How to Grocery Shop On A Budget: 8 Ways To Save Big

Let’s go on a grocery shopping journey with a fixed dollar amount that fits into your budget.  Buying groceries can get quite pricey.

This is also one bill that fluctuates month to month.  It’s not a standard set amount like some of your other bills.  Sometimes the amount is pretty low and at other times you think you are feeding an entire village.

Nothing is worse than coming back from the store only to realize you just spent money and time investing in an excess amount of unhealthy overpriced snacks.  You forgot to buy enough dinner items. 🙁

Prevent unpleasant experiences such as these by following my 8 steps and save a ton of cash.  Let’s stick to your budget to enjoy a successful trip to the grocery store.

 1. Make A List Before You Go Shopping

I always go to the grocery store with a list.   This keeps me from spending too much on snacks and junk food.  Make a list of everything including toiletries and cleaning products.  However, I usually buy most of my cleaning products at a discount store to save even more.

Writing out your dinner list for the week helps as well.  Also, check cupboards and pantries to keep from buying duplicated items.

2. Use Coupons To Save Even More Money

Carry your coupons in an envelope with the list written on the outside.  This helps with organization and you won’t forget your coupons.  I use coupons often.  I can’t help myself, I love getting great deals and bargains.

If you don’t like all the paper many apps now have digital coupons.  Of course we all know about Groupon.

3. Keep An Eye Out For Sale Items

Remember to grab non-perishable items on sale.  Even if not on your list.  These come in handy especially if you have children and a big family.

For example, if the supermarket is having a sale on soup, chili, tuna or another can item you enjoy, grab a few for nights you don’t feel like cooking.

Extra food items also come in handing during storms when you’re locked in the house.

This also saves on ordering out and delivery.

4. Set Aside Money In Your Budget For The Grocery Bill

Have a certain amount of money in your budget set aside just for the groceries.  Do a quick count of your items in the cart before heading to the cashier to make sure you don’t go over your dollar amount.

Proceed to take out any items causing an over flow in your budget – especially if these items are extra snacks or cleaning supplies that can probably be found cheaper at a discount store.

Quick count by rounding up the price of each product.  If something cost $1.59 count as $2.00, if $2.35 count as $3.00 and so forth.  Count the item as one dollar when the price is under a dollar.

Aren’t very disciplined with a debit/credit card?  Only bring the amount of cash you set aside for food shopping.

5. Buy Bulk Items To Save Money And Time

To get the best bang for your buck buy in bulk.  This really comes in handy for large families.  Plenty of items are sold in bulk like water, sports drinks, school supplies, snacks, toilet tissue and paper towels.

Many other products are also sold in bulk.

Of course shopping exclusively at Sam’s Club and other big supply chains will have the most items in bulk.  But, some grocery chains have an aisle with bulk items.

6. Test The Store Brands And See How Much You Can Save

Some store brands are sometimes better quality then the original brand name product.  Try a few different store brands.  See which one’s you prefer in comparison to the more expensive popular brand name products.

Doing so can really add up in extra dollars saved.  You can always go back to the popular brand if you prefer.

7. Save Unused Cash Located On Your Receipt

The money left over from discounts, money you saved from coupons and sales should go into your savings account.

After you receive your receipt check to see how much you saved.  The amount you saved on your groceries after discount deductions is usually listed near your balance.  Take that figure and deposit it into your savings account.

For instance, let’s say you receive a discount of $24.35, simply transfer that amount from your checking account into your savings account.

8. Try A Cash Back App

Need another great way to save? Try a savings app such as Ibotta.  This app allows you to scan your receipt and save by receiving rebate funds directly into your bank account.

Click here to find out more about how this app works and receive $20 when you sign up.

Closing

I hope you find these tips helpful.  

Grocery shopping can be such a hassle sometime.  It’s not my favorite form of shopping.  All I want to do is get in and get out as quickly as possible.

Shopping using these tips helps the process move much smoother.  Hopefully, they will help you too and save you extra money off your food bill.

The cost of groceries is astonishing, especially if you are feeding kids!

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