How to Lower Your Grocery Bill Without Cutting What You Love

Life Hacks

Audio By Carbonatix

By Jess Hamilton, Promotions Director

Tired of forfeiting what you love while grocery shopping? Save more without buying less with our 7 full-proof hacks on your next shopping trip.

Are you ready to take control of your grocery bill? Follow these 7 tricks to help save you over a $100 month with Life Hacks Simply Money-Saving Ideas You Can Implement Today, presented by Window Nation.

Time Your Shopping

The times you shop can dictate not only how busy the crowds will be, but also when sales are happening. Shopping Tuesday through Thursday during the mornings can lead to maximum savings. This is due to stores marking down on items like perishables from weekend overstock. Many chains also launch new sales cycles on Wednesdays, giving you first pick of deeply discounted items. It also helps to avoid impulse purchases in crowded weekend aisles and being rushed.

Navigate Store Psychology

Grocery stores are strategic with their store layout to make you spend more time and money. For example, high-margin items are typically at eye level, and high-traffic items like eggs are in the back to take you through more aisles. Be diligent in avoiding these traps by working the perimeter first (produce, dairy, meat) and then hitting the center aisles strategically for items you already planned to grab.

Focus on Price-Per-Unit

Take notice of the price-per-unit tags instead of the eye-catching package sizes. Focusing on the small price-per-unit labels on shelf tags will give you more bang for your buck. Your phone calculator is helpful for quick calculations to compare the best deal.

Track Sale Cycles

Many chains follow the 6–8-week cycle of sales, so take advantage of this routine by tracking prices. It can be as simple as making notes on your phone on your trips. Once you see the price drops on nonperishable items like pasta or snacks, stock up and avoid buying later.

Leverage Seasonal Buying

Plan your purchases when items are in season like squash in the fall or asparagus in the spring. In the off-season, take advantage of frozen items that can be cheaper and still nutritious.

Shop The Ugly

When you can, take advantage of the overlooked stock to rack up small savings. Dented cans (check for safety), ‘imperfect’ produce, and day-old bakery items can be 20-50% off while not losing quality. Stores even hold discounted sections for you to look at markdowns.

Stack Savings

Keep an eye out for combined coupon opportunities and loyalty points to add at checkout. Many stores have apps that you can use while you shop in the store.

Doing these tricks will create a snowball effect of savings over time. Start with the easiest steps, like timing and loyalty programs, to help you get more money back in your pocket. For more practical money-saving tips you can use today, check out Life Hacks: Simply Money-Saving Ideas You Can Implement Today, presented by Window Nation.