6 Tips to Save Money on Groceries
We all know that groceries can be a major expense. But there are ways to cut down on the costs without sacrificing quality or taste.
With the rise of food prices across the board, we could all use some tips and reminders on how to save money on groceries. Here are some tips to help you!
Meal Plan ahead of time so you know exactly what you need to buy
Meal planning is the secret weapon of busy people everywhere.
Not only does it make chefs out of the cooking impaired, but it also saves time and energy when shopping. Meal plans come in all shapes and sizes – daily, weekly, monthly – you name it!
Planning ahead of time helps you know exactly what ingredients to buy; not only avoiding forgotten items, but also save money on groceries with fewer impulse buys and reducing food waste.
Meal planning is a step worth taking in making your life simpler, tastier and more budget-friendly!
Make a list before you go grocery shopping, and stick to it
Grocery shopping can be a chore and sometimes it’s hard to stay on task. That’s why it pays to make a grocery list before you head out – and then to stick with it!
Grocery lists are great reminders of what items you need, which helps ensure that you don’t waste unnecessary funds on impulse purchases. Plus it saves you time by avoiding the back-and-forth of deciding at the store whether the item is necessary or not.
Whether you write your list down or keep track of it in your phone, taking the time to make a plan before hitting the stores means less stress when trying to cook dinner.
Grocery lists: making dinner preparations easier since Forever!
Look for sales and coupons to help you save money on groceries – and plan meals around them
If you’re someone who wants super savvy ways to help you stick to your budget, sales and coupons are your answer!
Shopping sales can be great for a variety of reasons. You can get quality items at reduced prices. Plus, sales usually come out the same time each week, so it’s easy to plan your meals in advance with sales and coupons in mind.
If you take some time to think ahead, plan your meals around what’s on sale and compare prices you’ll find that tracking sales and utilizing coupons can be a helpful tool in saving money and avoiding spending more than intended.
Buy in bulk when possible, especially for items that you know you’ll use often
Buying in bulk is not only cheaper, but it also helps you save money in the long run. Especially if you stock up when the items are on sale and/or you have a coupon!
Think of it this way – you’re essentially pre-buying items you know you’ll use often, so why not stock up and save when the time comes?
Bulk shopping means that many of your regular necessities will last longer, meaning fewer trips to the store.
Not to mention that there’s nothing quite like seeing all those boxes piled up and knowing you will be set for awhile and wont have to worry about certain items.
You can also check out the big wholesale stores like Costco and Sams Club to get HUGE savings when buying in bulk.
Avoid processed foods as much as possible – they’re usually more expensive than simple ingredients
Eating processed foods can be more expensive than buying individual ingredients and making meals from scratch.
Instead of buying pre-made frozen dinners, why not put your chef hat on and make something delicious with basic ingredients? Cheaper, healthier, and all you have to do is have a few cooking staples like garlic, onions, chicken broth, and cheese on hand in the pantry.
Homemade meals are often less expensive than processed ones and are much tastier. So next time you’re shopping for food, opt for more fresh produce instead of the prepared stuff – your wallet will thank you!
Cook at Home as much as possible – eating out is almost always more expensive.
Homemade meals are much more than just a delicious and affordable alternative to eating out—they can be an adventure.
Meal planning, grocery shopping, and experimenting with new recipes can take ordinary eaters on an exciting culinary ride. And unlike restaurant dining, cooking at home provides the opportunity to use fresh ingredients and will most likely cost less in the end.
So go ahead, get creative and spice up your life with some homemade cooking! You’ll save money in the process.
Of course, these are just a few of the many ways that you can save money on groceries. What tips do you use to keep your grocery bill low?
Leave your suggestions in the comments below – we’re always looking for new ways to stretch our dollars!