Tips to save money on groceries are about more than just saving some quick cash. Learning how to save money on groceries can be mean you have more free funds each money for activities, savings, and more. It doesn’t matter if you need to save money on groceries so you can meet your budget each month or if you are just looking for easy ways to save some cash, this post will point you in the right direction!
7 Tips to Save Money on Groceries:
Apps & Technology
There are so many smartphone apps nowadays that you can quickly and easily scan your items and find coupons, deals, and instore savings. Ibotta, and Target both have really nice, easy to use apps that can save you money with on sale options, coupons for your items, and even cashback for money you spend each time you go grocery shopping. Another great way we like to use technology to save money on groceries is by looking for coupons online! A simple search for what you need to buy and the word “coupon” can provide you with multiple printable coupon options. This saves you money and helps you shop smart!
Make a List
Making a list can help you save money on groceries by keeping you organized and on point. When you have a plan you are less likely to just run in and grab whatever you see. If you need to go to the store in a hurry make sure you are only getting items that can’t wait for your typically shopping trip! Sticking to your list can be hard but if you make a smart and organized list you really shouldn’t need to do any impulse buying.
Give Yourself Some Time
If you have a bit more time than normal you can browse. To save money on groceries you need to be able to check out different brands, store brands, and even look for clearance options. This can take a little more time. Just plan accordingly and then you won’t feel rushed and you won’t miss out on any special pricing or deals!
Be Firm or Leave the Kids at Home
It can be hard shopping with the whole family! To save money on groceries you need to be able to stick to your plan and to your budget and that can be hard to do with extra hands throwing things in the cart, begging for candy or toys, etc. If you have trouble saying “no” you might want to make arrangements to do your shopping trip when you don’t have to take the kids (or the significant other) with you to the store. If you enjoy shopping with your family just make sure they know the goal. Make it into a game to see who can find the best prices, and have fun while you learn to save money on groceries.
Shop Online
More retailers than you might think are offering home delivery or instore pickup for grocery orders now! Walmart is a big one and Amazon Fresh is another great option. They actually get your order ready and delivery it to your home or you can pick it up in store whatever the case may be, this can help you save money on groceries. You can take away any and all temptation to stray from your budget and your list. Just put the items you need into your order and that’s all there is to it. In a more realistic sense, these retailers are offering discounts, incentives, and more for people to make the switch. Shop around online before you buy items that would typically be more pricey!
Farmers Markets
As we head into the warmer months you will notice a lot more farmers markets where you can buy everything from meat to fresh produce and more. Many times these vendors are able to sell their goods at a better price AND you get the added benefit of ultra fresh food for your family to enjoy. Check out the farmers markets in Tucson to see if there is one near you!
Buy in Bulk
Before we dive into our last (but not least) tip, don’t forget that buying in bulk only works if you can actually use the products in a reasonable time and before they go bad! That said, buying in bulk can help you save money on groceries. This is especially true in the case of meat which can be frozen and used at a later time! If you are able to save money per pound by buying meat in bulk, just grab some freezer paper or freezer bags and divide the meat up into dinner sized portions and freeze them for use at a later time. On items that do not go bad, buying in bulk is a great way to save money if you have room to store the extra product. This is also a great idea if you can split the items with a roommate, friend, or family member!