Saving money at the grocery store is simply being a smart consumer, but cutting coupons isn’t for everyone. Maybe you’re one of those people that forgets to use their coupons until they’ve already expired or maybe you can’t stand sitting at a table searching through grocery store ads. Whatever the reasons, there are ways that you can save money at the grocery store without using coupons.
- Compare Prices of Local Grocery Stores
This isn’t something you will need to do every week, but when you’re first starting your money-saving journey, comparison-shopping can help you find the store with the best prices. Start by making a list of foods you purchase often. Find the price for each item and then add them up for a total. You should get a good idea of which store has the best prices on the foods you buy most.
- Loyalty Cards
Most stores have some kind of loyalty card where you receive points with each purchase you make. Just to clarify, loyalty cards are not the same thing as a credit card. Loyalty cards give you access to member-only savings and sometimes special coupons for discounts based on the number of points you’ve earned. Many stores also offer rebates or discounts on gas through their loyalty cards. If you already shop at the same store every week, you might as well take advantage of these extra savings.
- Download Store Apps
Many stores now have apps that can be linked to loyalty cards. Many apps let you make a grocery list and alert you when items go on sale or when there’s a less expensive generic brand available. Some apps offer coupons but don’t worry, you don’t necessarily have to cut them out. Many apps automatically load selected coupons to your loyalty card, making discounts as you swipe the card at the register.
- Check the Top and Bottom of the Shelves
Some manufacturers pay top dollar to get their products placed at eye level on grocery store shelves. In general, that’s where the most expensive name brand items are found. Generic brands, which are less expensive, are usually on the top and bottom shelves. Most of the time, generic brands are of similar quality and taste to name brand products.
- Strategically Buy in Bulk
Buying items in bulk can save a lot of money per unit. However, if you don’t use all of the product, it can go to waste, which means you’re throwing away some of your savings. Items like toilet paper, paper towels, and batteries are almost always a better deal when bought in bulk and they don’t spoil. As long as you have the storage space, you might as well stock up on products that won’t go back and you know you’ll use.
Skip the Coupons but Keep the Savings
Implementing a few simple strategies can help you save a few dollars with every visit to the grocery store. Rest assured you don’t need to spend hours searching through ads and cutting coupons. Try these five tips to help you keep more money in your pocket.
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