If grocery bills are eating away too much of your budget, there may be small changes you can make to get more bang for your buck. Planning meals ahead of time, making a shopping list and knowing how to find deals could help you shop smarter and avoid the temptation of adding extra snacks to your cart in the checkout line.
If your budget is tight because you’re juggling multiple debts, it may be helpful to consider debt consolidation as well. A debt consolidation loan can help you roll your debts into a single loan with one monthly payment that’s often smaller than what you were paying before.
But regardless of why your budget is tight, these shopping strategies can help you make the most of every grocery run.
Know your budget
If you want spend less on groceries, decide on your budget before you leave for the store. If you shop online for delivery or pickup, you’ll be able to see the prices as you add them to your cart. If you’re shopping in person, consider using your phone’s calculator or an app to add up costs as you go through the store. That way, there won’t be any surprises when you check out.
Meal plan in advance
Thinking through your meals ahead of time is a great way to buy only what you need and what you know you’ll use. Pre-planning your meals and snacks can also help you make sure you always have food available, so you’ll be less tempted to order delivery or dine out.
Keeping a list of your favorite go-to meals in your phone or on the refrigerator could help inspire you throughout the week and can be used as a starting point for your grocery list.
Making time to meal prep over the weekend is often helpful to set yourself up for the rest of the week, but choose whatever day makes the most sense for you. And remember you don’t just have to prep for the week ahead — you could always make a large batch of something you enjoy, then freeze it in individual portions for easy use later.
Make a shopping list
The best way to stay on track with grocery shopping is to make a list ahead of time. You can even keep a running list of groceries on your phone or in your kitchen and add to it as the week goes on.
Double-check which food items you already have in your kitchen, what you’ve run out of and what you need for the days ahead. Think about food that you can prepare and freeze or refrigerate ahead of time. Items like frozen vegetables, fruits and meats should last longer and are often less expensive than buying those items fresh.
One important tip if you’re shopping in person: Eat before you go to the store if you can. Shopping on an empty stomach is a recipe for buying snacks that aren’t on your list!
Look for other ways to cut costs
There are a number of ways you can save on groceries, including:
- Compare prices across different brands. Generic store brands are often a more affordable option for packaged goods like cereals, canned goods and condiments. You can compare the cost of items online before you get to the store or do it in person.
- Bulk-buy items you use over and over. Buying in bulk isn’t just convenient, it’s also often more cost-effective for everyday items. Just make sure you’ll actually use the items you’re buying in bulk. Stock up on your must-haves, such as paper towels, toilet paper and shelf-stable pantry goods.
- Subscribe to grocery store emails. Stores will often email ads and coupons highlighting weekly or monthly grocery deals or specials. You might also be able to find coupons and deals in your store’s app. Many stores also offer loyalty programs you can join that will give you additional discounts.
Try online ordering for pickup
Some grocery stores allow you to order your groceries online before you get to the store. The groceries will be ready for you to pick up, and you’ll have fewer opportunities to be tempted by additional items that aren’t on your list.
If you prefer to shop in person, going to the store early in the morning or later in the evening might help you avoid the crowds during peak hours and give you a better chance to snap up items with the best prices.
Plan ahead for peace of mind
Cutting your grocery bill can feel overwhelming. By planning ahead, keeping a list and sticking to your budget, you could speed up your shopping, spend less and feel more motivated to turn your groceries into delicious meals.
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