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Are you tired of your high grocery bill every month? Are you feeling like you can’t seem to stick to a budget? You’re not alone! A lot of people have a hard time with this.

But don’t worry, I’ve got some tips to help you out. In this blog post, we will discuss ways that you can lower your grocery bill and budget.

I will give you some tips on how to save money on groceries so that you can keep more money in your pocket!

1.Meal plan

One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to plan your meals. This may seem like a lot of work, but it will pay off in the long run.

By taking the time to plan your meals, you can make sure that you are only buying what you need.

This will help you save money on groceries because you won’t be buying unnecessary budget-breaking items. I promise you it is still possible to save money on food and eat healthily.

Make a list

Another way to save money on groceries is to make a list before you go shopping. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to stick to your list.

When you make a list, you are less likely to impulse buy items that you don’t need. This will help you stay within your budget and save money on groceries.

Some other reasons why your grocery bill or budget may be too expensive is because you are buying too much food. If you have a lot of food in your house, chances are that you will end up eating it all and not wasting any of it.

To avoid this, try to only buy what you need for each meal. This way, you will not have any extra food that will go to waste. Hence, the list. Do not shop without a list!

Stick to your list to reduce impulse shopping

Shopping on impulse is one of the worst things you can do when trying to save money on groceries. With no plan, you have absolutely no idea what your total bill will be at checkout.

You are also very likely to purchase items that will go to waste as well. So, it’s important to stick to your list when you are grocery shopping. This will help you save money and stay within your budget.

Divide your shopping list into categories

One way to make sure that you stick to your list is to divide it into categories. This will help you stay organized and on track while you’re shopping. For example, create a list that has the following categories:

• -Fruits and vegetables (produce)
• -Meat
• -Dairy
• -Bakery
• -Cans and Jars
• -Other packaged food items
• -Frozen
• Take a pen or pencil with you to the store

Cross off items as you put them in your cart. This will help you keep track of what you’ve already bought and prevent you from buying duplicates.

It can also help you to save time since you won’t have to scan repeatedly through your list to see which items you have and have not placed into your cart.

Every time I forget to bring a pen or pencil with me to the store I always, without fail, take much longer than I should have.

2.Comparison shop

You may not realize it, but the grocery store that you shop at can make a big difference in how much you spend on groceries. Some stores are more expensive than others, so it’s important to compare prices.

You may be surprised at how much money you can save by shopping around. So, if you’re looking to save money, be willing to take the time to compare prices at 2-3 stores.

It’s also important to know when to shop. Some stores have sales or discounts on certain days of the week. If you are able to plan your shopping around these sales, you can save a lot of money.

For example, if you know that your local grocery store has a sale on chicken every Tuesday, make sure to buy chicken on that day. This way, you’ll be getting it at a discounted price and saving money!

Use store apps to comparison shop

Nowadays, almost every store has some sort of app that you can use to save money. By downloading the app and using it when you shop, you can take advantage of sales and coupons.

This is an easy way to save money because all you have to do is show the cashier the coupon on your phone.

You can also use apps to compare prices between stores. This way, you can make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible!

Anytime I prepare to grocery shop, I first make a list, then open up my two most used store apps and compare the prices at each location. Then I am able to decide what items I want to buy at each store.

Some of the best grocery shopping apps in my area:

• Kroger– Kroger has a great app that allows you to load digital coupons onto your account. You can also use the app to create a shopping list so that you know exactly what you need to buy before you go into the store.
• Walmart– The Walmart app is great for comparison shopping. You can use the app to scan items and see how much they cost at Walmart in comparison to other stores. This is a great way to make sure that you’re getting the best deal!
• Target– Target has an awesome app that allows you to shop from home and have your groceries delivered right to your door. They also have a feature where you can order ahead and pick up your groceries in-store. This is great if you’re short on time.
• Publix– Publix has a great app that allows you to load digital coupons onto your account. You can also use the app to create a shopping list so that you know exactly what you need to buy before you go into the store. By following these tips, you can save money on groceries and lower your grocery bill or budget.

3.Only buy what is on sale

Another way to save money on groceries is to only buy what is on sale. This may seem like a difficult task, but it’s actually quite simple. When you’re at the store, only purchase items that are on sale.

This will help you stay within your budget and save money on groceries. At times this may mean you need to adjust your list or your meals according to the sales. If a lot of what you planned to buy turned out to be high-ticket items, make the shift and find some alternatives.

Frequently I have come across closeout sales or markdowns on various food items. So long as it still looks fresh and has an expiration date that is still long enough, I make sure to snag it because these items never last very long!

4.Buy in bulk

Another great way to save money is to buy in bulk. This may not always be possible, but if you have the space to store items, it can really help you out. Buying in bulk can help you get discounts and save money in the long run.

This can be a great way to save money on staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods too. Just make sure that you are only buying what you need so that your food doesn’t end up in the trash!

Break down meat into smaller portions

Meat is a great item to buy in bulk when the prices are right. It definitely can take time to break down the meat into the right portions, package, seal, and store. However, when it comes to price per pound, it tends to almost always be a better deal.

Anytime I come across chicken breast at $1.99/pound or less I buy a large quantity of it. It is not too often that I have ever seen the price go lower than that. Once I get home, I open up the large packages, cut off the excess fat, and cut the chicken breast into the portion sizes I want them to be in. Then it is time to freeze.

Freeze it for later

Freezing your meats or produce will allow you to have them available for much longer than their typical shelf life. I find that the best use for frozen fruits is in smoothies, jams, jellies, and even snacks.

Frozen vegetables can easily be reheated and eaten with any meal. They can also be useful in smoothies. Freezing your own foods can save you money, as well as time and energy in the long run.

5.Opt for frozen meats or produce when fresh is too expensive

Frozen meats and produce are often just as good as the fresh stuff, but at a fraction of the price. So, if you’re looking to save money on groceries, consider buying frozen instead of fresh. Frozen vegetables are a great way to add nutrients to your diet without breaking the bank.

They will store for long periods of time in your freezer and still taste just as delicious when you are ready to eat them. Frozen fruits are perfect for smoothies, pies, and other desserts.

Although it takes slightly more preparation, frozen meats can be significantly less expensive.

Just be sure to thaw them out ahead of time so they won’t be dry or tough when cooked. You can also cook frozen meats low and slow to keep them moist and juicy as well.

So, next time you’re at the store, be sure to check out the frozen aisle!

6.Be willing to buy store-brand items.

Oftentimes, store brands are just as good as name-brand items, but they cost less. Compare prices and see if there is a significant difference before you decide whether or not to buy the store brand item.

Don’t be afraid of generic or no-name products. These products are usually just as good as the name-brand product, but they cost less.

So next time you’re at the store, be sure to check out the generic brand options and see if they’re right for you. You might be surprised at how much money you can save!

7.Do not shop when you are hungry

If you shop when you are hungry, you are more likely to buy items that you do not need. It is best to eat a meal or a snack before you go grocery shopping. This will help you to stay focused on buying the items that you need and not the items that you want.

Shopping hungry is likely to drive you to make decisions based on temporary cravings rather than the nutritious value of the food.

This will only mean you’re likely to get hungry sooner and consume more calories than you should. Needing more food also means spending more money than you wanted to for the day.

Eat a healthy snack or meal before you go grocery shopping. Don’t let your stomach do the talking!

8.Grocery pickup

Grocery pickup and delivery can be a great way to save time and money. You can avoid the temptation of buying things you don’t need when you’re at the store, and you can also take advantage of sales and discounts.

Many stores offer grocery pickup or delivery, so be sure to check and see if your favorite store offers this service.

It is also helpful to know exactly what your total is at checkout. This way you are able to make adjustments as you go and there is no excuse for going out of your budget.

Some stores even offer a discount if you do a grocery pickup.

9.Shop your pantry and freezer

Before you go grocery shopping, take inventory of what you have in your pantry and freezer. This way you can make a list of items that you need to supplement what you already have.

It is also a good idea to write down how much of each item you need so that you do not overbuy.

Checking your pantry and freezer before going grocery shopping can help you save money by avoiding duplicate purchases.

It will also help you make a more accurate grocery list so that you don’t end up buying things that you don’t need.

10.Find alternative ways to cut costs and save money

Couponing

Coupons are a great way to save money on groceries. You can find coupons online, in newspapers, and even at the store. Be sure to check for coupons before you go shopping so that you can take advantage of all the savings!

Paper coupons

The best source I have found for paper coupons has been BQsavings.com. There you can order as many coupons inserts as you would like. You can put yourself on a subscription to have them sent every week or select only the ones that you want.

This is especially useful if you don’t have a Sunday paper readily available to you. Her prices are reasonable, even with inflation, and it includes the cost of shipping.

The best part is you can view exactly what coupons are in each insert ahead of time to help you determine exactly how many copies of each one you would like to order.

Digital coupons

Many companies and even stores are making their coupons just as easily available digitally as they once were on paper. Kroger’s digital coupons have saved me loads of money.

Especially when also paired with their Mega sales deals. Just be sure to clip these coupons before you head to the register, or you will miss out on the savings.

If you are unsure whether a product has a digital coupon or not, open up the app, scan the barcode, and if a digital coupon is available, it will automatically pull up for you.

Printable coupons

Another great way of saving money with coupons is by printing them out from the internet. Websites like Coupons.com offer a wide variety of printable coupons that can be used at most grocery stores.

All you have to do is select the coupons you want, print them out, and take them with you when you go shopping. It’s that easy!

Discount cards

Many stores offer discount cards or loyalty programs that give you access to exclusive deals and savings. For example, my local grocery store offers a card that gives me discounts on gas as well as groceries.

If you shop at a particular store frequently, it definitely pays to sign up for their loyalty program!

My all-time favorite at the moment is Kroger’s fuel points program. Depending on how much you spend in the store, you can earn anywhere from one to four points per gallon.

Each point is equivalent to $0.10 off per gallon, so if you fill up a 20-gallon tank, that’s $0.20 to $0.80 off per gallon!

They allow you do this up to $1.00 off per gallon up to 35 gallons in one transaction. So, the more points you have, the cheaper your gas will be! This definitely comes in handy, especially when gas prices are high.

My advice, take more than one vehicle at a time to fill up during the same transaction so you can maximize your savings and use as much of the 35-gallon allotment as possible.

Rebate apps

Another great way to save money on groceries is to shop around for deals. There are many websites and apps that can help you find good deals on food.

You can also sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores so that you can be alerted when they have sales or coupons. The following are some common rebate apps you can get started on quickly.

Ibotta

Ibotta is a great way to get cash back on groceries and other items that you purchase. All you have to do is download the app, select the offers that you want, go shopping, and then scan your receipt. It’s that easy!

They often have bonuses for redeeming certain offers, so be sure to check those out before you shop. I’ve gotten as much as $20 back in one trip! Ibotta also will throw bonus offers into the mix which can give you additional savings as well.

It is pretty common for me to redeem Walmart gift cards through Ibotta in $50 quantities. Although it takes some planning ahead and paying attention to the small print, it can be a fantastic way to rack in some additional savings.

I then turn around and use those gift cards on my future groceries and redeem even more Ibotta rebates. It becomes a wash, rinse, repeat cycle.

Checkout 51

Checkout 51 is very similar to Ibotta, but they don’t always offer cash back. Sometimes they will give you points that can be used towards gift cards or discounts on future purchases. But either way, it’s a great way to save money!

Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards is a bit different than the other rebate apps, but it’s still a great way to save money. With Fetch, you just scan your grocery receipts from ANY store and you earn points. This goes for gas stations, fast food, grocery stores, the shoes you just bought, your receipt for getting your hair done, etc.

If it has a location name (store or business), date, and a purchase total you can scan it! These points can then be redeemed for gift cards. They often have bonus offers as well, so that you can earn even more points. They change frequently so keep your eyes peeled.

I’ve found that the best way to redeem my points is through PayPal, as it has the highest value per point. Then just like my other rebate apps, I roll my rebate money back into future grocery purchases.

Shopkick

Shopkick is a great way to get rewards just for walking into stores! All you have to do is download the app and turn on your location services.

Then, when you walk into certain stores, you will automatically earn points. You can also earn points for scanning items and making purchases. These points can be redeemed for gift cards or discounts at certain stores.

Coupons.com

This website is a great resource for printable coupons. Simply visit coupons.com on your computer or download the app to see high-value coupons that can be used on a variety of items, not just groceries.

Be sure to check back frequently as the selection does change and there are usually new offers available. You can also sign up for their email list to get updates when new coupons are added.

If you are not able to print out coupons, or you simply forget to do so, do not worry! You can scan your receipt and items into the app and claim your rebate as if you had printed the coupon.

Happy couponing!

So, there you have it! These are just a few of the ways that I save money on groceries and other household expenses. By using a combination of all of these methods, I am able to save hundreds of dollars each month.

By following these tips, you can easily lower your grocery bill and budget without having to make too many sacrifices. Just remember to take advantage of digital coupons, rebate apps, printable coupons, and loyalty cards to maximize your savings. And don’t forget to shop around for the best deals too!

These are just a few of the ways that you can lower your grocery bill and budget. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to saving money on groceries! Do you have any tips that we didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments below!

I’m always looking for new ways to save.