Thank you to Makingsenseofcents for some of these tips….
I went grocery shopping this past weekend – nothing special, most of us do it every week, right? It is only hubby and I so you would think it would be relatively cheap, right? I only cook twice a week with enough to freeze meals for the week while he is at work. I am always amazed the total is about $100 a week. Eating healthy with lots of fruits and veggies is expensive combined with no dairy, no gluten and no soy products.
Did you know the average family of four spends around $700 to $1,000 a month on food? Did you know most families waste around 40% of food each month! That’s about $300 on an average monthly bill of $750. YIKES!!! Wouldn’t you rather keep $300 in your pocket? Here are some tips to help you………
#1 Plan your grocery trips with a list.
I know, you try. You make a list of what you need. You scour the circulars to find sales, and the best deals. Then you realize you have to go to 4 different stores to save money but are you really saving if you have to spend the money on time and gas? Or, if you are like me, I make a list and half the time I forget to take it with me. Shopping without the list is a bad idea. How about putting your list on your phone? When was the last time you left home without your phone? I also tag where the sales are on the items I need so if I am running errands and go by the store, I stop in quick, pick up what is on sale and nothing else.
#2 Meal plan to save money on groceries.
Meal planning can completely change your life. We eat healthier, we save money, and we waste less food. Planning doesn’t mean just in your head, it means actually writing it down so everyone knows the menu for the week. It makes life so much easier.
#3 Use coupons when grocery shopping.
Do you use them? I will admit I was a coupon cutter for years then I got out of it. Now, I do most of my coupons through apps at the various stores. I also take advantage of other apps which reward me for shopping – Cartwheel from Target, Whole Foods app, Receipt Hog and Shop Kick. What are some of your favorite apps?
#4 Don’t grocery shop when you’re hungry.
This one is HUGE for me especially now when my diet is restricted to no gluten, no dairy and no soy. Shopping when you’re hungry leads you to spending more money and not sticking to your list or your budget or your diet!
#5 Compare prices on items.
I was a name brand snob for years. The truth is generic items aren’t always cheaper than their name brand counterparts, but sometimes they are. I price compare our most frequently used products and get the best price for them whether they are generic or not – cheaper (with the same taste) is the name of the game.
#6 Don’t forget about the top and bottom shelves.
Did you know the middle shelves at grocery stores contain the most expensive items? It is usually where people’s eyes are usually drawn to this area. When you go shopping, be sure to scan prices and items on the other shelves to make sure you’re not missing out on a better deal.
#7 Sign up for grocery store’s loyalty card.
I know this may sound like a no brainer, right? Most stores now have loyalty cards where you can save 10% or more on your purchase each time. I have a key ring in my purse with LOTS of these cards. They are all in one spot and easy to use. Not a store you usually shop at – check with the person in front or behind you in line, they may be willing to share the discount with you.
#8 Shop with cash.
This is toughest one for me… I am a debit card girl all the way. Hubby is the cash person. The truth is one of the best ways to save money on groceries is to go shopping with only cash. By doing this, you stick to your grocery list and your budget because you know exactly how much money you have to spend.
What are your best tips for saving money on groceries? Share them with us..
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 