It's a Money Thing®
Save on Groceries
The average American household spends $3,753 a year on groceries, that's about $313 per month. From the music they play to samples they serve, your neighborhood grocery store is designed to upsell. Even grocery store layouts are designed to make you slow down, wander around, and spend more money in the process. Why do you think you have to walk all the way to the back of the store for your gallon of milk? Here are a few key tips to help you stock up on grocery store savings:
#1: Break Up with Brand Names
Private labels, commonly referred to as “store brand” or “generics,” are able to sell their product for less because their marketing and advertising costs are significantly lower than their brand-name counterparts (when’s the last time you saw a Super Bowl commercial for no-name tortilla chips?).
One of the biggest obstacles in switching over to a store brand is a psychological one: getting over the idea that a brand name automatically means top quality. We’ve all had the experience of being disappointed after straying from a brand-name
product—but by convincing yourself that all off-brand products are low quality, you’re missing out on some great deals, as well as some great products.
In a Consumer Reports taste test, more than 60% of store-brand items were
judged as good as or better tasting than the national brand-name items.
#2 Become a Shelf Master
Consider everything that you take from the shelf and place in your basket. Convenience comes at a premium price.
- Avoid prewashed and precut fruits and vegetables, shredded cheese, and other overpriced foods. Instead, save money by doing some of the prep work yourself.
- Stay away from snack sizes; the additional packaging comes at a price. Some retailers break down how much you are paying per unit on their price tags. If not, grab your calculator and save money by purchasing the larger bags or containers and breaking them up yourself.
- Don't get caught in the middle! More expensive items are placed at eye level. For example, brand-name, sugar cereals are typically placed on middle shelves, while healthier options are at the top and cheaper cereals are at the bottom.
#3 Be a Bargain Hunter
Before hitting the store, make a shopping list or use the built-in notes app on your phone to identify the items that you intend to purchase. Stick with your list to avoid overspending. Then, use your web browser or specialty coupon apps to search for grocery store and product coupons.
Not sure if you're looking at the best price? You can go online and compare prices and deals before buying.
Most grocery stores also have rewards or loyalty programs that help you to save or provide incentives to shop their store. Be sure to take advantage of the savings these programs afford you!
An average family using coupons can save $38.40 a month at the store, which adds up to nearly $461 a year! Now that's some next-level couponing.
