Getting groceries is fun until you take a look at your bank account. Food is something you can’t do without, but it also makes a big dent in your wallet.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to get around buying groceries. The good news is, though, that there are ways to save on food.
With some savvy skills, you’ll be saving all sorts of money on groceries!
1. Use Coupons
Grocery stores still send out coupons in the mail. Many also have discount cards or apps that help you collect points.When you reach a certain amount of points, you get a discount or send a coupon! There are also cashback apps that you can use to get a free gift card to your favorite grocery store.
Every food market is different, so ask to make sure you’re not missing on any good deals.
Even if they don’t have a card, such as a Safeway card, they may have other pointers.
For example, someone may give you the scoop on where to find the best coupon codes. That’ll help you take advantage of other grocery deals you didn’t know existed!
2. Eat What You Already Have
Ask yourself if you really need to go grocery shopping or if you already have what you need.Many times groceries go unopened on the shelf. If there are canned foods and other items you haven’t eaten, move them to the front of your pantry.
And what about coffee? Instead of heading to Starbucks, make coffee at home! It's worth your while to learn how to make excellent tasting coffee at home in your kitchen. In the process, you'll save big time.
Figure out recipes for the ingredients you already have and whip up some new meals!
You can save a lot of money by eating the food you have first before getting more!
3. Don’t Forget About the Leftovers
Go and open up your fridge. Are there leftovers still in there? If there are, don’t let them go to waste!Eating leftover food may not be on top of your list. Even so, eating a meal from the night before will prompt you to eat what you have.
No one wants a perfectly good meal to go to waste!
4. Be Selective of the Grocery Stores You Go To
Not all grocery stores are created equal. Some are more expensive than others, which makes it tough going to costly stores more often.If possible, try to be more selective about which grocery stores you visit.
Find a store that’s affordable and still sells high-quality food.
If you’re hooked on a more expensive supermarket, don’t go there as often. Try to get your groceries at a store that isn’t marking up their prices as much.
Over time you can come up with a grocery store strategy. Your new plan should allow you to get your favorite foods but at an affordable price.
5. Change Your Portion Size
Are your eyes bigger than your stomach? It could be that your portion sizes are off, and if that’s the case, try cutting back on your recipes.You may need to play around with the portion sizing to find out what works best. Start making smaller meals, and see how that goes.
If you’re still hungry then, of course, it’s okay if you make more.
But if you can make do with the meal you prepared, it’ll make your food last longer.
And you know what that means: You won’t have to get groceries as often!
In Conclusion
Spending money on groceries adds up quickly, but now you have some solutions to cut back!If you’re in the habit of paying too much money on food, realize that spending less isn’t going to happen overnight.
You may need to take some baby steps so you can gradually spend less and save more!
Don’t get discouraged if it takes you a while to learn the tricks of the trade.
You’ll soon be a grocery store pro who has more money in your bank account while stocking up on tasty food!