Grocery shopping on a budget seems simple, but there are a few pitfalls that can keep you from maximizing savings. Here are eight common mistakes people make when trying to save money on groceries—and how to avoid them.
1. Skipping Weekly Sales Flyers
Never overlook the weekly sales flyers. They feature great deals and special savings opportunities that are not always advertised in-store. Overlooking them means losing out on major savings on essential items.
2. Not Using a Grocery List
Shopping without a list is never good. It often leads to impulse buys that add up. Additionally, you inevitably end up buying duplicate items you already have at home. At one point, I had about 5 jars of mustard because every time I went to the store I thought I needed some. This went on for about a month before I realized my error. A shopping list would have assisted me in not making this error.
3. Ignoring Store Brands
Store brands are great. They are just as good when it comes to quality and taste, but they cost less. If savings are at the forefront of your mind, don’t overlook them.
4. Buying Too Much Produce at Once
Be cognizant of how much produce you buy. Only buy what you will eat in a week. When you purchase more than you can eat, it leads to spoilage and food waste, which can hurt your budget.
5. Shopping Too Frequently
You do not need to go shopping multiple times a week. Pick one day and a few stores. Get what you need in that time frame. If not, frequent trips to the store increase the chance of making unnecessary purchases.
6. Overlooking Loyalty Programs and Coupons
Many stores offer loyalty programs and digital coupons. These things will lead to extra savings. Both programs are free to you so there is no risk, just a reward for utilizing them.
7. Shopping Without a Budget
Always set a budget for shopping. Make sure it covers your weekly or monthly necessities and is reasonable for your family size. You can tweak over a few months when you get a better understanding of your shopping habits and savings strategies. Be weary that when you do not set a budget, it’s easy to overspend and not save money on groceries.
8. Not Paying Attention to Unit Prices
Make sure you check the unit price of your grocery items. Doing so ensures you identify the best deals between different sizes and brands.
Everyone Can Save More
By avoiding these mistakes, you can keep more money in your pocket each month. With a little planning and a mindful approach, saving money on groceries is achievable for everyone. That includes you.