8 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Are you spending too much at the grocery store? The rising cost of groceries, is one of the main things stretching America’s already stretched budgets. I’m sure that’s why you’re here now…because you’re trying to save money on groceries, right?

I wish I could wave a magic wand and tell you that saving money on your food is simple, but it’s not.

In the beginning, especially, it takes time and dedication to really save on your groceries.

But when you save a lot…well, let’s just say there is no better feeling.

This is not another “coupon 40 hours a week and shop for free” type of post.

Who the heck has time for that?

Instead, this post is filled with 7 ways to save money on groceries that are realistic “little things that add up” suggestions, that will not only help you save on food, but will also help you save a great deal of time in the future.

So, let’s get started…

7 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

1. Take Inventory

Keep track of what’s in your refrigerator, freezer and pantry (or cupboards). Use printable inventory sheets or even a blank sheet of paper to jot down the food items you have on hand. Each time you use an item on your list, just check it off or draw a straight line through it. Don’t scribble it out or you won’t remember what you need!

2. Create a Meal Plan

Meal planning is probably the #1 way to save money on groceries.

It makes it easy to mix and match the same ingredients, allowing you to buy fewer items at the store each week. Plus, you can use up leftovers on different nights, serve soup and sandwiches or even breakfast for dinner because you’ve planned ahead and purchased the necessary ingredients (hopefully on sale!) to make these things.

AND, when you plan your menu, there aren’t as many trips out for fast food, because you’re prepared for dinner…everyday.

3. Make Larger Meals

Especially if you aren’t feeding a large family. Making big meals is a great way to save money on groceries, because you end up having several leftover meals.

Here’s some ideas:

Creamy Baked Ziti

Quick and Easy Goulash

Chicken and Vegetable Lasagna

Chicken & Biscuits

Don’t want to eat the same thing night after night?

Don’t! Just package up your leftovers in freezer safe containers or bags and save them for another week.

4. Keep a Running Grocery List

Always, always keep a running grocery list.

I just cannot stress this enough. It’s one of the best ways to save money on groceries.

Just keep track of what you need on a sheet of paper or a magnetic grocery list notepad, posted on the fridge. Every time you run out of something, write it down on your grocery list.

When you’re ready to go grocery shopping, jot down the things you’ve crossed off on your inventory list and the items from you need from your menu plan on your grocery list.

It will save you so much money and time.

5. Use digital coupons

Most grocery store websites offer a variety of digital coupons that you can attach directly to your store rewards card. It’s an awesome way to save money on groceries with no clipping necessary!

6. Shop Sales

Check your Sunday newspaper for your local grocery store sales flyer or visit your store’s website. Peruse the flyer for the sales on items you have written on your grocery list.

Only the things you have written on your list.

Don’t start adding things to your list “just because they are on sale” or “because I have a coupon”.

Believe me, I’ve fallen for this trick before!

I’ve written out my necessary list, having only a few items on it and suddenly, before I even know it, I’ve spent $300 at the store…”just because it was on sale”.

Just browse the sales, see if you can find anything that’s on your list and then throw the circular in the garbage.

7. Pay Attention to your Receipt

Many grocery stores offer coupons at the bottom of your receipt and a lot of stores also offer additional coupons at the end of your shopping trip that you can use on your next trip.

Play close attention to the prices on your receipt as well. Sometimes, the sale price doesn’t ring up properly and the cashier doesn’t notice or perhaps a coupon didn’t register when scanned. If this happens, go to the customer service desk and explain what isn’t right on your receipt. Usually, they will refund your money, right then and there!

8. Start Gardening

Growing your own fruits and vegetables is by far the best way to save money on groceries! And there’s lots of things you grow indoors, if you don’t have a large yard space, too!

You might also like:

• The Best Way to Save Money on Groceries
• Save Money on Groceries by Cooking More {Less Often}
• Save Money on Groceries Without Using Coupons

Have a Spectacular Day!

~Vanessa

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