After going through a fairly intense couponing phase years ago, I finally lost steam and stopped such time-consuming techniques. These days, I’m more interested in easy, spreadsheet- and binder-free ways to save money on groceries, and that’s what you’ll find in this post.
Related: 10 Ways to Make Grocery Shopping Less Terrible
Here, we’ll explore small changes you can make The way you shop To avoid overspending. By improving these behaviors, you can save money every time you shop, no matter which store or chain you choose!
As always, if you have a great money-saving tip that isn’t included here, feel free to share it with us in the comments at the end of this post!
Related: This simple trick will save you a fortune on groceries
11 Costly Grocery Shopping Mistakes to Avoid
1. Never look down
Many people just grab whatever option is at eye level, but that can mean you’re missing out on less expensive options on the lower shelves! Many stores deliberately place less expensive items below eye level, so take a few extra seconds to check out those lower shelves.
Related: 10 Practical Ways to Save Money When Times Are Tough
2. Take many short trips
Frequent trips to the store just to buy a few items can actually cost more in the long run, and not just because you’re using more gasoline to get there. Shopping with an abstract goal in mind (like “get food for the next few days,” for example) Often resulting in unplanned expensesSo making fewer, more goal-oriented trips to the store can help you stick to your budget.
3. Always buy the largest size
It is important to know that the largest size is not always the cheapest! It’s all based on “unit cost,” so it’s important to look for price tags and compare them closely.
After a while, you’ll find that the smaller item is actually cheaper than the bulk option! Some stores do this on items like cereal and French fries, with the assumption that shoppers will reach for the larger size by default.
4. Looking at only one place
You can find certain items in multiple locations throughout the store, and prices may vary between locations. For example, you can often find cheese in up to four different sections, such as a section for specialty cheeses, along with salad toppings, shredded or block cheese at a deli, and cheese sticks at lunch meats.
If you’re willing to check out a few different places, you can save some money!
5. Always choose convenience
Stores like to display certain items together to make things convenient, but that’s not always the most cost-effective option. For example, there is a smaller selection of nuts and candies located in or near the ice cream aisle, but you can find a much larger selection (with a more affordable price range!) in the baking aisle.
6. Never check the salad bar
If you need a special food item that you don’t normally use, check out the salad bar. You can often find things like olives, artichoke hearts, bacon bits, and other ingredients there, and you can save money by getting only what you need.
If your store doesn’t have an extensive salad bar, check near the produce or deli section for their “made fresh daily” offerings.
7. Shop early in the day
If you shop first thing in the morning, you’ll likely miss markdowns that may show up later in the day. Along with the meat section and bakery, check out the end caps of the aisles for special prices.
8. Failure to Check Receipts
Erroneous charges happen all the time, so it’s always a good idea to check your receipt! Common errors include multiple scans, sale prices not being reflected, and coupons not being applied.
Before you leave the store parking lot, take the time to double-check that everything looks right on your receipt.
9. Forgetting your reusable bag
Don’t forget your reusable shopping bag, as most stores now charge a few cents for each bag you use, or they offer a small discount for bringing your own. That money can add up over time, so it’s worth that extra bit of effort!
10. Shopping for recipes
When you shop for a particular recipe, the chances are very low that those ingredients will be on sale. A better way to save is to check the store’s website or circular to find out what’s on sale. then Plan your meals around the best deals available.
It’s a little extra work to shop this way, but it can save you a significant amount of money!
11. Never look at Store Apps
Many grocery store chains have an app you can download with additional ways to save money, such as digital coupons you can load directly onto your customer loyalty card. It only takes a second, and it’s a lot easier than trying to keep track of paper coupons.
Some stores even offer personalized offers based on your shopping habits, so it’s definitely worth your time to check out your favorite store’s app!
What’s your best tip for saving money at the grocery store?
