How to Save Money at the Supermarket

Food is one of the largest household expenses. Whether you’re buying food just for yourself or for your whole family, you’ll find that groceries take up a huge amount of your income.

Many people find it difficult to shop within their budget. It makes it even more challenging when the big stores persuade you to spend more with their quick sale promotions and bulk price schemes. Fortunately, there are simple ways that can help you to stay in control of your spending.

Save money by planning in advance

Saving money on your grocery shopping begins way before you visit a supermarket. With a little planning and organising you can transform your shopping experience from stressful to serene.

Manage your pantry

The pantry can get out of control if not well managed. Sorting, separating and staying on top of things will become easy if you create a designated spot for all your items. Stock your freezer and pantry regularly. To avoid wastage, keep a watch on the items with less shelf life and those near to expiring. By arranging these items in an accessible and easy to spot way, you’ll be able to use them all before they spoil.

Know what you like

You can make the most of your grocery budget if you identify the things you and your family like and need. Be honest with yourself and don’t stock on the items you won’t be using at all.

Create a menu

Creating a menu between your shopping trips could help you buy everything you need in advance and save money on dining out if you fall short on your groceries. You could plan your menu around your store’s weekly specials.

Make a list

Once you prepare your food menu, check your pantry for the ingredients and list down all the new items you need to buy. You could add things you need for breakfast, snacks, paper goods, toiletries, cleaning, personal care or any other items available in the supermarket. Listing this down will help you to remember and buy everything you need in one trip. Creating a list and sticking to it will prevent you from making any impulsive purchases.

Investing time in planning will definitely pay off!

Save more money on your groceries and household items

Buy in bulk

Basic products are mostly cheaper when bought in bulk. You could stock up your cupboard with the basics and fill them up from time to time when they’re on sale. Always remember to shop around your supermarket budget and only buy things that you and your family will be using. Even if bulk buying is cheaper, don’t buy unnecessary items in large quantities just because it’s on sale. Do a little math and see if it’s a good deal for you.

Use coupons

Coupons could be of great value. If you combine your coupons from each trip, the savings can really add up over time. If you use coupons during a sale, you would be able to save even more. With smart phone apps and online sites, clipping coupons has become a lot easier.

Compare the best deals

Supermarkets usually have some products that they sell at a cheaper price than their competitors. If you shop at more than one store, then it’s worth noting the prices of the items you buy often and compare the best deals offered by different supermarkets. All the major supermarkets have a weekly specials mailer, you could also look online for the virtual mailer and compare the best deals before you start shopping. Don’t forget to check out the deals at the dollar stores and the local farmers’ markets.

Try switching brands

To save even more money on your everyday items switch to a different brand that’s cheaper or buy store-brand products if that doesn’t give you a different result. You could then use the spare money to buy your favourite branded products.

How does your family save money? Share your thoughts with our readers.