If half of your paycheck is spent on groceries every month, believe it or not, it does not always have to be like this. With the help of some useful, yet simple tricks, you will successfully cut your food bill in half, as seen on USA Today. Therefore, if you want to learn how to save on food, yet always have the necessary groceries at home and a full belly, continue reading this article!
3 Tips How to Cut Your Grocery Bills in Half
- Go to the supermarket less frequently
If you happen to go to the grocery store several times per week, you are probably spending more money on impulse buys. Therefore, try to minimize the trips to once per week. Believe it or not, a family of four who spends around $200 on a monthly basis is actually spending $9,600 on a yearly basis. Also, it is high time you learn how to shop more efficiently and do your best to catch sale items in order to save up more.
- Shop the deals
Did you know that you do not need to use coupons in the grocery stores to save up? You should look for deals and items that are discontinued or overstocked and that come at a cheaper price. What’s more, buying the sale item in bulk enables you to have a full pantry at a discount price, amazing, right? These deals do not just apply to bagged and canned goods, but there are also good deals on meat and meat products that you can purchase in bulk, freeze, and use for later. Remember, pay attention to expiration dates and mark the products which should be eaten first. And, though they are on sale, do not buy items that you know you will not use.
- Plan meals in advance
Though it may seem challenging to prepare a meal plan for a whole month in advance, it is a necessary step if you want to cut your grocery bill in half. If you are unsure whether you will be good at the planning, start small and plan for one week in advance first and then see how things go. Also, it is never a good idea to go the grocery store without a plan. This strategy often ends up in buying unnecessary items (and for a high price) that you will probably not use. Therefore, the next time you head out grocery shopping, take a preprinted list of the stuff you usually buy so that you avoid unplanned purchases.
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