Saving Money At The Grocery Store – Simple Tips To Save
It’s something we all have to do. Whether you go multiple times a week, once a week, or every other week… We all have to go to the grocery store at some point. And there’s no denying that the cost of groceries has gone up significantly in the past few years. At one time, you could fill up your cart and walk out feeling like you had more than enough food. Now, leaving the store with just a few bags can easily cost you $100 or more. So, what are some tips for saving money at the grocery store?
Where To Grocery Shop
You can Google “how to save money at the grocery store,” and you’ll find a plethora of ideas. Some of the ideas are common, and others take things to the extreme. One of the biggest determining factors for saving at the grocery store depends on where you shop.
Personally, I’ve noticed if I shop at Food Lion versus Walmart, I tend to save more. This is where you really have to figure out what works best for you. Some people swear by shopping at Kroger or Publix by shopping the sales or using coupons. And another tip is to shop at stores like Lidl and Aldi.
Now, I have shopped at Aldi in the past. And yes, I do save a lot of money when I do. The only issue I have is that they don’t always have everything I need. Because of that, I wind up having to go to another store. So, is it better for me to stop at 2 different places? Or settle for the convenience of getting it all in one place, but spending slightly more? Most of the time, I settle for convenience (and then grumble about the amount of money I spent).
Preparing For Grocery Shopping
Some financial experts like Rachel Cruze will tell you to start with a budget. And while, in theory, that sounds like a great idea. But, honestly, I’m just not that organized. Maybe one day I’ll get there.
One key thing when it comes to saving at the grocery store is heading in with a plan. A meal plan. My mom did this when I was growing up. I remember her writing down each day what we were going to have for dinner. Then, she’d make her grocery list based on that. I do try to do this, but I do more of it in my head than actually writing it out. Although that would probably help!
And speaking of writing things out… Making a grocery list (based on your menu for the week) can help keep you focused in the store. It can also (hopefully) help you remember everything you need to get at the store. I do try throughout the week to add items to the notes in my phone of items I know we need.
But I don’t thoroughly go through everything I have at home, so I’ve bought items I thought I might need… only to get home and already have one (or a few) in the pantry or fridge. So now’s a good time to remind you to check what you already have on hand!
What To Buy At The Grocery Store
Obviously, the biggest thing is that you want to buy just what you need. And one key thing to do… Don’t go to the grocery store hungry. I’m guilty of this, and always wind up buying more than I should because something “looks good.”
Another money saving tip is to buy generic. But I will add to it and say… when you can. I know that there are some generic things that just aren’t the same. But for those things that you can’t tell the difference? Grab the generic and save some money.
And if you’re really dedicated to mapping out your menu for the week and your grocery store visit, I’d say plan your meals by what’s on sale. I’ve never been good at this, because I get an idea of what I want to eat and have a hard time straying from that.
Saving Money At The Grocery Store – Coupons And Rewards
Coupons have come a long way. I remember people who would get the Sunday paper with all the coupons and have to clip the ones they needed. In fact, I did try that at one point. But it is time consuming.
These days there are so many digital coupons you can utilize. It definitely saves more time. Although, I wish there was a way that the store app would just automatically apply coupons to what I’m buying, versus me having to scroll through and pick the ones I want to use.
In addition to coupons, many stores have rewards cards. These can save you money in the store and/or give you other perks, like fuel points.
Cashback For Grocery Shopping
One of the biggest things I do is utilize various cashback apps. Some I have to mark off the items I buy. And others, I simply have to remember to take a photo of the receipt and earn points. I do forget to do this sometimes, and there are times when it doesn’t feel worth it. But every little bit adds up.
I actually try to earn points and cashback all throughout the year so I can cash in around Christmas for cash or Amazon gift cards to help with buying gifts.
What You Do At Home
If you’re like me, you’ve been known to waste food. It kills me whenever I have to throw out food. This is where it’s important to stay on top of what you’re doing when it comes to meals. Can you make less of something? Will your family eat leftovers for days? Can you freeze half for a later date?
In the past few years, I have started freezing portions for later. I grew with with a family of 5, so I was used to cooking for that many. Now that it’s just me and my fiancé, I don’t need that much.
And every now and then, challenge yourself to eat from what you’ve already got at home. I saw this recently in a group on Facebook about eating from the pantry. And I’m planning to do a pantry and fridge cleanout soon, so this might be just what I need to do to try saving money at the grocery store next time.
Steer Clear: 8 Grocery Store Behaviors to Avoid
Disrespecting Employees
This should be common sense, but one of the fundamental rules of grocery store etiquette is to treat employees with respect and kindness. While it’s understandable to occasionally have moments of price shock or policy gripes. But don’t take it out on the people working at the grocery store. They’re not the ones setting the prices. Venting your frustration on employees is never the right approach. Refrain from raising your voice or engaging in arguments with cashiers and staff members on the sales floor.
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Packing Out the Express Checkout
We all love the quick in-and-out experience of using self-checkout for those small hauls. But the self-service lane loses its charm when people with massive shopping carts, loaded with groceries decide to set up camp there. It’s even worse when they have items needing special codes. So, think of self-checkout as the express lane, where it’s best to stick to around ten items or less. Using the express checkout lane with more items than the posted limit can hold up the line for others who are following the rules. It’s worth mentioning that many grocery stores are opting for more self-checkout lanes in their stores.
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Aisle Bites
You’ve probably seen people snacking on food they haven’t paid for yet at the grocery store. Some even take half-eaten items to the cashier to scan. This is not only rude but also unhygienic. It’s like treating the store as your personal buffet and it makes others uncomfortable. While satisfying your cravings is perfectly fine, there are better ways to go about it.
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Grocery Blocker
You’re bound to bump into a friend or neighbor while grocery shopping, but consider where you stop for a chat. If you see someone eyeing the produce behind you, it’s a good sign to wrap up and find a quieter spot. Keep in mind that grocery store catch-ups should be relatively short. It’s not the ideal time for lengthy reunions, especially if others are waiting to shop. The same courtesy applies to your shopping cart. Don’t park your cart smack in the middle and block the way for everyone else.
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Stashing Unwanted Groceries and Trash
If you change your mind about something while shopping, do everyone a favor and return it to where it belongs. Dumping unwanted items in random aisles instead of returning them to their proper creates frustration for both store employees and fellow shoppers. Nobody wants to discover a rogue carton of buttermilk sitting next to the potato chips. It makes the store messy, confuses people, and turns a simple grocery trip into a weird scavenger hunt. In some grocery stores, you might find cafes where you can stroll the aisles with a coffee or beverage in hand. Chances are you’ve come across half-empty Starbucks cups or abandoned water bottles among the store shelves. When you’ve finished your drink, it’s best to dispose of the cup or bottle properly.
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Leaving Your Grocery Cart Wherever
Bringing back your shopping cart is the most basic form of grocery store courtesy. Returning your shopping cart is a quick task and it’s a huge help for the store staff. Additionally, left-behind carts can lead to more significant problems. A deserted cart in the parking area may potentially cause damage to vehicles. A cart left behind inside can cause a roadblock in the store.
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Lack of Personal Space
When we’re shopping at the grocery store, give people their personal space. Whether browsing the aisles for your favorite snacks or waiting in line at the checkout, respecting personal space is key. No one likes feeling crowded or rushed while making their selections, and we all appreciate a bit of privacy when completing our transactions.
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Rude Cellphone Usage
When you’re at the store, try not to use your phone too much. It’s okay to make a quick call to roomie to ask about ketchup, but keep it quiet and brief. Save the catching up for later. Also, don’t text and push your cart at the same time because you might bump into something or someone. Lastly, unless you’re using your phone for digital coupons or rewards, it’s best to put it away during checkout.
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