Next to your rent or mortgage payment, food is probably your biggest expense. Don’t believe me? For the next 30 days, track every nickel you spend to feed your face, then tell me it doesn’t add up to one boatload of cash-ola.
Every dollar you don’t spend on food is a dollar you get to keep for something else—like knocking down that student loan or padding your savings account. That dollar has already been taxed, and you don’t have to wait for it to appear in some future paycheck. It’s yours, right here, right now.
So how do you keep more of those dollars in your pocket? Here’s a snappy collection of grocery-shopping tricks that may not be new but have surely been forgotten by most of us.
1. Don’t Shop Hungry
One study found that hungry shoppers spend up to 60 percent more—and not just on food. You'd be better off grabbing a donut from the bakery section to curb your hunger before you shop. Just don’t forget to pay for it!2. Shop With a List
Stick to it as much as humanly possible, but be flexible enough to swap items if a better deal pops up.3. Plan Your List Based on Sales
Check your store’s weekly ad (flyer or website) and build your meal plan around what’s on sale.4. Go For the Loss Leaders
These are the deeply discounted items designed to lure you into the store. When they’re that cheap, stock up!5. Time Your Trip Wisely
Avoid shopping at the beginning of the month and right before holidays. Stores tend to raise prices when they know the crowds—especially seniors and other who get monthly checks—are coming.6. Know Your Prices
Keep a written record of the regular price per unit for items you buy most often. That way, you'll know whether a sale is actually a bargain or just clever marketing.7. Buy in Season
Fruits and veggies are at their best quality—and lowest price—when they’re in season.8. Shop With Cash
Bring only what you’ve budgeted for this trip. If you stumble across a fabulous bargain and don’t have enough, you can always go back. Shopping with cash keeps you from overspending—studies show that when you use plastic, you spend 30 percent more. That’s a financial leak worth plugging!9. Track Your Spending As You Shop
Use your phone or a pocket calculator to keep a running total of what’s in your cart. No surprises at checkout!10. Stick to Two or Three Stores
Rotating between your cheapest local stores lets you grab different loss leaders and real bargains.11. Shop at Larger Stores
Bigger stores often have lower prices thanks to volume discounts.12. Find a Bakery Outlet
These discount stores can have amazing deals—if you have the willpower to resist impulse buys.13. Check Out Salvage Stores
Dented cans and mislabels can mean major savings. Just inspect items carefully.14. Buy in Bulk (But Not Too Much)
If you can’t use it before it goes bad, it’s not a bargain.15. Don’t Overfill Your Storage
A year’s worth of toilet paper is great—if you have the space for it.16. Do the Math on Coupons
A sale price without a coupon is often cheaper than the regular price with one.17. Be Selective With Coupons and Sales
Only buy it if you actually need it, not just because it’s on sale.18. Always Check Expiration Dates
Grab the freshest option whenever possible.19. Consider Store Brands
Most of the time, they’re identical to the name brands—just with a lower price tag.20. Shop Solo
Distractions (kids, spouses, friends) can cost you.21. Make Friends in the Store
Your regular presence could mean early markdowns from the produce, bakery, or meat department.22. Look High and Low
Expensive brands are placed at eye level on purpose. Check the top and bottom shelves for better deals.23. Skip Nonfood Items at the Grocery Store
Cleaning supplies, paper goods and greeting cards are usually cheaper elsewhere.24. Avoid Individual Sized Packages
Buy the bigger size and divide portions at home.25. Avoid Convenience Foods
Pre-cut fruit, shredded cheese and pre-mixed seasoning blends cost way more than their whole counterparts.26. Wait for Sales
A national brand on sale is usually cheaper than a store brand at regular price.27. Learn Your Store’s Sales Cycles
Most grocery stores operate on a 12-week sale cycle. If you notice a pattern, buy enough during the sale to last until the next one.Final Thought
Stick to these tips, eat out less, and I promise you'll see big savings in no time. Your grocery bill might just shrink faster than a cheap T-shirt in hot water!Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to [email protected].
