Many families across the country have been tightening their belts due to the recession in full swing. I thought I should share some of the tricks used for saving money on groceries, as there is maximum possibility that buying grocery is overlooked, being a part of the daily activity. The young students, living alone for the sake of education, must know how to save money. Those who are worried due to job instability, need to save money. For some, it comes naturally, but for some, it requires a little bit of discipline. With a bit of discipline, you can save up to $300-$500 or more per month on groceries, for a total of $3,600-$6,000, year after year!!! And you might end up eating healthier, too. Talk about a win-win!
The best way to save money on groceries is to buy the required items when they are on sale. But there are other ways of saving money and here follows the list of money saving tips. Remember, saving money on groceries does not mean that you have to buy inferior quality food.
How to Save Money on Groceries: Tips
- Have a budget and follow it strictly.
- Shop alone.
- Avoid shopping when hungry.
- Always try to make few but large trips, as that would prove beneficial.
- Prepare a meal planning chart to plan your meals in advance.
- Before leaving for shopping, check your cupboards, fridge and pantry.
- Always keep a running list of items you need, ready near the kitchen platform.
- Do not forget the list when you head to the grocery store.
- Always check the weekly store circular.
- Willingly deviate from your list for items on sale and avail great deals.
- There is no need to be afraid of store brands, you can avail discounted rates anywhere.
- Use coupons for expensive items.
- Get informed about the discounts or print the coupons, by visiting the website of the store.
- Search for 'double coupon' days.
- Usually sales are organized at specific times so learn your store's sale cycle.
- Never buy an item just because it is on sale, buy it only if you need it.
- Store your coupons neatly.
- Stock up items on sale taking into consideration, how much you need.
- Avoid buying non-grocery items which you can buy for less elsewhere.
- Compare prices to find out which store amongst the selected five stores from your area, can give you the maximum value for your money.
- Use cash to make the purchases so that when short of cash, you will feel like holding yourself back and you might spend slightly less.
- Do not pay by card, as it is likely that you end up spending beyond your budget as you don't see the actual money going out at that point of time.
- Items like soaps, detergents, you can buy in bulks, but check the unit prices before buying.
- Cook large quantities and freeze for later.
- Never waste leftovers. You can always make a different dish from the leftovers.
- Avoid buying unhealthy food. Sometimes, less quantity of healthy food is sufficient to offer the feeling of satiation.
- Joining the affinity program of the store and flashing your card can be beneficial while saving money on groceries.
- Avoid processed food. Cooking from scratch helps a lot if you are thinking of grocery shopping on a budget.
- Try to enjoy homemade food, instead of buying 'ready to cook' or ready-made food. This will save a lot of money.
- Eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and cut back on meat.
- If you have space, plant a garden and enjoy free home-grown vegetables and fruits.
- Buy only seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- Whenever possible, visit the local farmer's market.
- Do not hesitate to fill out and send your rebates.
- At the cashier's counter, check whether they scan instant coupons attached to some grocery items.
- Check 'dented cans section' where you can get items at around 30% lesser than the original prices. Mostly, the food is fine though the can is dented.
- Try to refrain from choosing complicated recipe ideas with a lot of unknown or 'never-heard of-before' ingredients so that you need not buy unnecessary and exotic ingredients which you will hardly be able to use on a daily basis.
- If someone asks you about 'how do you save money on groceries', do not feel ashamed to tell that you drink more water and avoid buying costly beverages. Drinking plenty of water is good for health.
- Many people are not aware of how much they eat, they eat way more than necessary. Check and try to modify your habits. Adopt the 'ideal plate method' which insists on filling half the plate with vegetables, one quarter with proteins (a grilled chicken breast), and remaining quarter with complex carbohydrates (brown rice and roasted almonds).
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