Posted: September 24, 2024
As summer winds down and the busy school year approaches, it’s even more important to examine your budget and note where you can save—particularly on groceries, which only seem to increase in price. Eating at home is still the best way to save money on food, but what are some other grocery shopping tips to save money this fall?
- Make a list and check it twice
Before heading off to the grocery store, inventory what you have on hand in your refrigerator and pantry, which will help prevent purchasing items you already have. (Four jars of salsa anyone?) Then, write down what you still need from the store and—this is the most important part—stick to your list. Avoiding impulse purchases will help you save, and every little bit counts.
- Plan your meals
Once a week, sit down and plan your upcoming meals. What will the kids need for school lunches? Will you have any leftovers that you can eat for lunch during the workday? Do your recipes have any ingredients in common that you can buy together and use up during the week? Planning your meals means buying fewer ingredients, which not only saves money, but reduces food waste.
- Price check to save
One of the easiest ways to maximize your grocery budget is by comparing prices. Check prices at different grocery stores, as well as between name-brand and generic items. While we can’t deny that the name-brand versions of some products are worth the cost, many generics offer the same quality at a lower cost, making it a smart swap for your budget.
- Clip coupons
These days, most people get their news online. But if there’s one thing the Sunday newspaper is still good for, it’s coupons. Clip coupons for the items you think you might need that week and take them with you when you shop. Remember, it’s still important to compare prices; a name-brand item with a coupon might still be more expensive than a generic item. And a buy-one-get-one offer might seem like a good deal, but will you use double the amount of a particular item? If buying a newspaper isn’t your thing, that’s OK—some manufacturers send coupons in the mail and grocery stores often have digital versions on their websites.
- Online shopping
Most grocery stores offer consumers the option to buy their groceries online and pick them up in the store. This can have its pros and cons; you may not find the size you’re looking for online, and opt to buy a larger product for more money. But it can also help you stick to your list. Add all of your items to your cart and check the total; then, decide which items you actually need, and which were “nice-to-haves.” It’s much easier than getting up to the checkout and being surprised by the total.
- Figure out your "burn rate"
Your “burn rate” is the rate at which you use up products. If you can figure out how often you go through a particular item, you can start to plan when you will need to purchase that in the future.
- Stock up
It’s tough to stock up on perishables, but all is fair in pantry and freezer items. Try not to go overboard, but if there’s a buy-one-get-one-free sale on your favorite shampoo, take advantage. After all, you’ll use it eventually, and it helps to save you a few bucks. Stocking up can save money if you do it right.
- Unlock savings with credit card and store rewards
Look at what your credit card offers and see where you might benefit: Explore WaterStone Bank credit cards that offer rewards or cash-back programs when you use your card to shop for groceries. Some grocery stores also have their own rewards programs and offer money off on gasoline. Do your homework and start saving!
- Mix and match for maximum savings
It’s convenient to do all your shopping at one store, but if you can, consider shopping at a few different places. Stock up on basics and pantry items at bargain stores, take advantage of the weekly sales at your local supermarket, and reserve the upscale market for your favorite specialty items. If you have the time and you’re willing to make a few extra stops, your wallet will thank you.
- Invest in a wholesale membership
It’s no surprise that wholesalers like Costco and Sam’s Club offer items in bulk for lower prices. This is particularly appealing for families, who go through items more quickly than singles and couples. If you have the room to store extra items, it may be worth it to sign up for a membership. You might pay a little bit more for a large quantity of toilet paper at Costco than you would at Target, but it’ll last longer and you won’t have to re-purchase it as often, saving you money in the long run.
- Shop on sale
Check your mail for grocery store fliers and figure out what’s on sale that particular week. Just remember to check expiration dates, especially on things like meat, seafood, dairy and eggs. It’s also smart to keep an eye on sale cycles. For example, you’ll get a great deal on candy the week after Halloween. Take advantage of the clearance sales and stock up on items you can use later.
Happy shopping!
