10 Ways to Cut Costs at the Grocery Store

Hello Fellow Broke Galaxians,

Getting your financial lives in order can feel like a giant monster that is out of control. One problem many families have is that of that monthly grocery budget. A few dollars here and a few dollars spent there can quickly spiral out of control and all the sudden your money is gone-gone-gone. So how do you tame that Monster? Maybe these tips will help. 

1. Grocery Store Reward Cards.

Many grocery stores have free membership cards that offer awards, cash-back or coupons. They even offer occasional sweepstakes and promotional offers. It pays to sign up and use them at stores you frequent.

2. Go alone.

One way I lose money or overspend is when shopping is a family activity. Everyone is indiscriminately adding to the cart. They cannot leave that store without that one item they absolutely cannot live without. Chances are, family members weren't even thinking of buying it until they saw it on the shelf. The Marketing Science Institute notes that the amount of these unplanned purchases can significantly skyrocket when kids or the spouse comes along on the shopping trip--so go alone.

3. Go armed with a list and don't buy anything not on the list.

By preplanning your trip, you avoid any unnecessary spending. Also, you will know which store offers the best deals on each item. By knowing exactly what you need, you will be less likely to add extra items to the cart. 

4. Buy in Bulk.

Buying in bulk only works if the item costs less in bulk and if you will definitely use the items bought. A good deal is only a good deal if you will use what you buy. Bring a calculator and know how much a roll of toilet paper costs in lower quantities before you buy 30 rolls in bulk at a higher price. If you're afraid of food going bad before you use it, research how to store it. As long as you store the items correctly (out of sunlight and properly sealed), they should last a long time and be there when you're ready to use them.

5. Buy Generic.

It pays to try generic brands. For the most part, there isn't a marked difference between generic and brand names. Sometimes the food is processed in the same plant and the only difference is marketing and packaging. If the family complains about their brand name cereal, try storing it in a plastic container--out of sight out of mind.

6. Buy Sale Items in Bulk.

Look at the sales fliers each week. Grocery stores offer what they call loss leaders which is designed to lure you in with cheap prices. They make their money off the other items you buy that aren't on sale. Stock up on loss leader items and you'll save. 

Don't bypass the produce isle without seeing what is starting to ripen. Sometimes bananas go on sale and I snap them up. I use bananas for banana bread and in my morning smoothies. Peel the bananas and store them, three at a time, in freezer bags. They will be there when you're ready to use them. I ounce found a sale on carrots, bought several bags and pressure canned them. It's extra work, but by processing sale foods you will have them when you need them and them at a discount.

7. Use Coupons.

There's a show on television that shows how people extreme couponing. Sometimes they buy a couple hundred dollars of groceries for very little. Most of us don't want to put in the time to do extreme couponing, but you can still save quite a bit of money with them. 

Coupons can be found in many places--on sales fliers, in the newspaper, on the internet, and by signing up for coupon sites. By investing a little bit of time, you should be able to save a lot of money by doing this. Be sure to watch for the expiration date and if the coupon rules. You may end up buying two items to take advantage of the coupon and it may not save you as much money as you think. Some stores will allow you to double your coupon value, but be sure to ask first. You will want to make the most of your money. 

Coupons can also be found at Internet sites such as redplum.com, queenoffree.net, and smartsource.com.

8. Sign up for Saving Apps.

By downloading an App, you may be able to find the best price for an item or even receive cash back on something you've bought. It may pay to check out sites such as Ibotta, Shopmium, Checkout51, Groupon Snap, and Saving Star. Some Apps pay you in coins that you can redeem for cash, while others pay with PayPal or gift cards. Either way, saving money will definitely put a smile on your face.

9. Buy Groceries on the Internet.

Sometimes you can find grocery items on Amazon that cost less than the local grocery store. I've ordered food from Wal-Mart and had it shipped to my door free. When we want to use pecans in holiday cooking, we sometimes find cheaper prices online with free shipping from vendors. More now than ever before companies are offering grocery delivery services. In some cities you can have it delivered within a few hours of ordering. However, if saving money is your game, you will need to know the price per ounce you normally pay for something to ensure you're getting the best deal.

10. Shop the Scratch and Dent Sales.

There are usually shelves or carts at the grocery store that have discontinued or dented items. This is a great area to find bargains. Be sure to check that all packaging is not compromised, meaning that it is still sealed. use good judgment because slightly dented cans are usually fine, but cans with severe dents may have a damaged seal that can lead to contaminated food. Grocery stores that have a bakery usually sell day-old bread at a discount that you can store in your freezer for a later date.

With a few tweaks to your buying habits and a little research and preparation, buying groceries doesn't have to kill your budget.

So, my fellow Broke Galaxians--Go Forth and Save $$$.

Peace Peeps,

Broke Girl