvsu you can get a $5 bonus for submitting your first receipt!
Tip 4: Use Store Loyalty Programs
Signing up for store loyalty programs is another way you can also save money. For example if you create your free account in the Walmart app, they offer promotional credits called Walmart Cash on eligible items that you can redeem towards your future purchases.
Tip 5: Buy Generic or Store Brands
When selecting between buying brand name or generic, always make sure to compare labels and price. Generally speaking though, it’s common to find that the generic brands not only offer a better price but also give you more in quantity. Store brands are also more affordable than brand name items.
If you’re worried about quality, many store brands now even offer Organic options as well. Believe it or not, I found Walmart offers Organic Great Value brand pasta sauce, frozen berries, juice, and other items.
Tip 6: Shop Clearance Sales
Did you know grocery stores also have clearance sales on food? For produce, you might find a cart full of vegetables and precut fruit for a deep discount.For meats, you might find an open freezer stock at the end of the isle with discounts up to 50% off!
The key to buying from clearance is to either use it within a few days or freeze them right away so they last longer.
Tip 7: Buy in Bulk for Non-Perishables
I personally only buy in bulk where it makes sense and on items I know I will use. Since they have a long shelf life, non perishable items can lasts months and save you money on the long run and time from making multiple trips to the store.
Taking less trips to the store will help you avoid impulse purchases, which can add up quickly over time. Buying in bulk will also save you the extra clutter and cost of wasted packaging from small individual boxes or bags.
Here is a list of non perishable items that are usually worth buying in bulk.
Dry Goods: Rice, pasta, beans, lentils, oats, quinoa
Canned/Packaged Goods: Canned vegetables, canned fruits, canned fish, canned soup
Pantry Staples: Flour, sugar, salt, baking powder/soda, cooking oils
Snacks and Cereals: nuts, seeds, crackers, granola, and cereal.
Condiments and Sauces: Tomato sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, mustard
Spices and Seasonings: black pepper, garlic powder, cinnamon
Beverages: Coffee (ground or whole), tea (bags or loose)
Tip 8: Shop Seasonal Produce
Because seasonal fruits and vegetables are grown and harvested at its natural peak, there ends up being a surplus therefore drives prices down.
Here’s a breakdown of what fruits and vegetables are typically in season throughout the year:
Spring
• Fruits: Strawberries, Pineapple, Apricots, Rhubarb, Mangoes
• Vegetables: Asparagus, Artichokes, Peas, Spinach, Lettuce, Radishes
Summer
• Fruits: Watermelon, Peaches, Berries (blueberries, blackberries), Cherries, Plums
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, Corn, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Bell Peppers, Eggplant
Fall
• Fruits: Apples, Pears, Grapes, Pomegranates, Cranberries, Figs
• Vegetables: Pumpkins, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Kale
Winter
• Fruits: Oranges, Grapefruit, Lemons, Kiwis, Clementines
• Vegetables: Cauliflower, Cabbage, Leeks, Carrots, Parsnips, Potatoes
By focusing on what’s in season, you can not only save money but also enjoy produce at its freshest and most flavorful.
Bonus Tip: To save even more money, go to your local farmers market. Since the produce comes straight from the farms, this cuts on transportation and storage costs which also helps keep prices low during the season.
Tip 9: Avoid Shopping When Hungry
If you shop while you’re hungry, you’ll most likely end up overspending or impulse buying. Shopping with an empty stomach will shift your focus to cravings and end up buying junk food or unnecessary items that felt good at the moment.
Also because you are hungry your sense of urgency is heightened and you will most likely shop in a hurry. This leads to being less mindful on prices and forgetting to buy things you actually need.
Here are some practical tips on how to avoid this pitfall.
1. Eat before shopping: Even a small snack can curb hunger and reduce the likelihood of impulsive purchases. Having something like a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or yogurt can help keep you focused. If possible, plan your shopping trips after meals, when you’re less likely to be swayed by hunger pangs.
2. Make a list and stick to it: Before heading out, write down exactly what you need. Having a clear plan can help you stay on track, even if you’re feeling hungry.
4. Stay hydrated: Sometimes hunger is confused with thirst. Drinking water before and during your shopping trip can help reduce the feeling of hunger and keep your mind sharp.
5. Set a budget: If you know you’re going shopping, decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Even when hunger strikes, having a financial limit can help curb excessive spending.
Tip 10: Compare Prices Online
When shopping online, comparing prices across different retailers is a smart way to save money. Often, the same product is listed on multiple websites at varying prices, and with a bit of research, you can find the best deal. Not only does price comparison help you save, but it also ensures you’re getting the best value for your money.
One great tool to help with this is Rakuten. This app allows you to earn cashback while you shop, and it even compares prices for you across different sites. Plus, by signing up through Rakuten, you can get access to exclusive deals and discounts that aren’t available elsewhere.
Want to start saving today? Sign up for Rakuten and start comparing prices with ease!
Final Thoughts
Let’s briefly recap all the strategies
1. Check Your Pantry Before Shopping: Avoid buying duplicates by checking what you already have.
2. Plan Meals in Advance: Meal planning prevents overspending and reduces food waste.
3. Make a Shopping List and Stick to It: Helps prevent impulse buys.
4. Use Cashback Apps: Apps like Ibotta offer cashback on everyday purchases.
5. Use Store Loyalty Programs: Sign up for loyalty programs like Walmart Cash for extra savings.
6. Buy Generic Brands: Store brands often offer similar quality at a lower price.
7. Shop Clearance Sales: Look for discounted items on clearance.
8. Buy in Bulk for Non-Perishables: Items like rice, beans, and canned goods are cheaper in bulk.
9. Shop Seasonal Produce: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often more affordable.
10. Avoid Shopping When Hungry: Hunger can lead to impulse purchases.
11. Compare Prices Online: Use tools like Rakuten to compare prices and earn cashback.
Start implementing these easy tips today to see immediate savings! Also, don’t forget to use cashback apps like Ibotta and Rakuten for even more rewards on your everyday shopping. Sign up now and watch the savings grow!
So tell me, how do you save money on groceries every week? Share and comment your ideas below!
