Groceries are the main elements of life that one can’t live without. Unfortunately, your grocery bill can rapidly go up if not well planned. If you find that your grocery bill always goes above what you had anticipated then you probably need to review how you do your shopping.
Pay Attention to Sales
Statistics shows that you can save up to ten percent by buying groceries that are on sale. It is advisable to stock up groceries that are imperishable or those that can be frozen like meat and bread. You should buy an item that you normally use and that is on sale rather than buying it later at an higher price. Not everything is imperishable, for items that are highly perishable, purchase the amount that you can consume before they expire.
Use Coupons
Coupons can be of great advantage in the long run as they help to lower your grocery bill. They are not only found in newspapers alone but with research you will discover that there are several places such as phone apps, coupon sites and other relevant places where you can pick them up for free. Using coupons as well as special offers in store can help save a lot on your bill.
Buy in Bulk
It is cheaper to buy groceries in bulk once a week rather than in small quantities every few days. Sellers sell their groceries at different prices depending on the discount they offer. Usually, buying large amount of goods attracts a larger discount. For example, goods like rice and beans have are much cheaper in large quantities than smaller quantities.
Reduce your Meat
One of the simplest ways to lower your grocery bill is buying less meat. Try substituting wheat berries and beans for meat in your favorite meal. However, it can be difficult to part ways with meat hence, start by establishing one meatless day a week. Eliminating meat once or twice a week cuts off part of grocery bill.
Buy in Season
Sometimes, when you buy is more significant than where you buy. Therefore, buying fruits and vegetables that are in season rather than buying the ones that are out of season is more advantageous. There is no vegetable or fruit that grows whole year round, but you can take the advantage of buying cheap, locally produced groceries that are in season. Purchasing locally produced grocery is advantageous since they are not imported hence free from freight charges!
Pay in Cash
Paying in cash can also help lower your grocery bill. Statistics reveals that twelve to eighteen percent of people who shop using credit cards pay more than those using cash only. Hence, going with cash only to the supermarket forces you to stick to your budget especially when you have left smart cards at home and bringing only the amount you have allocated for groceries. Not only will you be forced to remain under the budget but also trains you to become a conscious spender at all times. Try shopping using cash only for all your needs including clothes, restaurants, electronics and shoes and see the benefits you can reap. However, if you want to collect points by using credit cards, try to limit yourself to the budget or shopping list and you will eventually come out as the best.
Sourced from: dugout
Photo: flickr/woodleywonderworks
