When you plan the meals and snacks you want to eat, you can shop for the specific ingredients you need. This strategy helps cut down on extra purchases you don't need to help you maximize savings. Tossing random things into your shopping cart without a plan for using them in meals could lead to food waste. Write out a menu for a week or a month at a time, and list the food items you need to make those dishes. Then, stick to that list at the grocery store.
The way you grocery shop could affect how much you spend. It's usually more cost-effective to make a few larger shopping trips rather than several smaller trips. Not only do you use more gas by going to the grocery store frequently, but you might also splurge on impulse buys when you're at the store often.
If you go over budget with impulse buys, try shopping online to do a pickup or delivery order at your favorite grocery store. In the store, you might see products that grab your attention. You won't face those temptations when you're shopping online. Plus, you can see your total increasing with each item you add to your online cart. If the total starts climbing too much, it might inspire you to look through the items critically and remove groceries you don't need.
Premade meals and prepared foods, such as precut vegetables and fruits, offer convenience. However, the price is higher than it would be if you bought the ingredients and prepared the items yourself. You're paying for the convenience and labor to assemble those items. If your food budget is tight, avoiding these convenience foods can save you money. Instead, buy the ingredients and make a large batch of a recipe yourself. You can portion it out into smaller servings and freeze them for another day.
Comparison shopping helps you identify the cheapest options. One way to save money is by using generic versions of your favorite foods. In many cases, the quality of generic products is similar to name brands. Test generic versions to see if they pass your taste test.
It's also helpful to compare pricing of similar items. Determine the price per unit when a product comes in different sizes. For instance, dividing the cost of ketchup by the number of ounces tells you the per-ounce price. Do this calculation for the various bottle sizes to find the cheapest one.
You might also compare pricing at different stores. Some stores are less expensive overall than others. Sometimes, certain items are cheaper at a specific grocery store, while other items are more cost-effective at another. Knowing where to buy the staples you use regularly can save money.
Grocery stores typically put out weekly ads with a wide range of products on sale. Browse the ads to look for food items you normally buy. It's also beneficial to check for clearance items and markdowns on perishable foods. Meat often gets marked down as it nears its best-by date. Toss it in the freezer if you can't eat it before that date. Stocking up while the price is lower can save you money down the road. Be sure you can eat all the food before it expires when you're stocking up.
Using coupons, store loyalty programs and rebate apps can save you even more. Clip coupons from the weekly paper or switch to digital coupons. Many grocery stores have loyalty programs offering special discounts or other deals that can save you money. Cash-back apps, such as Ibotta, Fetch Rewards and Checkout 51, offer you money for purchases you make. You typically upload your receipt showing specific purchases to receive cash back on the item.
Many of these savings options work together. For instance, you can use a manufacturer's coupon on an item that's discounted through a store loyalty program. Then, you can submit the receipt to get cash back.
If you qualify for assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), utilize those services to supplement your food budget. Local food banks can also help you get the staples you need. Look for free meals at local churches and other organizations to reduce your food costs.
Senior living communities can help you control your food budget. Your monthly costs typically include three meals a day, so you don't have to worry about grocery shopping. You can budget for the expense easily since it's the same each month. Living at Bethesda Gardens Thornton means you get access to restaurant-style dining with daily from-scratch specials. The flexible dining times let you enjoy a schedule that works for you.
