It’s super easy to overspend at the grocery store. Every week you forget something at home and find yourself scrounging around in a hurry on your break to buy it. There’s a lot of information on the Internet about how to save money on groceries, but it’s not all that different from what you should already know about grocery shopping. Start somewhere with the essential things to remember, and then add tips and suggestions of your own. Here we will explore the five quickest ways to save money at the grocery store!
1. Use a grocery rewards card:
Most grocery stores offer a free online rewards card, which is great and should definitely be taken advantage of. It’s almost always free to sign up and activate your card to earn at least 1 point for every $1 spent. Don’t forget that you must spend money at the grocery store to receive those points. However, if you don’t use your rewards card, you’re losing out on all of the perks of being a member. The real deal for you comes from gift cards or other items that can be exchanged for cash. For example, saving up 2,500 points, you could receive a $5 off coupon to use on your next purchase. Check the store’s website to see what rewards they’re offering this week to get the most out of your rewards card.
2. Sign up for the loyalty program:
Many grocery stores offer a loyalty program that awards coupons and other perks to customers who buy a certain number of items with their monthly rewards card. You don’t need to be an elite member to get these benefits. Some companies have a reasonable minimum balance requirement, meaning you’d have to stand in line on your break once in a while if you wanted to make the most out of this program. Nevertheless, it’s worth it, especially when the rewards are that good.
3. Buy items on sale:
Budgeting and planning your meals are always helpful, but it’s worth taking a few minutes to review this list of popular items that are always on sale. This will give you an idea of what prices to expect when shopping for the week and help you think through any deals you come across while in the store. Then you can decide whether it’s worth buying that item or if there are other similar options you’d prefer. Don’t spend more than you have to. Many things will be on sale more than once, so don’t be surprised if some items on this list go off sooner than expected.
4. Avoid pre-packaged items:
You can save money on pre-packaged items by avoiding those that are pre-made. Pre-packaged food is often more expensive than the actual ingredients. It’s also not as fresh, which makes it harder to prepare and increases the number of preservatives, and other chemicals that can be present in some products. These foods also often have a lot of unhealthier ingredients, such as hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners, and high fructose corn syrup. Some of them come with a ton of sodium and other ingredients that could have been kept out. You’re better off making your homemade version at home or buying smaller packages at the health food store to save money.
Get Started With a Free Debt Analysis
We make it easy on mobile or desktop. FREE with no obligations.
5. Compare prices between stores:
You may have heard that the grocery store down the street has a better deal on something other than your local store. You could save time and money by shopping at that store, but it’s also essential to know how much you will save over time. Compare prices between stores to see if you can make a cost-saving choice while spending your gas money to get there. Sometimes it will make sense, but other times, the high cost of gas won’t make it worth it.
In conclusion –
Start with a few easy things to remember, and then work hard to implement these tips in your life. One of the best ways to reduce the amount you spend at the supermarket is by making conscious decisions and sharing ideas with others who might be just as interested in saving money at the grocery store.
