Grocery prices have skyrocketed, and there’s no telling if they’ll ever make it back to solid ground. But that’s no problem for you, my frugal friend: here are ten ingenious ways to shave down your grocery bill and save considerable cash.
Create a Grocery Budget and Aim Low
Even if you already have a grocery budget, lower it: challenge yourself to see how creative you can get with shopping, planning, and couponing to save as much as possible.
Never Go Without a List
A budget won’t do you good if you don’t know what you’re buying. You’re much more likely to overspend if you aren’t meticulous with what you’re buying, so don’t forget the ever-important shopping list!
Never Go Hungry
If you’re the type of person who only goes grocery shopping when you don’t have anything left to eat, you’re probably succumbing to a lot of pressure from the snack aisle. Stay strong and eat a full meal before you step foot in a grocery store.
Compare Prices
Many of us are used to grabbing the first can of tomatoes we see at a reasonable price. But how often are you investigating the unit price versus the price by volume? You might get a significantly better deal if you read the fine print.
Cut Coupons
Anyone not cutting coupons before they go grocery shopping is seriously missing out. Whether it’s manufacturer’s coupons for things you buy often or weekly coupons from the store, there’s a lot to be saved over a year with clever coupon use.
Shop Your Pantry First
Before you step out for a special off-the-cuff shop for dinner, see if you can get inspired by something you already have at home! You probably have grains and canned goods in there, just waiting for you to get creative.
Try Generic
Most generics taste close enough to the name brand that making the swap is easier than you think — especially when we’re talking about things like frozen vegetables or canned beans.
Buy In Bulk
It’s much cheaper to buy in bulk, but do your best not to buy excess food just because it’s a good deal. Buying in bulk only really works if you’re buying something you use regularly. But those of you with large freezers and pantries, don’t shy away from going all in with something you know you’ll love.
Avoid the Handbasket
It might sound strange, but using a handbasket over a cart could lead you to make more impulse purchases. The added strain to your arms signals your brain that you deserve a treat for all the hard work. And maybe you do — but it’s not a reward if you want to put that impulse purchase cash aside for more savings.
Avoid Pre-Cut or Prepped Items
It’s certainly handy to have fresh-cut watermelon you can enjoy right when you shut your car door. But if you can wait to get it to the cutting board, you’ll save a lot of money. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables are astronomically more expensive than their fresh counterparts.
