Seven Tips for Slashing Your Grocery Bill

Believe it or not, it’s entirely possible to save money on food and maintain a healthy diet. Yes, it’s true that Whole Foods tends to be fairly expensive while fast food chains are extremely cheap, but that doesn’t make it impossible to buy food you want without breaking the bank. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Don’t shop hungry. If you don’t want to blow up your receipt with random snacks you would normally never buy, then try to only shop on a full stomach. You’ll only purchase what you need.

2. Check your pantry. Ever wind up with three containers of the same mustard? Inventory your pantry and fridge before you head to the store to avoid duplicate purchases.

3. Take advantage of coupons, discounts, and sales. Look at what deals are available and then plan your shopping trip to take advantage of those savings. You can find coupons in your local newspaper, on the store’s website, or through various apps.

4. Plan ahead. Make a shopping list and with your coupons in mind. Avoid buying anything not on the list to keep costs down. Bonus benefit: planning means you’ll save time later when deciding what to make for dinner.

5. Compare prices. Your local store may sell three versions of the same product. Make sure you compare the costs before you buy. Likewise, if you have multiple grocery stores in your area, figure out which one has the best deals on the stuff you buy most often.

6. Compare weight and numbers. Match up the price of an item with its corresponding weight or amount. For example, it might be cheaper to buy a pack of 10 granola bars for $5, but it is a better deal to buy 20 bars for $8?

7. Buy in bulk. If you live near a “warehouse club” retailer like Costco, you’ll likely find big savings on groceries. The only downside is you have to pay for a membership, but the cost is usually off-set by the amount you save over the year.

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