Tired of spending so much money on food? Want to lower your grocery bill? Check out these 5 tips for saving money on groceries.
We’ve all been there. It’s the end of the month, the grocery budget is blown but there’s no food in the house. Or there’s nothing you really feel like eating in the fridge, so you reach for the take-out menu and your credit card.
Budgeting guru Dave Ramsey recommends allocating 10-15% of your take-home pay on food (including eating out) – many people spend a lot more than this. But what’s the best way to reduce your spending in the grocery store? Read on for some great tips for saving money on groceries.
5 Tips for Saving Money on Groceries
1. Set a Budget and Stick to It
The cost of feeding a family of four in the US is estimated to be between $146 and $289 per week. How much you spend will depend on your lifestyle and the number of people in your household.
Allocating an amount per week and paying with cash in the grocery store can help prevent you from overspending. You can also keep track of your spending instore by using a calculator or scanning as you go.
2. Get Smart Instore
Store managers place the most expensive, branded items at eye level to subtly encourage you to spend more. A great way of saving money on groceries is to scan the top and bottom shelves to look for good deals.
You’ll also find more processed foods on the inside aisles. If you shop the outer aisles, you’re more likely to find cheaper, healthier, and more nutrient-dense foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, grains, and beans. Your wallet and your waistline will thank you!
3. Plan Ahead
One of the best grocery shopping tips is to start meal planning. Base your weekly menu on what you already have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry, factoring in any social commitments for the week. Then write your list and stick to it – don’t buy more than you need.
Another great money-saving tip for groceries and drugstore items is placing an order ahead of time, either for store pick-up or delivery. This can really cut costs and help you to plan your spending.
4. Bulk Up – Carefully!
If you’re wondering how to save money on food, it might seem like buying in bulk is a great solution. It can be a lot cheaper to buy things like meat in bulk and freeze it to use later.
But you should only buy what you know you will definitely use and what you have space for, and make sure you store it correctly. Otherwise, it could go to waste, which won’t save you money at all!
5. Go Green
You can help your wallet and the planet by taking your own bag to the grocery store – this often gets you a discount. Buy loose food instead of pre-packaged. This is usually cheaper, healthier, and reduces plastic waste. Buy what you can seasonally to reduce food miles and save money.
How to Save Money on Groceries
By setting a realistic budget, planning carefully, and being wary of tricks used by grocery stores to make you spend more, you can save a lot of money on your food bill. You’ll probably be helping the planet and also making healthier choices at the same time.
If you’d like to read more tips for saving money on groceries and other great financial advice, be sure to check out the rest of the blog.
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