7 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Easy ways to save money on groceries. Let’s face it, we all have to eat each and every single day. And so do our spouses and our kids. That’s a lot of food purchasing every week. Especially if you’re also having to buy expensive infant formula, or if you have a teen or preteen that eats everything in the house as soon as you put it all away, it’s a great idea to know how to save money on groceries.

All of those food costs can quickly add up. When you throw in the occasional dinners out or delivery, it gets super expensive quickly. I have three kids myself, and I’m not sure who eats the most-my five-year-old daughter or my eleven-year-old son. It’s a close tie.

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How to Save Money on Groceries

Believe it or not, there are a lot of ways that you can save money on groceries. I want to share some great grocery buying tips to help you save money. Tips that I myself have used and reaped many rewards from. Saving money is great, especially when it’s on items that you absolutely have to get. This will also allow you to splurge on other things or continue saving money whether it be for an emergency fund, kids college, whatever you may want to save for.

 

Check Weekly Ads

Look online or in the newspaper for your favorite stores’ weekly ad circulars. See what’s on sale before you go and make a list based on that, minus things you absolutely have to get and are in dire need of. This also allows you to search for money-saving coupons which will help you to save even more. Most grocery stores have loyalty programs where you can use their coupons online and earn points to save on future purchases. Be sure to check with your favorite stores to find out what extra savings and programs that they offer.

 

Make a List and Budget

Base your list and budget off of your weekly meal plan. Also, use the store’s weekly ads to complete your shopping list and budget. These two things will save you time and money, you’ll definitely appreciate that you took the time to create them- if you stick to them. You can find meal plan ideas and inspiration online and in your favorite magazines.

 

Order Bulk Items Online

If you are looking for bulk snacks, household products, and items of that nature, Amazon, and Boxed have the best deals for buying those items for the best price. I like to use Prime Pantry for all my pantry items, snacks, diapers/pull-ups, and wipes. Boxed has some of the best deals for household products such as paper towels, trash bags, napkins, etcetera.

 

Get the Ibotta App 

Earn money back on purchases that you make with this useful app. It’s quick and easy (and free) to sign up. Once you create an account, simply choose your store, scan your receipt, and earn money back on items that you purchased. You can withdraw each time you reach $20 and you can also earn by referring your friends to get the app. I love it because I am getting money back on items that I needed, it’s a great feeling.

 

Meal Plan

Have in mind what meals you’ll be making for the week and shop for those items. It helps to have a game plan so that you don’t end up buying lots of junk, or items that may go bad before you even get to use them. Pinterest can be your best friend for finding inspiration for meals if you are drawing blanks or need some new ideas. You can always find fresh, new ideas this way.

 

Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry

I have made this mistake many times. When you are shopping for food while hungry, you end up buying all sorts of junk and pointless items and you can’t even focus on what you are in the store for in the first place. If you don’t have a chance to eat a full meal before you head to the grocery store, at least have a small snack to hold you over until you do.

 

Meal Prep

Prepare several meals at once and store some in the fridge and the rest in the freezer for ready meals all week long. Using the slow cooker to make larger meals is a true time saver. You could also find great use with quick-cooking appliances such as instant pots and air fryers. With all of the ways to prepare food these days, meal prepping isn’t as tedious as it used to be. Make sure that you have airtight containers to store your prepped food in.

 

Wrapping It Up

Saving money on groceries doesn’t have to involve a long, involved list. It really is quite simple to save money shopping for groceries. If you start by following these tips, you will be on a successful path to saving money while shopping for groceries. A bonus tip, try to leave the kiddos at home if you can. Kids tend to turn shopping trips into high-stress situations. They want everything, especially overpriced items, and junk food.

It’s easiest if you have your list ahead of time and make your shopping trip on your own. You’ll save time and money- trust me, those extra items add up very quickly. My favorite is when I’m checking out and start seeing all these random items, and wondering how many items that I didn’t see that tiny hands put in the cart.

 

Check out these adorable reusable canvas bags for your grocery trips.

 

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