Grocery Store Strategies to Save
Shop smart and save money on your grocery bill
The recent rise in prices everywhere has made grocery shopping more challenging, forcing some of us to look at our shopping strategies and find new ways to keep our spending in check. Saving a few extra dollars each month on groceries can help you build slack and reduce financial stress. Read our tips to help you spend your money wisely when grocery shopping.Make your grocery list. One of the most important parts of grocery shopping is pre-shopping planning. Before you go to the store, take inventory of what you already have and make a list of what you need. Plan meals for the following days and check to see if you have all the necessary ingredients.
Coordinate ingredients. Choose meals that use items that are affordable and ingredients that can be used in multiple ways – often if you can buy in quantity, you can save money overall. Plan for leftovers to take for lunch or to eat later in the week.
Consider shopping online. The reduction in time spent driving, waiting and wandering aisles, coupled with the lack of impulse buying will save you time and money. This gives you the chance to take your time with online shopping and search for more affordable foods.
Buy in bulk. Buying certain items in bulk, such as grains, dried beans and nuts can save you money in the long run. Just make sure you have enough storage space and use them before they expire.
Shop the sales. Keep an eye out for sales and special deals on the items you need. You can also take advantage of loyalty programs, coupons and discounts but be aware of your spending mindset. Don't purchase something simply because you have a coupon. Larger retailers like HEB always have their weekly ads and coupons accessible on their app.
Eat before you shop. Research shows shopping when you are hungry leads to spending 60% more than if you are satiated before you go. Do yourself a favor and eat before you head to the grocery store.
Maximize shelf life. Store things in their ideal conditions to make them last if you need them to. If it’s something you won’t prepare for a week, freeze it to keep it fresh.
Organize. Label and date things and/or store them in containers that you can easily identify, so you don’t forget about them. Take inventory of what you currently have so you aren’t buying repeats or extras that you won’t use before it goes bad.
Remember that forming new habits is a gradual process. Slowly implementing these tips with consistency is the best formula for success. Be mindful of your spending plan and adjust as necessary, making sure you're still able to enjoy a healthy and balanced diet. For personalized guidance on your financial journey, make an appointment with one of our Financial Health Centers.