How to Save Money on Groceries
Food can take up a large chunk of your monthly expenses, so follow our tips to save money on groceries.
Four Tips to Save Money on Groceries
Stick to Your List
Develop a list of the items needed to prepare your meals for the week. Having a clear idea of how much food you’ll need to buy will cut costs on unnecessary items. Break your list into categories: fruits, vegetables, nonperishables, frozen foods, deli, etc. Avoid aisles that don’t have the foods included on your list to limit extra purchases and save money at the store.
Buy In-Season Produce
In-season produce tends to be more affordable than out-of-season produce. In the summer months, items such as corn on the cob, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelon and berries are cheaper than usual. Prioritize buying in-season produce to reduce your bill at the cash register.
Purchase Sale Items
Bring coupons from home and pay close attention to price tags to search for the best sale items. The pricier items are typically found on the eye-level shelves, so look up and down to find the better deals. Saving a dollar here or a few cents there can add up quickly, so hunt for the best bargain to save money.
Buy in Bulk
Stock up on items that are sold in bulk to cut costs on future trips to the grocery store. Some items are offered at a 10 for $10 price or found as a similar deal. While you don’t need to buy 10 items to get the sale price, buy these items in bulk if they’re typically included on your grocery store list. Using membership cards at BJ’s Wholesale Club®, Costco Wholesale® or Sam’s Club® are another way to buy in bulk at a discounted price.
By following a checklist, finding in-season produce, sticking to sale items and buying in bulk, you can save money on groceries every week and build savings over time.
Erin Ellis
Accredited Financial Counselor ®
Philadelphia Federal Credit Union
eellis@PFCU.COM