Sometimes budgeting on the grocery can seem challenging due to its complexity. However, you will eventually have the grocery at the lowest cost possible with good planning. Children seem to go through food like crazy, so budgeting will help the parent save a lot. Grocery cost usually is high if you walk into the stall without having a clear budget. You will always pick almost everything as it seems essential at that moment. You will end up picking the item you see on the shelves.
Without a budget, you will look at the end of the month and notice how a considerable sum of money has been used on groceries. When on a strict budget, you should consider how much money is spent on the grocery. It will help you try to reduce the overall total cost. If you don’t watch out, you may pay the full shopping money on groceries alone.
Here are ten top tips on how you can cut down the grocery budget
Consider buying in bulk
Purchasing the grocery in bulk can help cut down the overall cost. There are good stores where one can get the grocery in size as they are fresh and are available in large volumes. Consider buying only the grocery you will need in size, as this will help reduce any form of expiry. Expired foods are waste, thus causing a significant impact on the budget. The grocery, which is ideal for purchasing in bulk, includes non-perishable foods and fruits, condiments, and even canned fruit, meat, and cereals.
For instance, buy oatmeal in bulk instead of getting individual packages, which can be more expensive. This is because you will be able to use them before they expire. When buying the grocery in bulk, always estimate whether it is cheaper when compared to getting the items in small quantities. On the other hand, some products such as chuck e cheese should be brought in small quantities to minimize waste hence saving on cost. In some instances, it is pretty expensive, making it ideal for getting the things in the standard size product.
Buy the store brand products
The store-brand products are cheaper compared to the name-brand product. Coupons and sales can make a name brand more affordable, but this is not the case on many occasions. When the coupon is for the grocery you use, go to a store that gives double coupon redemption for more savings.
Pasta, canned food, and broth are cheaper in the store brand. For instance, if you save 6 to 20 cents for each of these groceries over the year, the savings will begin to build up.
Make use of coupons
Before going shopping, always look for coupons but only print the coupons for the items on your grocery list. Companies use coupons as a form of advertisement. However, you ought to be careful when using your coupons and only use them on the items you need. As a buyer, you must avoid falling into the marketing scheme. Coupons will help you save your money but only when you shop smart.
Look at the store ads
Each store has different pricing for its products. Look at the local store ads and confirm which stores have sales in that particular week or month. The ads can help determine the fruit and meats which is cheaper to use for breakfast and snacks.
Use your store loyalty card
You can get the loyalty card from the store or even download the loyalty app of the frequently visited store. You can easily avoid clipping coupons hence adding the discounts directly to the loyalty card. Savings will then be applied when shopping. Most grocery stores will indicate available coupons in the aisle to increase sales. One can easily download the applicable savings they shop for.
If the store offers combinations of savings, such as buying $4, the app can help you plan the shopping to maximize the sales. One can even earn fuel points for discounts at the pump if the grocery chain one has visited a gas station link.
Buy only what you need
Make a grocery list and stick to it. Coupons should not lure you into making an impulse purchase. When one makes a grocery list and sticks to it, they are better positioned to save a lot. BOGO or Five off Five can be a good one and offers you a great deal.
Such platforms also provide huge discounts on groceries. However, ensure to emphasize the grocery list as it will make you know exactly what you need to purchase.
Plan your meals
Meal planning can be too challenging, but it is the ideal thing to do. When you plan, you will also get to know the type of meals you will take for dinner, breakfast, and even lunch. The planning takes some time, but it will help you develop a grocery list.
With the proper planning, you can quickly get the grocery in bulk and eliminate any waste to cut down the total cost. Some apps like my grocery deals will help one plan the meals.
Make a comparison of prices
The products being a more extensive package or on sale does not imply it is cheaper. Comparing prices to other prices will help in cutting down the grocery budget.
For instance, at the Wal-Mart store, buying a strawberry 16 pack is cheaper than purchasing the 8 pack, but getting 8 pack strawberries is more affordable than the 16 pack. You can also use a calculator to ensure you stick to your budget when shopping.
Avoid processed or bagged food
It is always advisable to buy fresh groceries and freeze them independently. The food will taste better and even save you money. It is time-consuming to do so, but it is worth it. For instance, buying a chicken breast, cutting it, and freezing it is ideal rather than getting a frozen one. Get fresh lettuce to shred on top of salads instead of buying a bagged one.
Look at the expiry dates
All the grocery stores should operate on FIFO, i.e., first-in, first-out basis. The criterion ensures the older stock is sold out before the current one. The customers will not have to throw the product away because it is already expired at the time of purchase.
Getting expired products is a waste of money. Do not be in a hurry when shopping, as many employees in the aisle may forget to practice FIFO. Comparing the dates of different groceries will help you determine the expired ones before placing them in your shopping bag.
Wrapping up
To sum up, there are innumerable tips to save on the grocery budget. The above article illustrates some of the information ones can quickly adapt when planning to go grocery shopping. When grocery shopping, always remember to prepare a list of items you need and the approximate budget. This will guide you on your shopping list in those cases when you forget some essential things or perhaps overspend on unnecessary items.
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