Everybody needs to go grocery shopping on a regular basis, but if you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself spending significantly more than you need to. The grocery store is one of the most dangerous places when it comes to impulse purchasing. However, it’s also one of the easiest places to find discounts and work on becoming more frugal.
Here are a few ways you can save money the next time you go grocery shopping:
- Make a list. Write down exactly what you need to get at the store, and do not deviate from that list! The biggest factor leading to impulse purchases is not knowing exactly what it is you need to purchase when you head to the store.
- Collect coupons. You know those coupon booklets that come in the mail that you’re always tempted to throw out right away? Actually look through those to see if there are any coupons for items you buy regularly. Fifty cents or a dollar saved here and there can really add up over time if you make it a regular practice.
- Look at the “per ounce” or “per pound” price. A lot of times you can get better deals by looking at the price per weight unit rather than the sticker price of the product. In the long run, if you know you’re going to be using a product regularly, it’s better to get more of it for a lower price than to have to regularly buy items in small packages at higher prices.
- Use loyalty cards. Choose one grocery store you go to most often and sign up for its loyalty program. You’ll save a lot of money in the long run by using their loyalty card and participating in promotions and rewards programs.
- Don’t go down aisles that don’t have products on your list. Again, this is a way you can avoid some impulse purchases that do nothing but rack up your bill.
- Avoid brand name products. Whenever possible, try generic brand products over the big brand names. In some cases, there won’t be much difference in taste or quality and you’ll save quite a bit of money.
- Be sure to spend only what you have available in your “grocery” category in your Spending Plan. This is the beauty of having a Spending Plan and tracking your expenses according to that plan…it allows you to know, before you go to the store, exactly what you have to spend on groceries. This will help curb impulse purchases and keep you on track in this category so you will be able to stay balanced in other categories and remain in control overall.
Need more money-saving tips? Contact the experts at Money Mastery today!
