Ways To Save Money on Groceries

I only have time for a super quick post today. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but here are 10 ways we save money on groceries.

1.Reusable containers

I use fabric sandwich bags and tupperware as often as I possibly can. This saves money because I don’t need to buy ziplock or plastic wrap very often.

2. Growing things

Gone our the days when we did serious gardening, but we still have a few plants in our yard. Even the smallest of places can accommodate fresh herbs which is always way cheaper than buying them.

3. Couponing

I used to be an avid couponer. I would dumpster dive for coupons and scour dozens of websites for deals. These days I just use the ones that I get in the mail or at the end of my receipt. Every little bit helps though, as long as it’s something you know you’d be buying anyway.

4. Buying in bulk

Now that we have six mouths to feed and the mouths are getting bigger everyday we finally have entered into the world of warehouses membership. Buying in bulk doesn’t always safe money, but in a few days I’ll explain how I know when to buy in bulk or not.

5. Shopping once a week

I’ve read this on money saving websites before and it really does make a difference. Make a list, stick to it, and then make that list work no matter what! A bunch of little trips to the store will definitely have a negative impact on your grocery budget.

6. Always looking at price per unit

Most places have them listed on the price label. I shop everything by the cheapest price per unit unless it’s a brand or product I feel is worth the extra cost (like toilet paper, amen?)

7. Comparing prices between stores

This is another one I’ll touch on later, but you never know which store is cheapest until you research for yourself.

8. Don’t hesitate to return things

You would be surprised how many brands and stores have money back guarantees. One time I got some cheap toilet paper from Kroger. It was awful. Then my mom told me if it is Kroger brand you can bring in the container even without a receipt and they’ll give you your money back. So I did that. I was a little embarrassed to show up with a half empty container of toilet paper. I explained to the employee that I would have returned it sooner, but I didn’t know that I could. Once I found out about the return policy I thought Why suffer? The more I tried to explain myself, the more awkward it got, but hey at least I got my refund.

9. Filtered water

Drinking water is a great way to save tons of money. Drinking water filtered at home verses buying it saves even more!

10. Buying generic

One time I had a rabbi (it’s a long story) told me he knew a guy that worked in a factory for Neosporin and when they changed to generic all they did was switch out the tubes. It was the exact same product! I know this isn’t the case with everything. For the third time I will bring up toilet paper. There are a lot of things though that I will not waste my money paying for the brand name. Check back tomorrow for my post about how to get more bang from the groceries you buy.