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Hey there, fellow midlife queens! 👑 Ready to conquer the grocery store like a budget-savvy boss? I get it—finding ways to save money on groceries while still savoring delicious meals is like a finely crafted art. But worry not, because in this blog post, I’m rolling up my sleeves and spilling the beans on how to save some serious cash at the grocery store.
From secret hacks to meal planning magic, I’ve got you covered. So, grab your shopping list, put on those comfy sneakers, and let’s dive into the world of budget-friendly grocery shopping. Because being fabulous doesn’t mean breaking the bank, right?
I’ve thought about what I do…and what I can do better to accomplish this daunting task! And here is what I’ve come up with to save money and keep good food on the table!
How I Save Money on Groceries
- I know you’ve heard it before…but don’t go shopping when you are hungry! Also…be aware of taking children and husbands to the store with you! (My husband is great at getting everything on my list when I send him shopping…he just has a tendency to add some more items to the basket that weren’t on the list!)
- Be aware of what you already have in your pantry and freezer. Shopping from what you already have will save you money at the grocery store.
- Plan your meals. But don’t just plan them…plan meals according to what is on sale…not what you feel like eating. Let’s face it…we can’t eat steak every night just because it’s on the menu! That would blow our budgets! Planning helps us avoid last minute trips to the grocery store and missing important ingredients for a meal.
- Make a shopping list. Bonus points if you can group items together on your list that can be found in the same area. This will save you a lot of time at the store.
- Stock up on loss leaders. When items go on sale that you know you use on a regular basis…stock up! I know when our favorite peanut butter goes on sale I will buy 20 jars (and yes…I’ve even been known to go back to the store the same week to get more when they don’t have enough on the shelves!)
- Use a price book. I think I will remember…everything! But, I have learned that unless I write something down there is a very good chance that I will forget it! I write down the prices of items I buy so I can tell if I’m really getting a good deal or not.
- Make a list of easy to prepare meals that your family likes to eat (mine include baked potatoes, spaghetti with store bought sauce, bean burritos, and quesadillas.)
- Buy meat in bulk when it is on sale. I wrap up what I won’t be using that week to put in the freezer. Yes, sometimes I get some funny looks from the cashier…but who cares!
- Prepare meals for your freezer. I admit…if you are not used to purchasing your meat in bulk it can be overwhelming. I have learned to create a plan before shopping day. Then I ready to prepare meals for my freezer. It saves me time and money to have these meals in my freezer ready to cook.
- Use meat as a condiment not the main feature. I’m not a huge meat eater, so this is the way I prefer to eat anyway…but it’s a bonus when you are trying to save a few bucks. Serve meat as an ingredient on a salad, in soup, or just part of the meal without it being the main attraction.
- Avoid buying precut and preseasoned items. I know they are convenient. You have to weigh out whether or not the convenience is worth the extra money for you.
- If you use coupons…compare to other brands first to make sure you are really getting a good deal. And be sure to compare the unit prices!
- We all know that fruits and vegetables are good for us….but don’t feel like you always have to purchase fresh from the produce section. Frozen fruits and vegetables are great choices….and often less expensive than fresh…just be sure to avoid added sugar and salt.
- Ordering groceries online can save you money. This forces me to make a menu plan and I don’t make impulse buys. It’s great to be able to go to the store and have the employee just bring my groceries to my car! Emeals is my favorite tool for planning my meals and sending my grocery list to my favorite store. It’s easy for me to order what I need and schedule my pickup….and saves me from those impulse buys that happen when I’m in the store.
- Using apps like Ibotta, Fetch, and Checkout 51 can give you cash back on the groceries that you are already buying. Shopkick is an app that rewards you for completing simple tasks in the grocery store.
- Cooking from scratch can save you a lot of money. Yes…I know it takes more time…you have to decide how to balance the time vs money for your situation.
So there you have it, lovely midlife ladies! 🛒 We’ve taken a deep dive into the world of grocery shopping and discovered some fantastic money saving techniques to make every trip a breeze on your wallet. From savvy couponing to meal planning like a pro, you’re now armed with the knowledge to conquer those aisles without breaking the bank.
Remember, it’s not just about saving money; it’s about empowering yourself with the skills to live a balanced, budget-friendly, and delicious life. So go forth, shop smart, and savor every meal knowing you’ve got the financial game strong!
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12 comments on “14 Ways to Save Money on Groceries!”
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I like the idea of using meat as a side note rather than the main course. Thanks for the great tips.
I am not a huge meat eater either so I could go without most evenings. BUT I have a meat and potatoes guy 🙂 So there is meat at every meal. We also buy in bulk locally. One of the benefits of living in a very rural area. Not only is it cheaper but I know exactly where the meat came from.
That’s great to have local options for your meat! My guy likes his meat too…I like to plan meals where he can choose to eat a little more and I can choose to eat a little less!
Great list! One way to use less meat is to make casseroles. I’ve learned how to make them without the cream of something soup and make my own sauce. Or I do more Mexican style so it’s a bit healthier than the standard creamy casserole. My husband is a huge meat eater and works a physically demanding job so I can’t get away with less meat very often. 😉 We don’t have Zaycon here so I just keep an eye on sales and mark downs.
Good idea! Casseroles can be a great money saving meal idea!
I really like the idea of a price book! I have never thought of that!
Virginia
More to Mrs. E
Thank you for the tips. I never thought of keeping a price book on the items I buy often so I know if I’m getting a deal.
Just a great post. Meal planning is my best tool for saving, but I lack consistency. I do really well for a week or two and then not at all and we eat out. Ugh. I think implementing the freezer meals would help with this. Thanks!
It is hard for me to be consistent too!
I never thought about using a price book. Great idea!
Thanks,
Kim
I wish I had the coordination and patience to actually write down the prices for everything I buy. I do most of my shopping at Walmart, and I love their savings catcher app. I trick myself into thinking that if it catches a lower price, then I am saving.
You are right…it would be overwhelming to write down everything I buy each week. I usually pick 3-5 items each week to put in my price book.