Think You're a Smart Grocery Shopper?

Save Money on Your Next Trip!

My family and I have come a long way in learning how to shop smarter for groceries. Realizing that inflation isn't on our side, we’ve seen a significant increase in our monthly grocery expenses.

While we can’t avoid the need for groceries, we can implement strategies to keep our budget consistent.

Let me share the insights that have worked for us, along with a few personal stories that highlight these practices.

Buy This in Bulk

Ever find yourself constantly running out of household essentials? One of the biggest game-changers for my budget has been buying in bulk. Stores like Costco and Sam’s Club have become my go-to for certain must-haves. For instance, purchasing items like toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags, and bottled water in bulk saves not just money but also the hassle of frequent shopping trips.

I remember the peace of mind I felt when I first stocked up on bulk essentials—no more panicking because we were out of toilet paper during a busy week. The upfront cost might feel hefty, but over time, it’s a real money-saver.

How Many Is Enough?

Quality over convenience has become my motto. Depending on dietary needs, it might not be possible to find everything at one store. My fiancé and I, for example, follows a non-dairy diet, and we’ve found that buying certain items from specialty stores not only fits our budget better but also provides healthier options.

Shopping at 2-4 different stores might seem excessive, but here’s the secret: it allows you to get the best prices while ensuring quality. I once discovered that the almond milk we love was nearly $3 cheaper at a different store. It was a small change but made a big difference over time.

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Check the Price

My fiancé is a pro at price-checking, often comparing items online before heading out. A quick search using a food delivery app once showed us a $5 price difference on the same brand of yogurt between two stores. This simple habit has saved us a significant amount over the past year.

Keep This in Your Trunk

Investing in reusable grocery bags was one of the smartest moves we made. These bags are sturdier than the store’s disposable ones and can hold more items, making unloading a breeze. Plus, many stores now offer small discounts for bringing your own bags. It might not seem like much, but every little bit helps. There’s nothing quite like seeing a few cents shaved off the total—it feels like a mini win every time.

The Lost Thought

One of the easiest ways to waste money is by buying more food than you can eat before it spoils. Early in our grocery journey, we would sometimes toss spoiled produce or leftovers we never got around to eating. Now, we focus on buying only what we need for the week.

I’ll never forget the day I cleaned out our fridge and found spoiled spinach, wilting lettuce, and uneaten leftovers. It was eye-opening and pushed us to be more mindful. We now plan meals and ensure we use what we buy. Reducing waste has cut our grocery bill significantly.

Track Your Shopping

Tracking our grocery expenses has been crucial for understanding this category of spending. Every month, we know the ballpark of how much we’re spending, allowing us to plan for future expenses. Having this range mapped out has opened up opportunities to save and even invest more.

Don’t Do This

Ever made the mistake of shopping on an empty stomach? I have—and regretted it. When you’re hungry, everything looks appealing, leading to impulse buys and an inflated bill. After one too many trips where I bought items I didn’t even end up eating, I learned my lesson. Now, I make sure we’ve eaten before heading out, and it’s helped curb unnecessary spending.

Everything's Better With a Plan

Walking into a store without a grocery list is like heading into a maze without a map. Planning ahead not only saves time but also keeps you focused. We write down everything we need for meals and snacks in the notes app on our phone before shopping. This small step has made our shopping trips quicker and our budget more predictable.

Conclusion

Smart grocery shopping isn’t just about finding the lowest prices—it’s about being strategic. From buying in bulk to comparing prices and shopping with a plan, these habits have helped us manage our expenses better. As grocery costs continue to fluctuate, maintaining a mindful, proactive approach will keep your finances steady and your home stocked with what you truly need.

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Money Tips Money Hacks is a reader-supported publication. To receive new insights and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.