The rising cost of food continues to be on the higher side as the Consumer Price Index is showing a strong uptrend in the United States compared to recent years, so it’s critical to find ways to save money on your grocery bill. For example, the average family spends an estimated $246 per week on groceries and other food-related expenses, which is a lot considering that most Americans live paycheck to paycheck. If you’re struggling with high grocery bills in your area and are looking for ways to save money, read on. The average household spends almost as much on groceries as on rent. Isn’t that crazy? But that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to cut back on your tight budget and save some money.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”76.8px” custom_padding=”9px||0px|||” inline_fonts=”ABeeZee” global_colors_info=”{}”]
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”3082.2px” custom_padding=”|0px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”3003.2px” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]12 practical and easy ways explained in this article to Save Money on Groceries during High Inflation in 2022
1. Go for store brands
When you’re grocery shopping, try to stick to quality brands. If you buy a quality product, you’ll only have to buy it less often. Quality items also tend to last longer than cheaper versions, making them a more cost-effective choice in the long run. This can save you money in the long run, especially if you have a large family and need to buy many groceries monthly. Start thinking about which items are worth splurging on and which ones are better to buy at a lower cost. A good bet is to buy name-brand items for things like milk and eggs that you consume quickly — it’s worth the extra cost to know that what you’re buying is safe and high-quality.
2. Shop at store brands
On the other side, store-brand groceries may not be as luxurious as name brands, but they’ll often cost less due to lower production costs. Some studies suggest that store brands are even more nutritious than their name-brand counterparts! Look for the best prices in the local grocery store for daily fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and other essentials.
3. Try considering Generic Brands
There are a few ways to save money on groceries amid inflation. One is to consider generic brands. Generic products usually cost less than name-brand products and may have the same ingredients. You can also try shopping at discount stores or farmers’ markets.
4. Follow a shopping list.
If you don’t have a shopping list, you’re far more likely to impulse buy items you don’t need. Make a list of all the items you need to buy — and stick to it! If you buy only the things you’ve written down, you’ll save yourself the added expense of buying items that you didn’t mean to buy in the first place. Plus, you’ll avoid wasting money on things you don’t need. Before you head to the store, decide how many meals you want to prepare and how many people you want to feed. This will help you stick to a list and avoid buying too much food. It’s also a good idea to take inventory of what you have at home before you head to the grocery store. This will help you avoid buying duplicate items and save money in the long run.
5. Compare prices before buying anything.
Check the price and the unit price before you put an item in your cart, especially for food items with high prices. This can help you determine if the item is a good deal or not. You can also look at the price per ounce or pound if a thing is sold by weight. This can help you see if the store brand is a better deal than the name brand. Also, keep an eye on sales. You might find that a sale item is a better price than the everyday price. If that’s the case, stock up on the sale item and freeze it if it’s something you don’t plan to use immediately. Many grocery stores also offer coupons and other savings, reducing your grocery bill.
6. Deal in Cash, avoid Credit Card.
For some people, this may not be a big deal, as they may be able to afford to buy more expensive food items. Some people are now devoting more of their income to groceries than they used to.
A great way to save money on groceries is to deal in cash rather than using credit cards. This way, you won’t have to worry about high-interest rates or balances if you don’t use your card monthly. Parking tickets or emergency funds can also be paid for with cash. If you’re looking to save even more money on groceries, it may also be worth considering switching to a grocery store with lower prices overall.
7. Shop in-season
Price increases for many fruits and vegetables when they are out of season. If you buy them then, you’ll pay more for them. Instead, shop in-season. This will help you avoid paying more money on items out of season and also ensure that you buy fresh produce grown in healthy conditions. If you don’t know what’s in season in your area, you can look it up online or ask a worker at the grocery store. You may not be able to get everything you need for your meals during the in-season period, but you can avoid paying more for certain items by shopping for them during specific times of the year.
8. Don’t buy too much at once
Avoid food waste and store non-perishable goods. You will likely go way over budget if you buy a more expensive product than you need. Instead, buy as much food as possible in your refrigerator and pantry. This will help you avoid wasting money on spoiled food. If you know you have a big party, you can stock up on food items that are good for entertaining, such as chips and cookies. You may want to buy more food at once if you have many people in your household. But, if you have a smaller family, you may want to buy less food once to avoid wasting money. Also, try to buy those grocery items with extended shelf life. This is especially important if you’re on a budget.
9. Impulse Purchases can harm your budget.
Amidst high inflation, it can cause a significant amount of damage to people’s savings and overall financial security. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid being affected by inflation and other financial stress by limiting your spending to maintain your savings account balance.
One of the best ways to avoid spending imprudently on groceries is to have a plan. Create a grocery budget and stick to it, accounting for inflation. Another way to save money on groceries is by cooking at home more often. This can be done by following a simple meal plan or pre-made recipes.
10. Save on groceries with discount coupons.
When it comes to groceries, many people find that they are spending more money than they’re used to. However, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce food costs without sacrificing quality or nutrition.
One of them is to look for discount coupons. Many stores offer specific coupons weekly or monthly, which can often be substantial. Not all vouchers are valid at all stores, so it’s important to research which ones will work best for you before clipping them out and bringing them with you when you go shopping. One more way is to download grocery savings apps for daily discount coupons on your groceries.
11. Monitor food prices closely.
Keep track of how food prices in your area change over time in this inflation-fueled climate. If you see price hikes on a particular item you buy often, you may want to find a cheaper alternative brand. You can also sign up for free price drop alerts from websites like Price Drop King that will let you know when an item with higher prices you buy often goes on sale. Monitoring food prices can help you save money over time. If you notice that one store in your area has much cheaper groceries than others, you may want to shop at that store more often. Just make sure you compare prices on like items to get an accurate picture of how much your groceries cost.
12. Try out a grocery delivery service.
Grocery delivery services are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to save money. Some grocery delivery services even offer discounts or coupons on your first order, which can be a money-saving way to try out the service. Grocery delivery services can be a great option if you have difficulty getting to the store or don’t have a car. Online shopping for groceries is another good option to look for. These services can save money by cutting public transportation costs and your valuable time.
In Experts’ opinion
As inflation rises, it can be difficult for American consumers to save money on groceries. However, there are a few strategies that experts suggest you use to help make ends meet.
The first step is to be aware of your spending habits. Track what you are spending on groceries each month and look for ways to reduce the amount you are spending. For example, if you frequently buy unhealthy foods, try switching to healthier options or meal planning ahead so that you have more budget for groceries.
Another way to save money on groceries is to shop at discount stores. Not only do these stores carry lower-priced items, but they also offer discounts on bulk purchases and in-store coupons. Additionally, many supermarkets offer loyalty cards that earn rewards every time you purchase items at the store.
Another way to save money on groceries is to shop at discount stores. Not only do these stores carry lower-priced items, but they also offer discounts on bulk purchases and in-store coupons. Additionally, many supermarkets offer loyalty cards that earn rewards every time you purchase items at the store.
Suggestions from personal finance expert Gina Zakaria
In today’s inflation-ravaged economy, it can be tough to save money on groceries. However, personal finance expert Gina Zakaria suggests a few simple tips to help combat inflation pressure.
To save money on groceries, monitor food prices, use coupons and cook at home as much as possible. Monitor the weekly ads and price scan your local supermarket before making purchases. Coupons can help you save up to 30% on your grocery bill and allow you to buy more than one item with the same coupon, giving you double the savings. Cooking at home saves you money, time and energy and is healthier than eating out.
Bottom line
Saving money on your grocery bill is fundamental, but ensuring you eat healthily and get the most out of your food is the best way to take advantage of savings. If you’re ready to go full-bore, try meal planning and shopping online for your grocery needs. You might also consider edible landscaping if you’re already following a shopping list. Finally, remember that farm-to-table and locally grown foods are your best bets for the most savings.
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