Grocery shopping is expensive. If you combine the increase in grocery prices with other cost-of-living expenses going up, you know just how difficult it is to make dollars stretch the way they used to. Especially, when you walk into the grocery store and do a double-take on the price of eggs.
Unfortunately, grocery expenses likely aren’t coming down anytime soon, so you can probably use a solution or two for keeping more cash in your pocket.
Here are a few ways to do just that, while still getting all of your essentials:
Use Apps to Save On Groceries
It’s relatively simple, yet easily overlooked, advice. Most grocers have loyalty programs and smartphone apps you can subscribe to as a way to save money. You can set up alerts to help you find coupons, sales, and other offers that help you save money on your favorite groceries.
Apps can also help you keep focus when making a list of groceries and other items. It won’t combat shrinkflation, but it’s a better strategy than grocery shopping without a plan.
In addition to store apps, there are also countless other apps that provide manufacturer coupons, cash back options, and more for some of your favorite products and items.
Do Most of Your Shopping During Sales
Admittedly, this will take a little effort and more front-end cash for savings on the backend.
First, survey the supplies in your home that you always need. Those items could be laundry detergent, paper towels, bleach, toilet paper, or ice cream. Next, purchase those items when you see them for a lower price or a “buy one get one free” sale, even if there’s no immediate need.
Making one purchase and receiving two items for something you were going to buy anyway is the pinnacle of getting the most bang for your buck. Remember, the idea isn’t to buy items and hoard them.
You’re simply meeting an upcoming need with a present purchase to save you money in the future.
Forgo Delivery Services
Grocery delivery services are a game-changer. You open an app, pick a list of items, have someone else do the shopping, pay for those items, and have them delivered directly to your front door.
Unfortunately, this convenience costs you more money. On third-party apps like DoorDash, Shipt, or Instacart, groceries are often higher priced than in-store. Furthermore, deals from your favorite grocer, typically, don’t show on those apps. You also have to factor in additional fees and taxes, as well as tips for shoppers and drivers. All of these things can really add up
For those reasons – when saving money is your ultimate goal, you may have to sacrifice a little of the convenience and time cost and do the grocery shopping yourself. But hey, there’s still joy to be had in picking a perfect fruit for yourself.
Join Social Media Groups of Your Favorite Grocery Stores
Social media is an incredible resource for saving money on groceries. There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of Facebook groups or Reddit threads devoted to the grocery store of your choice.
Those groups are bursting with members sharing helpful information on sales, coupons, hacks, and other ways to maximize your purchasing power.
Social media groups are a communal way for people to share their love of their favorite brands while posting deals to keep money in everyone’s pockets.
It’s a win for everyone!
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