In the old days, you could go to the supermarket for shopping and buy whatever you wanted without thinking about your wallet. I remember my dad coming home with over a dozen bags of food that cost less than $100. Those days are long gone, and if you want to save money on food today, you definitely need to think a little harder!
People who shop on a fixed personal or family budget need a proven shopping system that gives them complete control over rising food prices. Below are some ways to save money on groceries every time you shop. If you plan correctly, you can make the most of your new shopping experience.
One way to save money on food is to never shop when you are in a hurry or hungry. When you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to forget your list and not buy everything you need. When I’m hungry, I always start by going to the deli or buying perishable items that I know from experience I won’t eat.
A monthly purchase for shelf-stable items and a weekly or bi-weekly purchase for fresh produce is sufficient. Don’t shop every day. This tip will definitely help you save money when shopping for food, as you can avoid impulse buying and buy in large quantities, which is usually cheaper.
Always plan ahead and buy what you need in advance. Once you get into the habit of planning ahead, it becomes a simple, good habit that is hard to break.
Planning means setting menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. You have to cook for yourself, but it’s cheaper and healthier than eating prepared food or going to a restaurant. So if you’ve never had to follow a food plan, now is the time to learn.
One of my favorite food saving tips is to eat something simple and light every other day, such as pasta with cheese and chicken sausage or baked beans with an egg and a bowl of rice and vegetables.
You should also have a detailed shopping list with all the ingredients on your menu. This list should contain both food and other important things. Don’t forget the plastic wrap, toilet paper, washing powder, soap, toothpaste, cleaning spray and sponges, garbage bags, etc. Take this list with you when you go shopping.
Save money on groceries by checking out Wednesday flyers, inserts and ads. Stock up on products that you can incorporate into your monthly menus (you can change them at any time). Use a few coupons with each purchase and don’t use them all at once. Put the rest aside for later use. In this case, you need to pay attention to the expiration date of the coupons. Supermarkets often promote big discounts and coupon offers every 6-8 weeks, especially during the holidays – I’ve seen a large bottle of soda go from $2.99 to $0.99 just because it’s July!
Get to know the supermarket inside and out. Before you shop, always take the time to study the structure of the store and understand where everything is located. This also includes the corners and discount displays. You need to know what is generally guaranteed to be available year-round and what the prices are compared to the competition. To that end, you should have an up-to-date price list (and of course start with a new list). Find out where the flyers are kept (usually on the counter at the front of the store). Perishable products, such as milk, are hidden behind containers and shelves so that they are not visible.
Save money on groceries by buying from low cost stores like Wal-Mart and Costco or local dollar stores and clearance stores. Spices, pasta, candy bars, canned goods, garbage bags, various soaps and detergents, etc. could be purchased at a bargain price during repeated visits.
Calculate the price per item purchased when shopping. If you can save money on your food bill by reducing or increasing the number of items purchased, do so. Buying large packages can also save you money on food items over time, so look at your list and determine how much you can save. To this end, carry a calculator and a notepad. Don’t forget a pen. Bring reading glasses.
Look for price reductions on food and meat to save money when shopping. Avoid prepared foods unless they are cheaper than similar products on the list. Buy unbranded foods, as they are cheaper and just as tasty as the usual name brands. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are usually cheaper.
Pay with cash or at least a low-interest credit card. Pay attention to the cashier and check your receipt before leaving the store. Be confident. This is very important. I overpaid and over checked dozens of times before this advice finally worked.
About Author:
Sara has completed her education in marketing and started her career as a digital marketer. She is a content writer by profession. And she would love to add multiple things to her knowledge that she can add to her writing style. She writes about indian grocery online Canada.
