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The Best Ways to Save Money on Groceries

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The Best Ways to Save Money on Groceries

January 14th, 2020

Let’s face it: groceries can be a huge expense. With rising food prices, it’s more important than ever to find ways to cut back without sacrificing healthy and delicious meals. This post is packed with actionable tips to help you significantly reduce your grocery bill. Let’s dive in!

1. Meal Planning is Your Best Friend

This is arguably the most important step. Without a plan, you’re far more likely to impulse buy and end up with forgotten ingredients rotting in your fridge.

  • Take Inventory: Before you even think about a grocery list, check what you already have. Knowing what you need prevents duplicate purchases.
  • Plan Your Meals: Start with 3-4 dinners for the week. Base your meals around what’s on sale and what you already have.
  • Don’t Overestimate: Be realistic about how much you’ll actually eat.

2. Smart Shopping Strategies

  • Shop with a List & Stick to It: Seriously, this is key. A list keeps you focused and prevents wandering aisles where you’re tempted by things you don’t need.
  • Shop Around: Compare prices at different grocery stores in your area. Discount grocers (Aldi, Lidl) often offer significant savings.
  • Buy in Bulk (Strategically): Bulk buying can save money on staples like rice, beans, and oats if you’ll use them before they expire.
  • Look for Sales & Coupons: Check weekly flyers and online coupon sites. Many stores also offer digital coupons.
  • Embrace Store Brands: Generic or store brands are often just as good as name brands, but significantly cheaper.

3. Reduce Food Waste – Save Money & the Planet!

  • Proper Storage: Learn the best ways to store fruits and vegetables to maximize their shelf life.
  • FIFO (First In, First Out): Use older items before newer ones.
  • Love Your Leftovers: Plan to incorporate leftovers into new meals. Soup, casseroles, and wraps are excellent options.
  • Freeze It! Freeze leftover ingredients or prepared meals to prevent waste.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Habits

  • Cook at Home More: Eating out is almost always more expensive than cooking at home.
  • Consider Meatless Meals: Meat tends to be the most expensive part of a meal. Incorporating more vegetarian meals can significantly reduce your grocery bill.

Resources to Check Out:

What are your favorite tips for saving money on groceries?