8 Money-Saving Grocery Hacks for Your Budget

With inflation and the rising cost of food, it seems every week the grocery budget grows a little more. We all find ourselves gawking at the checkout receipt from time-to-time. Here are a few ways you can save money on those pesky grocery essentials the next time you shop. 

1. Before you touch your grocery budget, shop your pantry, fridge, and freezer first. 

Think about what meals you can make from what you already have and jot down only the ingredients missing to make those meals.

2. Compare brands. 

Most of us know this, but the store brand may save you money, but not always. Be sure to price compare in the store. And don’t just compare item prices, also compare cost-per-unit. Sometimes the lower price isn’t the best deal!

3. Shop the store sales flyers and plan meals around the sales. 

Circulars run about 5-7 days, so if you ask the store manager when the circular comes out, you can pick it up ahead of your planned grocery trip and plan your meals accordingly.

4. Buy in bulk when it’s practical. 

Not all bulk items are more cost-effective, so know which ones will save you money and then put it in your plan! For example, once every few months you may budget more to buy meat in bulk. 

5. Shop weekly. 

This one throws people who shop by the month or every two weeks, but by shopping weekly you reduce your waste and increase the likelihood of catching some good sale prices.

6. Check out competitor (and discount) stores. 

You can save money just by changing where you buy your groceries. Walmart isn’t always the best bargain. 

Often grocery stores are clustered within 1-2 blocks in larger cities, so you may hit multiple stores on your way home and capitalize on savings this way too. The investment here is the additional time to do so. It can be a good trade off on days you have the time freedom.

7. Change your perspective.

When you set a budget for groceries, make it a fun challenge to see if you can have a small amount left over. Then save up those leftover dollars each week and at the end of the month or quarter put it toward a small reward for the family or an extra payment toward whichever baby step you’re working.

8. Stay within your grocery budget by placing an online or pickup order. 

Another great way to save–especially on those impulse buys–is through utilizing online or pickup orders. No standing in line. No swiping things that aren’t on your list. And no temptation to go over budget for “just one more item.”