With prices on the rise in just about every industry, families are looking for ways to save money in as many areas as they can. Groceries are something that every family needs, whether we like it or not. After all, we have to eat—and grocery prices are steadily climbing. Feeding yourself and your family, while also trying to keep meals healthy, can feel nothing short of a juggling act.
The good news is that there are plenty of strategies available that can significantly lower your grocery spending without sacrificing nutrition. The key is knowing the right strategies—and sometimes thinking outside the box (literally!). Here are some practical ways to save money on groceries.
Rethink “Convenience”
Some grocery store items like pre-chopped vegetables—or even baby carrots—may seem a lot more convenient. Yet, when you compare the price to what it would have cost to do it yourself, you may realize that it’s considerably cheaper to prep your own food. Just a few minutes of elbow grease can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of the year. Our society has become so obsessed with things being convenient that we’re willing to sacrifice hundreds of dollars a year to avoid using a cooking appliance to prepare something ourselves.
So consider rethinking what convenience is costing you in the long run. Remember, it might be easier, but convenience is expensive. When you’re looking to save money, sometimes you have to make small sacrifices.
Upgrade Your Fridge
Saving money on groceries starts with changing the way you buy things. Purchasing family-size packs or buying in more economical quantities can save you a considerable amount of money. However, if you have a small fridge, you may not be able to store everything you purchase in bulk.
That’s why you should consider upgrading to a larger refrigerator or adding a standalone freezer. Stock up on things like vegetables and freeze them in advance. Not to mention, there’s also the added benefit of being able to see all of your groceries at a glance instead of everything being piled up on top of each other. When things get hidden or stacked, you may forget you have them, and they go bad. Wasting food is wasting money, and that’s not a productive way to save.
Use Grocery Apps
When it comes to saving money, technology is your best friend. Certain apps offer digital coupons, track your spending, and notify you of deals you might otherwise miss. Some even let you build your shopping list in-app and compare prices across different store locations.
You should also take advantage of store rewards programs. Accumulating points can help you significantly reduce your grocery bill and give you more control over your spending.
