Food prices are getting higher, and people are struggling. A box of cereal that used to be $2 is now $7. Cans of beans are now more than $4 in some areas. So the question becomes, what can we do to make this more affordable so we can feed our families? How much do we have to go without? With our tips, no one will go hungry, and you’ll be able to shop with ease!
Coupon
A lot of people don’t bother with couponing because they think it takes too much time. Once you get used to doing it, though, it doesn’t take that much time. It’s worth every second because once you start couponing, you can get food and household goods for free or incredibly cheap. Families can now get cereal for less than $2, shampoo, toothpaste, and household goods for less than $1, and it gives you wiggle room in your budget.
Stop Food Waste
America is the land of excessive food waste. It’s been suggested that families spend over $2,000 each year on food that goes straight to the trash because it doesn’t get eaten. The first thing we can do to combat this and lower our food budgets at the same time is to look at what we already have and ensure that we’re eating it. That cuts down on your waste, but also on your shopping because you’ll be going less.
Make A List
When you’re going shopping, look around your house and make a list of the things you already have. Then come up with a list of things you need. This ensures that you don’t buy things you already have. It’s a good way to ensure you stick to your budget and avoid making impulse decisions because you’re reminding yourself to stick to the list.
Don’t Shop Hungry
We’re all guilty of this one, but the problem is, when you’re hungry, you tend to buy more. You get enticed by the delicious bakery smells or see the prepared food, and go for that because your body is telling you it needs food now. When you’re hungry, you’re also more likely to get something from the checkout like a bag of chips or water because you think it can tide you over until you can eat again, which costs you more money.
Pay Attention
Focus is key when you shop. You need to actively pay attention to the prices and the sizes of items to ensure you’re getting the best deal. The price on that box of pasta might seem to be good, but if the sizes have gone down, you’re paying more. You also need to pay attention to the deals going on. For instance, “10 for 10” doesn’t mean you have to get ten of that item. You can get one or two and still pay the sales price.
How Fast You Use Things
Knowing how fast you “burn” through items also helps. You should know how much you use and how quickly, so that you can stock up while it’s on sale. Couponing helps in this area because you can make a stockpile, and then you don’t need to buy these things because you have them. Another tip is to think about your fridge and freezer space. If you have enough for a couple of $5 chickens, you’ll have at least three or four meals, depending on the size of your family.
Use Different Stores
While this will cost you gas, it can save you a lot of money. If you like deals that one store has on meat and milk, but they have terrible fruit and vegetable prices, don’t get your vegetables there. Instead, go to a store that has a lower price. Keeping your prices as low as possible is going to help save you the most money possible.
Become A Rewards Member
Almost every store has a rewards program because they want you to shop with them and not anyone else. Become a rewards member to get their sales prices, and you’ll automatically have lower prices when shopping at certain stores. Some of these stores will also put additional coupons on your card or even send them to your home so that you can have additional savings. You can also save on gas with the rewards programs, so it’s a win.
Sales Cycles
Stores have sales all the time, and once you get into the habit of knowing when things are going to be on sale, you’ll be shopping smarter. For instance, during summer, spices, sauces, and BBQ foods all go on sale; after holidays, candy is rampant; during the New Year, healthy food is on sale; and so on. If you want to find the best price, learn the cycles. Another tip is to take advantage of your store’s clearance section; a lot of the time, you can find exceptional items for less than half the price.
Know How You Like To Shop
Online or in person? That is the question. If you prefer shopping online, it’s more convenient, but the services and subscriptions can be more costly. However, the coupon codes you get online could make it cheaper. Like shopping in person, though, the urge to impulse buy is strong, and you have to fight it if you want to save money. Knowing your personal shopping style and the tricks stores use can end up saving you hundreds.
Meal Planning
If you haven’t jumped on this bandwagon, it can actually help. There are a couple of different ways to do this. Some families decide to plan out their meals for a month (all 90 meals and snacks) and write them on a board so their family can see it and get on board with it. Others buy everything they need for a week and cook everything in advance to save on food waste and have something that’s convenient. Whichever option you choose, it will help save you money.
Buy In Bulk
When you buy in bulk, be aware of the sizing and check unit prices to make sure you’re not wasting money. Apart from that, buying in bulk can be a great way to save money and work toward a stockpile so you don’t have to spend as much. The reason to pay attention to bulk price, however, is that it may not be the best deal. For instance, oats can be cheaper in a smaller package with the unit price than bulk options in certain stores. Knowing this and actively looking for these discrepancies is key to smart shopping.
Avoid Most Prepared Food
We say most because the prepared chickens are usually cheap, and they can provide multiple meals. However, the other options are usually marked up so that you’re spending far more than you think, when the store has the exact ingredients and items for far cheaper if you do the work yourself. In the end, it’s not worth the price you’ll have to pay unless you can genuinely find a good deal.
Go Meatless
If you love your meat, we’re not saying give it up entirely. Just one or two nights a week. It’ll end up saving you quite a bit as meat gets expensive. Not to mention that there are tons of delicious vegan and vegetarian options out there to choose from. For example, some black beans, tomato sauce, spices, and other ingredients can make a mouthwatering and cheap meal for an alternative chili.
Cheaper Stores
With the rise of social media telling us we should be shopping at certain stores, it can be hard to resist going to a more expensive store. But the thing is, if you don’t have the budget to be paying $8 for a can of vegetables, then shopping at a cheaper store might be the best solution. Shop where you can and save the expensive store for when you have the budget, if they have things you genuinely want.
Shopping With A Budget
When you’re trying to save on groceries and keep to a budget, it’s not always easy to find solutions that will meet your needs. With these tips, though, you’ll be shopping smarter, understanding what your family needs, and having a better experience, while not falling for supermarket tactics that make you spend more.
