Be a Grocery Guru and Supermarket
Saver with these quick and easy budgeting tips.
1. Meal Planning: Planning out meals ahead of time can make
shopping easier and take the guessing out of what to have for dinner.
2. Spend less time at the store: The
more a person travels to the store, the more opportunities they have to buy
something on a whim. Instead of going a few times a week, try going once a
week. A list is a great tool to help reduce the number of trips and time inside
of the store.
3. Try ordering ahead of time: Many
major grocery retailers offer curbside pickup or same day delivery. By placing
an order online ahead of time it is easier to stick to a list.
4. Go generic: Generic
brands usually taste the same as the name brands but can be half the cost.
5. Shop at a discount store: Stores,
such as Aldi, have the same items as the name brand stores, but for a reduced
price. That is because customers must return their own carts, use their own bags,
bag their items, etc. The savings the store sees for having a reduced staff is
then passed back to the customer with discounted products.
6. Skip the pre-made food: Pre-made
items are more convenient, but can be more expensive. By buying the ingredients
and making it at home you will get more for your money and it will probably
taste better too!
7. Leave the pre-cut fruit: Like
pre-made foods, pre-cut fruits and vegetables will be more convenient but can
be more expensive. You get more for your money by cutting your own fruits and vegetables.
8. Check the ad: Each
week stores send out ads with their specials. Planning meals around what the
stores have discounted is a great way to save some extra cash.
9. Use coupons: Most
coupons are now digital and can be found on the store’s website or app making
it easier for consumers to use them.
10. Use an app: Did
you know there are apps out there that will pay you to shop? Ibotta, Shopkick,
Fetch Rewards and Savingstar are just a few. The cash back rewards are usually less
than a dollar, but it adds up quickly.
These may
seem like simple changes, but they can add up to big savings over time. For
more savings ideas check out our blog. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and
Instagram, @RivervalleyCU.
Happy savings!