Grocery Hacks to Help You Save Money

Grocery shopping may seen as a chore to many, but with the right strategy, you can get the most out of your next trip. Use these hacks to make grocery shopping a smooth experience and keep more of your hard earned money in your wallet.

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Use a list

There’s nothing worse than getting home from grocery shopping and realizing you forgot something you needed. You may think you can remember everything you need until you don’t. By bringing along a list, it ensures you don’t have to make multiple trips to the grocery store, while also helping you get organized.

Don’t shop hungry

Walking into a grocery store for your weekly shopping can be a dangerous thing if you’re hungry. It can lead to spending more on items on you don’t need, which can quickly add up if you’re not careful. Plus, you can be tempted to purchase more unhealthy snacks. Try eating before going shopping, or bring along a healthy snack like an apple.

Skip Sunday shopping

Sunday can be the busiest times for grocery shopping, as people typically use this day to get their grocery shopping done. Enduring long lines, crowded isles, and picked-over shelves is no fun. Off hours typical include first thing in the morning, or late in the evening and during the week.

Choose produce from the back of the shelf

Grocery stores usually follow the first-in, first-out method, where newer items are placed behind older items. It’s worth reaching to the back for dairy, produce, eggs, and other foods to ensure you get the freshest items possible,

Read grocery ads before shopping

Grocery stores are constantly updating their sales, so it can be a good idea to be read up on them before shopping to see if any deals are worth it. Try putting any of the sales you want to take advantage of on your grocery list, to keep you organized.

Just because it’s on sale means it’s worth it

Sales are a tricky thing. When you see a sale, don’t feel like you need to buy items just because they are on sale. Ask yourself if you’re buying it because you need it, or if it’s just because it is on sale and you don’t want to pass it up. This can lead to much less impulse buying, saving you money in the long run.

Search online for coupons

The internet is full of websites offering all kinds of coupons that can be used at your local grocery store. Simply searching “coupon” on Google can bring up a variety of sites that can be used to get free coupons.

Shop less often

Try to stretch out the time between grocery shopping trips. This means your grocery hauls will be bigger, but with the right amount if list preparation and freezer-friendly items, you can cut the time needed to grocery shop during your week.

Buy chicken whole

Buying chicken as separate parts can be much more than if you purchased a whole chicken. While it takes a little bit of preparation to get the pieces of the chicken, it can save you money.