The average family spends at least $500 a month on groceries, with some spending more than twice that. You need food to survive and to make sure the little ones are getting enough nutrition to grow strong and healthy, but that’s a lot of money for groceries!
Before you head out on your next food run, here are a few tips to help slash your grocery bill.
1. Make a list before you go. If you’re prepared before you go, you’re less likely to make impulsive buys which can really add up. Being organized will also prevent you from making a second trip for forgotten items. Shopping alone is better than with a family of kids asking for everything at eye level, but if you bring the kids, turn it into a scavenger hunt for the kids. Tell them to help you find the items on the list, and they’ll forget all about those fruit snacks!
2. Watch the price scanner. Mistakes happen, and if you’re not there to catch them, you’re going to overpay. A recent Consumer Reports survey found that 6% of respondents were overcharged at the grocery store.
3. Compare unit prices for the best deals. It may not be the least expensive item on the shelf jar for jar, but ounce for ounce it is – and that’s the true price. A lot of products are packaged to look larger, and they get away with charging more. If you compare by the unit price, you’ll see where the true best bargain on the shelf lies.
4. Look for bargains on top and bottom shelves. Large brands pay big money to be placed in the center of your line of vision. The best bargains are usually going to be up high and down low.
5. Stock up when there’s a sale, and put your freezer to use. Meat can last up to a year in the freezer, depending on the type, so next time there’s a big sale on chicken breast, stock up! Trim the fat, and freeze it in ziplock bags. Don’t forget to write the date on it so you don’t forget how long its been in there. Click here for the specific freezer-life of meats.
6. Buy generic. You can save 10 to 50 percent on every shopping trip by switching brand-name buy for generic. Try them out – if you feel like the generic isn’t as good as the brand-name then don’t buy it again. But usually, they are just as good, especially when it comes to spices and canned products.
