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How can you save money on groceries?
After housing and transportation, groceries are one of the biggest expenses.
Everyone has to eat, but you don’t have to spend more than necessary.
Most people can probably save money by following some simple tips.
Here are 12 easy ways to save at the grocery store:
12 Ways To Save Money On Groceries Today
1. Have a meal plan
If you don’t plan your meals, you will end up eating take out or pulling into the drive thru.
When you see how much extra money this is compared to meal planning, you will be astounded.
Even if you don’t do a full meal plan, having a plan on what meals you will eat throughout the week can still save money and time.
Make sure to have your cupboard stocked adequately.
2. Use coupons
Whether paper or digital, use coupons.
In today’s digital world, you can just use your smartphone if you don’t have time to clip paper coupons.
Use apps like Ibotta, Checkout 51, and Saving Star.
These apps make couponing easy.
Here is a full list of grocery apps that will save you money.
Most people can probably save 10-20% using these apps.
If you have time, you can combine paper coupons with digital ones.
Honestly, I have not gotten around to using paper coupons yet, but I know I will save even more when I do.
RELATED: 9 Free Apps To Start Wth That Pay You To Scan Grocery Receipts
3. Follow sales cycle
Stores have sales cycles.
Figure your store’s sales cycle out for products you frequently buy.
Read your grocery store’s weekly paper to see what is on sale.
Even better, combine sales with both paper and digital coupons for more savings.
4. Buy generic
Generic items can be as good as name brand products.
Personally, I love Whole Foods 365 brand.
I get organic items for cheaper than non-organic products, and I know my food is quality without any ingredients that I can’t pronounce.
I eat a lot of vegetarian meals though.
Target, Kroger, and other stores have both generic organic and conventional brands.
I use multiple stores because different stores have the best deals on different products.
Generic can save you a lot of money.
Make sure it is comparable quality though.
5. Have a grocery list
A grocery list is like a budget.
It keeps you on track and gets you everything you need.
Don’t leave home without one.
6. Eat less processed foods
It is healthier and cheaper to make most of your meals from scratch.
They taste much better too.
Instead of buying brown rice in a box, buy a bag and cook.
If it is comes in a box, it will be more expensive.
7. Don’t shop when you are hungry
If you are hungry, you will make an impulse purchase.
So shop when you are not hungry.
8. Know what items you have in your pantry
Know what items you have and which are missing.
This makes sure you don’t waste money.
9. Use a reward card
If you have good credit and can pay off your credit card in full each month, use a rewards card.
Not using a rewards card is simply leaving money on the table if both those scenarios are true.
10. Buy fruit in season
Fruit is cheaper in season.
It also tastes much better.
11. Eat less meat
Meat is expensive.
If you are a meat lover, opt for some meatless meals.
You don’t have to go completely meatless.
Even just a meatless Monday could save you money.
12. Buy discounted gift cards
Use discounted gift cards at your favorite grocery stores.
Use a site like Raise and go through a cashback portal for Raise.
Grocery stores don’t offer the highest discounts, but even 4% on $500-$1000 is $20-$40 per month.
Summary
Groceries can be expensive, especially if you have a family.
You have to eat, but there are many ways to save
Try some of these tips today.
Not all will work for everyone.
As usual, if you combine these methods; you will save even more.