Tips to Save Big Money at The Grocery Store - Money Tip Tuesday

When it comes to impulse buying and overspending, one often overlooked area is the grocery store. Fortunately, there are simple strategies you can use to save money on groceries and keep your costs within your budget. 

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Transcript:

Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal Podcast. 

Have you ever looked at your grocery receipt in shock, realizing you spent more than you planned? Groceries can quickly add up, and many people are just as likely to make impulse purchases at the grocery store as they are elsewhere. Being aware of your spending and planning ahead are essential to shopping smart and managing regular expenses. 

If you're looking to reduce your grocery bill, here are a few tips to consider: 

1. Serve Simple Meals: Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Large meals with multiple sides and desserts can require significant prep work and increase costs over time. Consider simpler meal options like BLTs, big salads, egg sandwiches, or quiches. You don’t need to prepare an elaborate feast every night; with a little creativity, you can enjoy satisfying meals without the extra effort and expense. This approach may also help reduce food waste if you or your family can’t finish leftovers. 
2. Pay with Cash: This is a useful strategy for those who stick to a budget. If you know how much you can spend on groceries each week, bring that exact amount in cash and avoid exceeding it. This way, overspending becomes impossible. If you prefer not to use cash, consider setting a spending limit on your credit or debit card. 
3. Try Delivery or Pickup Services: The growing popularity of grocery pickup and delivery services offers more than just convenience; these options can help you cut back on spending. Shopping online decreases the likelihood of impulse purchases. When you walk through the store aisles, you're more likely to encounter items you didn’t plan to buy and toss them into your cart. Instead, opt for online shopping, scheduling a pickup or delivery. While many grocers may charge a small service fee, it could be insignificant compared to the money you save by avoiding impulsive buys. Often, the minor service charge is worth the savings.
4. Pay Attention to Sales: Smart shoppers always keep an eye out for sales, especially on meats, which can help reduce your grocery bill. Take note of when your favorite items go on sale and track their sales cycles to plan your purchases in advance. With some discipline, you’ll find that the savings add up over time.
5. Consider Buying Generic: Generic items are often cheaper than their brand-name counterparts. By switching some or all of your items to generic brands, you could see significant savings. Some grocery stores offer rewards programs that provide money back when you purchase their store brands. Not only are you buying cheaper items, but you’re also getting a little something back for your purchases—an extra win for your wallet! 

Groceries are a necessary expense in our budgets, but how much we spend can vary widely. With some planning, discipline, and creativity, you can keep this essential expense from getting out of control. 

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Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.