5 Tips For How To Save Money On Groceries

_{Want to know the secrets to saving money on groceries? (Spoiler–It’s not always using coupons!) These 5 simple strategies & tips can save you hundreds each month on the food your family already buys.}

woman folding arm at the grocery store - easy tips to save big at the grocery store

Easy Ways to Save More Money on Groceries

Saving groceries can seem like a daunting task. But once you realize these simple tips, you too will be amazed at how simple it all can be. You don’t have to be an extreme couponer to save BIG at the grocery store.

In fact, you can skip the coupons and follow the other tips listed below. Nowadays, with digital savings (or eCoupons) stores make it a lot simpler. There is no need to sort through coupon inserts for savings.

You can simply turn to your grocery store’s main website and “clip” money-saving manufacturer coupons right to your store loyalty card. In the video interview (with my local Fox23 station) below, I walk you through these same steps.

5 Tips My Favorite Money-Saving Tips – Save On Groceries

As mentioned in the video, I have 5 great and easy-to-use methods of how to save money on groceries. You won’t have to be scrambling each week to feed your family, nor will you be always eating things like rice and beans.

These tips can make an enormous difference in your grocery budget, and thus your overall household budget.

“Every penny saved adds up.” – Jen Schreiner

Making a grocery store list. Smart phone in hand with digital grocery list

Make a list

One thing my parents taught me as a child about saving money on groceries, is to never go into the store without a list. This is critical and the market experts will tell you not to remember your list.

You will gladly spend more money on groceries if you do not plan out your shopping trip. This is important; Don’t just jot down a few things you know you will use. Write out a full inventory list. Go through your cabinets and open that fridge.

Take the time to make sure you don’t already have the item in your pantry and also double-check those regularly used items.

If you use a menu plan, go over any ingredients needed, and verify what should be added to your list. There is a statistic out there that states “If you walk into a store with no list or a partial list expect to spend 60 percent more than your budget”.

It is also important to stick with your list. Avoid the temptation of buying any extra items that are not on your list. Stick with your needs and not your wants.

There is a statistic out there that states “If you walk into a store with no list or a partial list, expect to spend 60 percent more than you budgeted for”.

Therefore, creating a list is imperative. Avoid the temptation of buying any extra items that are not on your list. Stick with your needs and not your wants.

Using store loyalty cards - woman at checkout hold store loyalty card in hand

Use Your Store Loyalty Cards

Love them or hate them, card-carrying members receive incentives such as lower-priced items while shopping at the store. Keep in mind that stores track your purchases and will reward their members with mailed coupons and store-published magazines based on your spending habits.

Other rewards associated with loyalty cards are family, baby, and pet clubs. Ask at your local grocery or market about their loyalty card offers.

Using coupons at the grocery store "Woman holding small daughter at checkout register"

Take Advantage of Coupons

If you are really looking for how to save on groceries, then don’t shy away from the Sunday paper, 70 percent of grocery coupons come from the newspaper.

Clipping coupons may seem like a lot of extra work, but it doesn’t have to be and can save you money. An investment of 20 to 30 minutes each week can help save you as much as $40 or more on your weekly grocery bill.

How to find coupon savings online

Many stores are now offering electronic coupons that go directly onto your store loyalty card. Do not forget to check out social media sites as well. Your favorite brand name companies are out there. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Companies love to reward their fans with money-saving coupons. Plus, you will want to take advantage of these FREE money saving smart phone apps.

Get cash back on brands that you love. It is easy. There is no reason not to try them out. Invest in a simple coupon binder or filing system. This will help you stay organized week to week, making it easier to manage when making your grocery list and comparing prices.

Woman and child with grocery cart leaving store with bags filled with groceries

Stock up on sale items

When you see an item on special for the week that you use regularly, and you have a coupon, stock up. No one will shame you for purchasing extra items that your family will use. In fact, your friends will be asking you how you save so much money off your grocery bill.

Don’t forget those loss leaders. These are products offered at bottom prices and are a great way to stock up on items you use regularly without paying full price.

Know your Prices

It is important to know the actual prices of products you shop for. The goal is to buy primarily sale items and use coupons. Purchase enough to last until the next sale. Particular items will be offered for sale every eight to twelve weeks. Others will go on sale every six weeks.

Creating a price book for your favorite stores with a list of shelf prices on your regular items can help you know the best places to shop for the best deals when you have a coupon.

The average shopper can save at least $1,000 a year by spending just 20 to 30 minutes a week by compiling a grocery list, and seeking coupons & deals.

How much you save depends on the effort you put into it. If you are serious about knowing how to save on groceries, these tips are ideal for keeping you on track with your budget.