Simple Ways to Reduce Your Grocery Bill…

How Can You Save The Most Money on Groceries Each Month?

(FinancialHealth.net) – A big expense in your monthly budget is likely your grocery bill. Whether you feed a family of five or it’s just two of you, some meals can be expensive to put together. One of the best ways to slash your grocery expenses is to shop at particular stores at specific times.

With everything from in-store savings to specific deals on certain bulk sale items, you can get the best savings if you know the right time frame in which to shop. Venturing to the grocery store on the last day of the sale may leave you empty handed.

The result is going home with pricey substitutions that aren’t on sale. Being creative with your recipes and meal planning can mean buying more food at a much lower price.

Pay attention to your local store events and use the tips below to come out on top when it comes to grocery shopping.

  • Never pass up bulk food specials for items you use. Most grocery stores run “super” savings on things like canned goods and non-perishables at least once a year. You may have to spend a little more during this timeframe, but the savings will be worth it.
  • Keep watch on upcoming circulars or through the store’s mobile app for updates and alerts.
  • Always grab your check-out coupons. They may offer a significant cost savings on your future orders of a specific product or quantity. Matching these up with manufacturer’s coupons and other in-store savings can cut your grocery bill significantly. Just be sure to pay attention to the expiration date.
  • Sign up for rewards. Most grocers, major or small, offer reward cards. This can give you coupon savings and special deals just by presenting your card. The more you spend, the more you’ll save. Stocking up on common household and kitchen ingredients can really present a cost savings at checkout.
  • Read the store’s weekly circular. This is important because it will contain time-sensitive information about specials such as “in-store only” coupons. These in-store coupons are generally only available on certain days. Either you print them out at home or employees hand them out. They can often only be used once.
  • Markdown trays. Some foods that may have reached their “sell by” date or that may have a small dent in the can or package are often marked down at specific times. The department head will likely place these at an end cap or in a specific area.
  • BOGO or buy one get one free. This is a specialized time-sensitive sale that most stores offer in a variety of ways. Consider that some require you to buy at least 10 items before getting the 11th one free. These sales offer a great opportunity to step up and stock up on your favorite items.
  • Sometimes being out of stock on a sale item is a good thing. If the chicken you wanted for 59 cents a pound is nowhere to be found, don’t grab the expensive brand that’s not on sale. Instead, ask for a rain check. Keep in mind that not all stores do rain checks nor will they offer them on certain in-store deals, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Most are good for 30 days, so you can bring it back when the item goes on sale again and maybe even add another coupon to your final sale for even more cost savings.

Key Points:

  • Check your grocery store’s time sensitive weekly ads frequently. Look for the best deals that match up with competitor and manufacturer’s coupons that you have on hand. (Many stores will match competitor coupons, so you don’t have to shop multiple stores in one trip.)
  • Some stores run mega-specials at certain times of the day. Sign up for email alerts and store phone apps to stay in the loop of these events. You can save money on specific items during these times.

The ways in which you can combine multiple ways to save money at the grocery store is endless. Focusing on time sensitive points can really help keep your budget in check.

~Here’s to Your Financial Health!

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