4 Penny-Pinching Tips from the Pros to Save Money on Groceries

A lot of American families are affected by the sluggish economy and inflation, the price of gas, and the pandemic fallout but there are practical ways to save money on groceries despite the current situation.

According to CNBC, the prices of goods in February 2022 were up by 7.9 percent compared to last year and this is significantly the highest increase since the 1980s. Basic and regular supplies of eggs, meat or milk, which many families need the most, are taking a huge chunk out of the grocery budget, alongside beverages and conveniently packed goods. 

Here are some tips from the pros on how to get your money's worth or save money on groceries:

Always Set a Budget

It's piece of advice you might have heard many times before but according to savings coach Krystal Sharp via Her Money, having a budget is the secret to saving money. She suggested a budget of $100 to $125 per family member per month for grocery needs but some states, such as New York, might have a higher baseline. This monthly budget can be broken down into weekly or biweekly trips to the store.

Read Also: 5 Ways to Save Money on the Pump as Gas Prices Soar

Part of setting the budget is setting the meals for the week so that you'll know what ingredients are no longer in your refrigerator or pantry. You'll also avoid buying what you don't need because you can stick to a list.

Avoid Impulse Buying

Supermarkets are set up for shoppers to impulse buy so if you're at the cash register, you might be prompted to grab a candy bar for the road or some packed meals that might be priced higher than normal. You might not realize it but impulse buying can quickly add to a few bucks that could, instead, go to other more important purchases. So, if you're waiting at the cash register, resist the urge to grab that magazine or that bottled drink.

One effective way of avoiding impulse buying is to shop online. According to the pros, you'll end up buying just what you need if you use the grocery's online app or website. These days, these technical options are available from many types of stores.

Be Creative with Meal Planning

Mom Carrie Leonard, who has two grown children, plan a vegetarian night every week as this costs less than buying meat. Sometimes, she also serves breakfast food for dinners, such as waffles or pancakes, as it's a lot cheaper, according to ABC News. Admittedly, her family is feeling the pinch of the price increase so she has to get creative about meal planning.  

Consider Shopping Around

You might have a favorite grocery store near where you live but Edgar Dworsk of Consumer World said via CNN that it's still good to shop around at different supermarkets. There might be great deals you could take advantage of.

Going to different stores, such as supermarkets, discount shops, wholesale club, or dollar chains, will also help with price comparisons. Victor Martino, who works in a grocery consulting firm, highly recommends doing your grocery shopping in at least two kinds of store formats.

Related Article: Mom Tries and Succeeds to Do Grocery Shopping on a Budget From 2012