Grocery shopping can be one of the most challenging chores for most homeowners. As it requires budgeting, an inventory check, and a little bit of hauling, it can be something some people dread. Especially if you’re not an expert in penny pinching, grocery shopping could be the last place you’ll want to do.
A Few Tips on How to Spend Less on Groceries
Luckily, there are lots of ways how to save money on supermarkets. Some of the easiest tips are the following:
1. Subscribe to your favorite supermarket’s weekly sales.
Some supermarkets offer mailing lists for their weekly ads and other special offers. Subscribing to these will notify you about the ongoing promotions and bargains waiting at the store. Sometimes, there are also exclusive promotions for mailing list subscribers, so even if their emails can get spammy at times, they can be worth it in the long run.
2. Plan your shopping list accordingly.
Using the weekly discounted ad, cross check whether there are brands of food items you need that are on sale. This way, you won’t miss out on possible savings and spend more than necessary.
3. Sign up for the loyalty card program.
Most supermarkets offer their own loyalty programs toreward regular customers. What they offer in exchange vary widely. Some will turn points into cash credits that can later be used again in store, while others offer regular discounts and freebies to members. If you can be a member for free, all the better! Go ahead and take advantage of what they have to offer.
4. Use coupons.
Couponing is one of the most popular ways to get more savings when grocery shopping. These coupons will slash an additional dollar or more on various products’ prices, giving you additional discounts. Sometimes you can combine coupons to other promotions and certain supermarkets also offer to double up their worth, increasing your savings.
The best thing about coupons is that they don’t expire quickly and are easily found in newspapers and online. This makes them handier and more irresistable to budget-conscious shoppers.
5. Be on the lookout for bakery and meat items that are about to expire.
Supermarkets are willing to mark these items down so they won’t expire in the shelves. If you’re not too particular, you can then get these items at much lower prices. Just remember to consume them right away, so you can get the most out of your savings.
6. Never go to the store hungry!
Grocery shopping while your tummy is rumbling is always a bad idea. Your hunger can trigger impulsive decisions into buying more than what you should and would have if you shopped when full. So, to make sure you have a level head when getting your everyday items, eat first before heading to the supermarket.
7. Consider store brand products.
Most supermarkets carry their own store brand products as alternatives to regular brands. Typically, store brand items are a lot cheaper than their competitors. They tend to have a bad rap, though, as some believe that because they are cheap, they don’t fare as good as leading brands.
This isn’t always true, though. Take the Wegman’s store brand for example. They have built a good following not just because they’re very affordable, but also because they are also healthy and sustainably-sourced. As their store brand products are also commonly offered with discounts on Wegman weekly flyers, you can get even better discounts with these products.