It doesn’t matter if you are a recent graduate carrying huge school debts, a retiring senior, or a single mom on a tight budget; we could all take a bit of a break on our grocery bill. With inflation rates continuing to rise as the world recovers from the pandemic, many households are trying to focus on saving money anywhere they can.
Your grocery bill is a necessary expense, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Feeding you and your family nutritious and delicious meals doesn’t mean that you have to go over your grocery budget. There are a few ways to save money on your groceries and still have a well-stocked pantry.
Whether you want to go with a meal kit delivery service to save time and money or are looking for ways to cut your budget at the grocery store, the key is being aware of prices and areas that may be flexible. Let’s take a closer look at a few smart ways that you can cut the fat on your grocery budget.
Flyers and Coupons
Each week, your local grocery stores will mail out or publish online a series of flyers that contain their sale items. Taking the time to go through these flyers can help you find the groceries that you need at discounted prices.
Planning ahead and buying certain pantry items when they are on sale will help you to reduce your monthly spending. Visit the website of your favourite grocer to find coupons that can bring you further savings when you are checking out your groceries.
Switch Stores
Your nearest grocery chain may not be the cheapest option in your area. While there is something to be said for convenience if you are shopping at a large chain store you may be wasting money on your groceries. The large and fancy grocery outlets have a huge overhead cost that is filtered down to their customers through higher prices. If you need to cut back on your grocery spending, you may want to switch stores to one that has the products you need at lower prices.
Generic Brands
For those that need to cut back on their food spending, embracing generic store brands is a great place to start. National name brands can cost more than 40% more than a generic brand of the same product. Many generic brands are known for their quality and superior taste, which will help you fill your pantry at discounted prices.
Plant a Garden
One of the most enjoyable ways to save on your grocery bill is to plant your own garden. You don’t need multiple acres to harvest fresh vegetables and herbs on your own property. Using containers, you can start growing tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, and carrots in just a few days.
Make a List
A grocery store is a place of temptation. How often have you gone to the store for just a few items and ended up getting to the cashier with a full cart? A simple way to reduce your grocery bill is to make a list before leaving the house and stick to only the items you need. Saving money at the grocery store is essential to staying on budget for millions of families across the country. Follow these budgeting tips to help you save on your food spending.