Let’s face it: food is expensive. In fact, it’s the third largest expense in a household, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And for families who are on a budget, this isn’t exactly good news. But just because you’re in sticker-shock over prices at your local supermarket doesn’t mean there’s no way you can save on groceries. You can still trim your grocery budget and pocket some savings without resorting to extreme couponing or bidding farewell to the items you enjoy most. Here are some insider advice and budgeting tips for saving money on your groceries.
5 Surprising Ways to Save on Groceries
Grab a basket instead of a shopping cart
It’s no accident that shopping carts are getting bigger. According to studies, consumers are likely to buy 19% more items when they use larger carts as the size of the cart actually encourages shoppers to fill them up with more items.
Don’t fall for this trick. The next time you go grocery shopping, make a conscious effort to grab the basket. It may not be as convenient as pushing a cart, but at least you’re not burning money you could have otherwise saved or invested.
Shop alone
Many moms love to go grocery shopping alone because it’s the only time they get to take a break from the hustle and bustle of domestic life. Apparently, this so-called “me-time” not only does good for your spirits but also for your budget. This is because the larger your shopping party is, the greater your grocery bill will be from impulse or unplanned purchases. It’s a good idea to leave your spouse and your kids behind while grocery shopping, after all.
Put your headphones on
Want to shop fast and avoid the trap of wandering aimlessly in grocery aisles? Put your headphones on and play your favorite workout mix! Some stores intentionally avoid upbeat songs and play slow music instead because the latter encourages shoppers to move more slowly around the store and walk through different aisles. And the result? Customers tend to shop 29% more than they originally planned.
Plan your meals ahead
Before you buy your groceries, be sure to make a weekly meal for the family. You can ask for suggestions from your brood to complete your meal plan. Then do an inventory of your fridge and pantry first to find out what items you have and what you can skip buying. This way, you can avoid buying items you already have at home.
Check grocery items online
The beauty of the internet is that it has made grocery shopping more convenient. Try looking at online grocery stores (like Boxed and Amazon Pantry
So are you ready to shop and save? Take note of these tips!
About Maricor, the author
Mari writes for Loansolutions to help educate people in making informed-decisions on taking out loans and becoming responsible borrowers. Being the COO, she feels it is her social responsibility to do so. Learn more from her as she shares tips, advises and stories on finance. Also, she’s fond of 9GAG, so you might read some random stuff over here.
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