When talking about saving money, we often mean cutting costs for everything. But the point is not to give up shopping entirely but to invest money wisely. And there is a possibility to live the way you like while saving a significant amount at the same time. The below tips will help you in this business. Keep reading to plan your grocery budget smartly.
Tip 1 — Keep Track of Expenses
Write down how much you have spent after each visit to a grocery store. Use a notebook or one of the financial applications on your smartphone. It will be useful to save receipts from stores if you pay in cash or to keep track of debits from bank cards. At first glance, this work may seem to be boring, but it will help you understand where the money is spent and what expenses can be excluded.
Tip 2 — Compare Prices in Stores
You can compare the cost of a specific product in different stores. Let’s say you go to one large supermarket and several small stores located nearby. You can get an idea of where the same goods that you regularly purchase are cheaper. In some stores, it is more profitable to buy cereals, while others offer super deals for meat and fish. Such price check-ups can be done without leaving your home. Nowadays, there are many different mobile applications and platforms that compare prices and inform you about great deals. For example, you can check all weekly deals and sales ads on Rabato to plan your shopping route.
Tip 3 — Plan Your Menu for the Week
It is useful to plan the menu in advance, then you will know exactly what you need to buy. What is more, it saves you from the trouble of trashing spoiled food. The statistics are striking: American retail chains annually recycle about 17 million tons of food, worth more than $1.6 million.
Tip 4 — Make a List of Products
Before going to a grocery store, do not forget to make a list of the necessary products and goods you need to purchase. Buy goods strictly following the list. Try to check your list and include all the items you need so that you don’t have to go to a supermarket again tomorrow or the other day. The more often you go to the store, the more unnecessary items you buy.
Tip 5 — Make Smart Purchases on the Internet
According to recent stats, 79% of people buy things online. It’s convenient; we can buy things that we wouldn’t otherwise buy; it’s easier to follow discounts and keep track of hot offers. This way, you can buy what you need without spending too much money. Also, online shopping relieves us of the need to go to the store where we would buy something that we really do not need. It is also a good way to save on grocery shopping since you can find the best deals on particular products or goods.
Tip 6 — Keep an Eye on Loyalty Programs
Many stores offer their customers various bonus programs: discount cards, special offers, and promotions. Many supermarkets reward their loyal customers with incentive programs. Some give you cash for future purchases, and some just coupon-like savings tied to a card. Either way, this is a great way to save money on your regular grocery shopping. Even if you do not shop exclusively in this store, it is worth signing up for the program in a couple of minutes. Saving a few dollars on one visit opens up a couple of dollars that you can use elsewhere.
Tip 7 — Make Bulk Purchases
To save money, you need to take into account the seasonality of the products. For example, it is better to buy potatoes in the fall and store them throughout the year. Berries can be purchased in summer and then frozen; cucumbers and tomatoes can be preserved and consumed until next summer.
If you have a large family, then you can make wholesale purchases of various products and cereals in large bags and then simply divide everything into parts. This is very profitable — the larger the container is, the less you will pay.
Tip 8 — Opt for Chain Stores Over Small Shops
In search of inexpensive products, you should not go to small stores — there are practically no discounts, and prices are higher than in chain stores. Often, such traders buy food in the same supermarkets and then resell it. Therefore, it is not profitable for them to make any promotions. Despite the coziness, attractiveness, and lack of a queue at the checkout, do not be lazy to go to a chain store, and then compare the price difference.
Tip 9 — Follow Discounts and Promotions
Stores often offer discounts on various products and also have their own discount and loyalty systems for regular customers. It is a good way for you to save money if you know a couple of nuances. Before buying a discounted product, pay attention to the integrity of the packaging and the expiration date of the product. It happens that stores sell goods at a big discount that will expire the next day or so.
Spend Less
The above tips will help you reduce your grocery expenses at max and plan your family budget smartly. Make them your habit, and you will be able to spend less while buying quality and fresh products.
