Whatever the state of the global economy, it is a weekly habit to restock your kitchen cupboard with enough food to feed yourself (and, if applicable, your family).
Although inflation has decreased over the past year from a 40-year peak reached in June 2022, costs for some commodities are still rising, which might strain your grocery and food budget.
Even though we are powerless to stop the price hikes, we may buy wisely for food to control our spending.
In order to find out exactly how to save money on groceries right now, we consulted experts.
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Get a Budget
The key to saving money, says savings expert Krystal Sharp, is establishing how much you want to spend before you go to the store, regardless of what you’re buying, from groceries to clothing.
According to her, a reasonable foundation for grocery spending is between $100 and $125 per person, per month.
You might discover that in New York City, for instance, you’ll need a budget of closer to $150 per person because pricing will vary widely across the nation.
And if you’ve been keeping track of your spending for some time and know that you frequently exceed your food budget, try taking the money you’ll need out in cash and only spending that amount.
Reduce Impulse Purchases
Imagine yourself in line for a magazine at the cashier. Then a candy bar follows. Of course, bring some bottled water for the journey.
And even though it would cost twice as much, you know that a cooked meal would make dinner so much simpler.
Any shopper is aware of how easily impulse purchases can add up. The easiest way to avoid it, according to Lisa Thompson, a Coupons.com savings expert, is to resist the temptation in the first place.
While you should leave some room in your budget for the occasional indulgence, if you can develop the practice of avoiding most impulsive purchases, you may end up saving hundreds of dollars each year.
Create a list
Thompson also uses the term list to refer to your favorite stores’ or brands’ email loyalty list.
You can find deals and offers that aren’t always made public if you sign up for their newsletters and interact with them on social media.
Knowing how, where, and when to save money is crucial for developing a habit, according to the expert.
If a certain brand is too spammy or isn’t providing the value you want, you may always unfollow or unsubscribe. But it’s worthwhile to interact with and keep up with the brands you adore.
Prep Meals
Make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need for the meals you plan to prepare for the week before you go shopping.
You will waste less food and be able to stretch your budget in new ways when you are clear on what you want to cook. Cross-reference what’s already in your cupboard and refrigerator as you jot down your dinner ideas.
While this extra step could take some time, it enables you to know exactly what you currently have and helps you avoid buying things you don’t need.
Meal preparation has long been a go-to strategy for those of us seeking to follow a diet or maintain a healthy weekly calorie intake, but according to Kelli Vilchis, a professional shopper with Dumpling, it’s also one of the top suggestions for saving money.
Don’t Be a Loyalist
Start by attempting to cross items off your list at well-known discount retailers like Aldi or Wal-Mart. After that, look online or attempt sourcing from a different local store you know often provides reasonable prices.
You can move items to more expensive grocery stores like Whole Foods if you still have items on your list that can’t be found at a cheaper price. Getting all you need for the least amount of money is the aim here.
Try to look carefully for items on which you could save some money by shopping elsewhere.
You can begin to plan your shopping to get the most for your money at each location by comparing pricing across the board.
Buy Large Quantities
Purchasing in bulk can significantly impact your food budget if you’re feeding a large household or even if you’re shopping for just yourself, according to Vilchis.
Consider becoming a member of Sam’s Club or Costco to enable you to compare prices on units. Keep in mind that you will only save money if you use the things and don’t throw them away.
You’ll wind up spending less money over time if you get huge packages that are long-lasting. Bulk purchases of office supplies, cleaning products, vitamins, and dry pantry components like rice, pasta, and oil can help you save money.
Be Aware of Meat
According to Neale Godfrey, a personal financial expert and author, growing demand for meats domestically and abroad, supply chain delays caused by shipping delays, higher salaries, and pandemic disruptions are to blame for the increase in the price of beef, hog, fish, and poultry.
This implies that you will have to pay more money for your favorite proteins.
Consider buying meat in bulk and freezing what you don’t consume to reduce the expense.
When perusing store circulars and one-time offers, bear in mind that meat is one thing you can keep an eye out for. Also keep in mind how expensive processed luncheon meat might be.
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Source: Her Money
