Grocery shopping can be an expensive hassle. While there is not much that can be done to make shopping less of a hassle, there are some tips and tricks that can help when it comes to saving money.
Try these tips on your next trip to the supermarket.
1. Go with a list- and without kids.
Having a list will make you less likely to buy food that is on sale that you don’t need or food that’s meant to tempt you in the outer isles. Buying with a list will also help you make better choices and make less impulsive buys while grocery shopping. A list will also save you money while you’re grocery shopping.
Going to the supermarket with kids can be problematic as well. Kids want everything they see in the grocery store, especially overpriced candy, so leave them at home if you can when you’re grocery shopping.
2. Shop in Season.
Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season if possible. Buying seasonal food will help you save money in the long run. Out of season food costs more because they’re shipped from other countries. Help the environment and save money by buying local food when it is in season.
3. Buy store brand items.
Buying name brands is a pricy way to grocery shop. The store brands of items are much cheaper and often just as good. Store brands and name brand foods often have the same ingredients, but name brands are overpriced.
4. Don’t pay for food you can grow or cut yourself.
Pre-cut salad or overpriced herbs aren’t the best buy at the supermarket. Buy a head of lettuce and cut it yourself or grow your own herbs. If growing a garden isn’t possible, buy herbs at international food markets.
5. Use an app on your smartphone.
Many apps can help you save money while grocery shopping. Apps like RetailMeNot can often help shoppers save money. Big-box stores like Target and Walmart also have apps that alert shoppers to deals both in-store and online.
6. Use cash.
An old-school way to save money is to only use cash. When you only use cash, you’re more aware of what you’re spending and tend to spend less.
7. Use coupons.
Coupons are a staple of penny-pinching while shopping at the grocery store. While many coupons are only for name brand items, if they’re items you often use, you’ll still save some cash overall.
8. Don’t buy bottled water.
Bottled water is supposedly cleaner, but is often just overpriced tap water. Save money and be more green by buying a filter and filtering water for free.
9. Don’t shop when you’re hungry.
If you shop while you’re hungry, you’re more likely to make impulse buys. Go grocery shopping on a full stomach so you don’t buy food you don’t need.
10. Shop around at different grocery stores.
If you have easy access to a car, drive around to find deals at different stores. Comparison shop at different grocery stores to find the best prices for groceries.
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