While we have no control over inflation, we do have control over the way we spend. Here are 7 tips to help you get more for your money when it comes to grocery shopping:
Plan Ahead
First and foremost, figure out how much money you want to allot to groceries. Then, to avoid spending more than what you can afford, plan your meals for the week and make a grocery list accordingly. Be sure to take that list with you as you shop, and don’t stray from it.
Use Coupons, Rebates & Rain Checks
Go through flyers looking for sales, rebates, and coupons. Once at the cash, remember to take out your coupons, and make sure to mail in any rebates that need to be sent to the manufacturer. Also, if there is a shortage of an article advertised on sale, ask for a rain check. This will allow you to purchase that same article at a lower price when it becomes available again.
Don’t Shop on An Empty Stomach
Eat before you step out to do groceries. Why? Because shopping when hungry might cause you to buy things you don’t need, in other words, you’re more likely to bust your budget if you shop on an empty stomach.
Buy at Farmer’s Markets
Check out farmer’s markets in your area and compare prices with those of your grocery store of choice. Contrary to popular belief, prices in these markets are often lower than those in chain stores. Additionally, the freshness and quality of the produce are usually unbeatable.
Buy Bulk Wisely
You can often save a lot of money by buying bulk. Just be sure that it is worth it by comparing costs and by bringing along a calculator to figure out how much money you are in fact saving, if at all, by buying such and such a product in a larger size or quantity.
Buy Store Brand
Store brands are often much less expensive than well-known popular brands, and they are just as good, if not better. So, go ahead and buy them. Your family will never notice the difference, and you’ll be saving lots of money.
Make Your Own
Avoid buying pre-cooked meals whenever possible. These are often much more expensive than if you were to make them yourself. Of course, you will need to spend a bit more time on meal planning and preparation, but the money you save by doing so will be well worth the effort.
There you have it — seven things you can do to stay within budget when you are grocery shopping. By being a savvy consumer, you will no doubt be able to counter the effects of inflation, at least in part. And who knows? You might even be able to set a bit of money aside for that rainy-day fund you’ve been planning to start.