Unlock 5 Useful Ways To Save Money Grocery Shopping
Look no further than these five ways to save extra money at the grocery store!
One of my favorite things to do is grocery shopping and cooking.
I'd rather cook a meal at home than spend money eating out.
I know that the meal will be healthier, more cost-effective, and I can control the ingredients.
Here are five strategies I use to save extra money at the grocery store. You can use them on your next trip to the grocery store.
1. Problem: Skipping Loyalty Programs Means No Discounts
Stores give members exclusive deals.
You pay full price for products when you never sign up for store cards.
Solution: Always Use Free Store Membership Cards
Sign up for the store's membership card, where you regularly shop.
Kroger has Kroger Plus. Walmart has Walmart Rewards. Target has Target Circle.
Store cards give you instant discounts!
Don't forget to check the store's app or website for sales!
You can often get discount gas when you sign up for a grocery store membership card.
Why Does This Matter?
A store's membership program can save you $5 to $15 per trip.
That's $720 a year that you can save using a membership card!
Invest that $720 in the stock market to start to build a stock portfolio.
2. Problem: Bottled Water Is A Waste Of Money
A $3 bottle of water is more expensive than your tap water at home.
You're paying for the plastic, branding, and marketing.
Drinking a $3 bottle of water each day quickly adds up.
Solution: Use A Filter And A Reusable Bottle
Use a Brita or Pur filter to make your tap water taste great.
Refill a stainless steel bottle or your favorite cup.
Why Does This Matter?
Ditching drinking bottled water daily saves you $1,080 a year.
You could invest that money into a Roth IRA to save for your retirement.
3. Problem: Shopping At Peak Times Means Fewer Deals
Grocery stores tend to have crowds on weekends.
Stores don't need discounts to get shoppers into the store.
You'll find fewer deals depending on the day of the week you shop.
Solution: Shop Early Morning Or Weeknights
The best days to shop at grocery stores are Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the morning or evening.
Grocery stores typically list their best markdowns at the start and middle of the week to attract more customers to the store.
Avoid weekends since there are fewer sales at grocery stores.
Why Does This Matter?
Shopping during quiet times means you can get more sales.
You can buy the freshest produce, meat, and products you're shopping for.
You can get in and out of the store quicker to decrease impulse spending.
4. Problem: You're Paying More By Not Price Matching
Walmart and Target will price-match competitors' lower prices.
If you find a lower price at another store, you can present the price to the cashier at checkout to receive the lower price.
Solution: Show A Cheaper Ad At Checkout
Keep current grocery store ads on your phone.
When you find something that is cheaper elsewhere while you're shopping, make a note of the item.
Politely ask the cashier if they can price match for you at checkout.
Why Does This Matter?
Price matching saves you gas money. You don't have to drive to another store.
Depending on the item types and the number of items you have, you could save $5 to $20 per trip.
That's extra money that you can save in a high-interest money market account to earn more money from interest each month.
5. Problem: Not Using Cashback Apps Misses Free Money
Use apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch.
These apps pay you for groceries you already need to buy.
Solution: Scan Receipts For Cash Back
You can earn cash back using apps:
Ibotta: Gives you money back on brands you already buy.
Rakuten: Get money back via PayPal or receive a check for your shopping purchases.
Fetch: Earn gift cards for scanning your receipts.
Why Does This Matter?
Using cashback apps can put an extra $250 a year back into your bank account.
You could invest that money in index funds to build wealth!
Read Next
Summary
The next time you grocery shop, follow these five steps to save extra money at the store.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational, entertainment, and informational purposes only. This is not business, financial, investment, or any advice. I write online about topics that interest me. I make mistakes just like everyone else. Always consult a professional before making health, life, finances, investments, taxes, or legal matters.
good read.