Coupons, loyalty rewards programs, and rebate offers can amplify your grocery bill savings. These can be combined with in-store sales, online promotions, and cash-back credit cards.
To prevent impulsive purchases, follow your shopping list and meal plan. Shop the clearance section to find products nearing expiry that can be stocked up for less.
Look for Coupons For Grocery Bill
Using coupons to slash your grocery bill is a surefire way to save money without cutting back on the food you love. The secret to extreme couponing is meticulous planning, organization, and shopping with a list of essentials. But even if you’re not an extreme couponer, there are plenty of easy ways to cut your grocery bill:
First, look for in-store promotions. For example, some stores offer produce discounts in season (e.g., asparagus is cheapest from February to June; tomatoes are cheapest from June to October). You can also get deals by shopping at different grocery stores and comparing prices. If you’re uncomfortable clipping paper coupons, many grocery chains now offer digital coupons in their app or website.
Another trick is to shop at stores known for having lower food prices, like Walmart. These discount supermarkets may offer similar brands to the big names, but at a cheaper price. Plus, they often have a wide selection of fresh produce and other items you won’t find at traditional groceries.
Suppose you need more time to scan the weekly circulars and look for online coupons and website savings opportunities. Some websites have apps that automatically scan your receipts and match your purchases to offers. You can also register for a store loyalty program to receive awards that can be used for discounts. And remember to browse online for coupons at sites that display offers from retailers. l.
Check for Deals
You can save money on groceries by checking for deals online and in-store. The best way to do this is by signing up for newsletters from stores you shop at and checking their websites regularly. Additionally, many grocery stores have loyalty programs that let you accumulate points and get coupons—many of which are linked to their apps. When making supermarket purchases with a credit card that gives cash back, utilizing free downloadable coupon apps and comparing pricing at several grocery stores are further ways to save money.
Another great way to save money is by shopping during sales. During a sale, buying items usually priced higher, like meat and cheese, can help significantly reduce your bill. Another way to save is by purchasing store-brand products rather than name brands. Most large-box stores have lines of brands that are just as good, if not better, than the national names. You can save by going to a grocery store with double-up deals, such as double-stacked coupons.
Other ways to save money include shopping for the best price and avoiding convenience items. Purchasing items in bulk is usually cheaper, but be sure to factor in the time you’ll spend cutting up or preparing the food. Similarly, while buying pre-cut veggies and shredded cheese may save you time, these items are often much more expensive than the same item sold whole at an average price.
Sign Up for Emails
We tend to lean into our favorite grocery stores, but shopping around can save you a bundle. Find out what stores have the best prices on certain items, then make it a point to visit them at least once a week for those products. Spending too much on groceries is easy, so cutting down on this item will help you save money toward other goals, such as debt repayment or emergency savings.
Most grocery stores offer loyalty programs that reward you for signing up. These rewards can come in the form of instant coupons, free items, or discounts at checkout. Look for these on the store website or through its app before you shop.
Another way to score great deals is to sign up for email lists from brands you buy. You can also use apps that scan store circulars and give you a list of available deals. This helps you avoid buying items you don’t need and can also alert you to special deals that may be coming up.
Some grocery stores even offer cash back on their purchases, which can go a long way in helping you keep your grocery bill low. If you still need a cash-back credit card, consider adding one to your arsenal.
Use Apps
A significant portion of a typical family’s budget is dedicated to groceries. Planning and a few smartphone apps can help you reduce your grocery bill and stretch your budget.
The first thing to do is download an app that offers discounts for local stores. Most major grocery bill stores have mobile apps featuring weekly ads, coupons, and offers. There are also third-party apps that compile coupons and rebates for many different retailers and brands.
Most of these apps work one of three ways:
- They track your store loyalty card and offer point-of-sale savings.
- They load digital coupons onto your shopping list for in-store checkout.
- They allow you to upload a cash receipt back on qualifying items.
You must choose the best option for you and your shopping habits.
Buying in bulk can save you money by purchasing typically overpriced items you would use only occasionally.
Grocery-specific apps will also plan your meals based on what’s on sale at your local grocery bill store. These are great for busy families needing more time to scan ad circulars or search online for coupon codes.
