Inflation is hitting Americans hard right now. Rent, gas, and utilities have all gotten more expensive, and rising grocery bills aren’t making matters any better. Higher costs and supply chain bottlenecks have driven prices up. Grocery prices have risen by around 11% recently—some people have seen even bigger increases. Sticking to a reasonable grocery budget has become a real struggle.
Times are tough, my friends. It’s time to rethink the habits that are emptying our wallets and driving many into debt. Small changes in your shopping habits can definitely help turn the tide for your personal economy.
START WITHOUT A WRITTEN PLAN
Have you ever come home from shopping and realized there’s nothing for dinner? You know what it’s like! To avoid this, make a plan before you go shopping. Take a few minutes to plan your meals and snacks, focusing on inexpensive staples like pasta, beans, rice, and canned goods. If you skip this step, you may end up with a cart full of impulse buys that won’t get you through the week.
DO NOT VIEW WEEKLY FOOD BROCHURES
Most grocery stores send out weekly advertisements by mail or email. You can also find out about special offers by downloading your supermarket’s app. Use these tools when planning your meals and making your shopping list. And the best part? You don’t need coupons for these deals. This way, you can easily build your shopping list around items that are actually on sale! This makes weekly savings a routine, not a chore.
NOT KNOWING WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
Before you even think about heading to the supermarket, do a quick inventory of your freezer and pantry. Is there a bag of chicken nuggets hiding in there? Maybe a couple of hot dogs or a stash of frozen meat – why not defrost it and put it to good use? It’s a smart move to plan your meals based on what you already have. Otherwise, you could find yourself at the supermarket, your brain on autopilot, buying things you definitely don’t need because you forgot what was at home. Trust me, your wallet will thank you.
ARRIVE HUNGRY
Shopping on an empty stomach? That’s a recipe for disaster. The smell of freshly baked bread, those irresistible treats, and the temptation to grab a snack on the way home can quickly derail your shopping plans. Anything that looks tasty ends up in your cart. To avoid this, try to shop on a full stomach. If you can’t avoid it, head to the bakery first. Grab a cookie, enjoy it to the fullest, and then get on with the task at hand. It will be much easier to stick to your list, grab what you need, and get back out there without hunger taking over.
PAYING THE REGULAR PRICE
Everything on your shopping list will be on sale within the next three months. That’s how supermarkets work – they follow a 12-week cycle of special offers and discounts. So if you spot a great deal on your favorite cereal or pasta, it will probably be available again in about three months. Plan your shopping trips according to this pattern and stock up when prices are at their lowest.
Make it a rule to only buy items that are actually on sale, rather than those “special offers” that trick you into thinking you’re saving. It may take a little adjustment, but if you stick to this rule, you can permanently reduce your grocery bill by 25% or more.
DID NOT RECEIVE THE SPECIAL PRICE AT CHECKOUT
So you’re strolling through the checkout line, feeling good about only grabbing discounted items — until everything shows up at full price. What’s going on? Well, it turns out you’re not a rewards member at this store. Joining your supermarket’s rewards program is free and offers members exclusive perks like buy two, get the second half off and other discounts. You can usually sign up in-store, online, or right from your phone, so there’s really no excuse not to. Not every grocery store has a rewards program, but if they do, it’s a no-brainer.
SNUBBING GENERAL OPTIONS
You know how stores love their own branded items, right? They’re basically their version of the name brand items (often the exact same thing, just with a different label), but at a price that won’t make you cry. Instead of automatically reaching for that fancy label, try the no-name brand. Your wallet won’t even notice the difference – but it will definitely thank you.
Avoid the dollar store
The supermarket may seem like the first stop for all your household goods, but where you shop can really put a dent in your wallet. For things like cleaning supplies and paper goods, head to your local dollar store. Just make sure you know the prices—or you might end up paying more than you bargained for.
BUY ORGANIC PRODUCTS THAT ALREADY CONTAIN A LOW PESTICIDE CONTENT
No one likes the idea of their fruits and vegetables being contaminated with pesticides, but some fruits and vegetables are sprayed much more frequently than others. Every year, the Environmental Working Group publishes a “Dirty Dozen” list that shows which produce has the highest levels of pesticide residue. There is also the “Clean Fifteen,” a list of the fruits and vegetables with the least amount of pesticides. While organic food may be the best solution, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on everything. Having these lists handy when you go shopping can help you save money without putting your health at risk.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column answers questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
Photo credit: Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash
