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Saving money on groceries in 2024 can feel like a relief when you find the right strategies. With food prices going up and living costs rising, keeping your grocery bill under control might feel like a big challenge. But don’t worry—you can still enjoy good, quality meals without stretching your budget too thin. Here are some great tips to help you save money on groceries this year, making it easier to balance your busy life and keep your finances on track.
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Plan Your Meals Around Sales
Planning meals around what’s on sale at your local grocery store helps you take advantage of discounts and promotions.
Check weekly flyers or apps from your favorite stores, and build your shopping list around discounted items. If chicken is on sale, for instance, plan a few meals using chicken as the main ingredient.
Buy in Bulk (But Only When It Makes Sense)
Buying in bulk can save you money, but only if you’re purchasing items you use regularly and can store properly.
Stock up on non-perishable items like rice, pasta, and canned goods when they’re on sale. For perishables, consider whether you can freeze them or use them before they expire.
Use a Grocery Price Comparison App
Comparison apps allow you to see where the best deals are before you even leave the house.
Use apps like Flipp, Basket, or other grocery comparison tools to compare prices at different stores in your area. This can help you decide where to shop based on what’s cheapest.
Stick to Your Shopping List
Sticking to a list prevents impulse buys, which are often more expensive and unnecessary.
Create a detailed shopping list based on your meal plan for the week. If it’s not on the list, don’t buy it—unless it’s an unbeatable deal.
Opt for Store Brands
Store brands often offer the same quality as name brands but at a fraction of the cost.
Compare ingredients and nutrition labels between store brands and name brands. You’ll often find that there’s little to no difference in quality, so switching to store brands can save you money.
Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
Many stores offer loyalty programs that give you access to discounts, coupons, and cash-back rewards.
Sign up for loyalty programs at the stores where you shop most frequently. Make sure to use your loyalty card every time you shop to accumulate points or discounts.
Use Digital Coupons and Cash-Back Apps
Digital coupons and cash-back apps provide easy ways to save money without clipping paper coupons.
Download apps like Ibotta, Checkout 51, or Rakuten, which offer cash-back on groceries. Combine these with digital coupons available through your store’s app for double the savings.
Buy Seasonal and Local Produce
Seasonal and local produce is usually cheaper and fresher than out-of-season items shipped from far away.
Learn what’s in season in your area and plan your meals around these items. Visit farmers’ markets for deals on fresh, local produce.
Shop at Discount Grocery Stores
Discount stores like Aldi or Lidl often have lower prices on the same items found at bigger chains.
Make a habit of checking discount grocery stores for staples like bread, milk, and eggs, where you can often find these items significantly cheaper.
Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables
Growing your own produce can save you money and ensure you always have fresh ingredients on hand.
Start with easy-to-grow herbs like basil or mint, which can be grown in small pots on a windowsill. If you have space, consider planting a small vegetable garden with tomatoes, peppers, or lettuce.
Avoid Pre-Packaged and Processed Foods
Pre-packaged and processed foods are often more expensive than buying ingredients and making meals from scratch.
Instead of buying pre-made meals, invest a little time in meal prep. Cook in bulk and freeze portions for later use, which can also save time during busy weeks.
Use a Rebate Credit Card for Groceries
Some credit cards offer cash back or rewards points for grocery purchases.
Choose a credit card with a high cashback rate on groceries and use it to pay for your food shopping. Just be sure to pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges.
Cook in Bulk and Freeze Meals
Cooking in bulk saves money on ingredients and reduces the temptation to eat out.
Set aside time on weekends to cook large batches of food that can be portioned out and frozen. Soups, stews, and casseroles are great options that freeze well.
Avoid Shopping When Hungry
Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buys, especially unhealthy snacks.
Eat a meal or snack before heading to the grocery store. If you’re not hungry, you’re less likely to be tempted by junk food or unnecessary items.
Buy Meat Strategically
Meat is often one of the most expensive items on a grocery list, but buying in bulk or on sale can save money.
Look for sales on meat and buy in larger quantities, then divide it into portions and freeze. You can also opt for cheaper cuts of meat or consider going meatless a few days a week.
Shop the Perimeter of the Store
The perimeter of the grocery store is where you’ll find fresh produce, dairy, and meats, while the inner aisles are often stocked with pricier, processed foods.
Start your shopping trip around the edges of the store, focusing on whole foods, and only venture into the aisles for specific items on your list.
Learn to Use Leftovers Creatively
Using leftovers reduces food waste and saves money by making the most of what you’ve already bought.
Transform leftovers into new meals. For example, roast chicken can be turned into chicken salad, soup, or tacos.
Shop with a Calculator
Keeping track of your spending as you shop helps prevent sticker shock at the checkout.
Use your phone’s calculator to add up prices as you put items in your cart. This can help you stay within your budget and make adjustments if needed.
Take Advantage of Discount Days
Many stores offer additional discounts on specific days of the week or for certain groups, like seniors or students.
Find out if your local grocery store has a discount day and plan your shopping trips accordingly. Even a small percentage off can add up over time.
Join a Grocery Co-op or CSA
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs or grocery co-ops can provide fresh, local food at a lower cost.
Research local CSAs or co-ops where you can buy shares of produce or bulk items. This often supports local farmers and provides fresh, seasonal food.
Avoid Convenience Foods
Convenience foods, like pre-cut fruits or ready-made salads, come with a premium price tag.
Spend a little extra time preparing your own meals from scratch. Buy whole fruits and vegetables and do the chopping yourself.
Use Cash for Groceries
Paying with cash forces you to stick to your budget because you can only spend what you have on hand.
Withdraw a set amount of cash for groceries each week. This can help you become more mindful of your spending and avoid overspending.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on groceries in 2024 doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the quality of your meals or spending hours hunting for deals. By implementing a few of these strategies, you can keep your grocery costs down and still enjoy delicious, healthy food. Whether it’s planning meals around sales, embracing store brands, or simply shopping with a list, small changes can lead to significant savings over time. Remember, every dollar saved on groceries is a dollar that can be put towards other financial goals, like paying down debt, building an emergency fund, or saving for retirement. Happy shopping!
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