Times are hard for many people, and more of us are trying to find ways to save. Saving is often a question of making the right or wrong decision. No matter who you are, there are strong chances that you could cut the amount of money you spend on groceries. Sometimes, people can’t save because they don’t bother to do the work needed, but, in many cases, it has to do with a lack of knowledge. Here are a few tips that will make you a pro grocery shopper.
Don’t Get Overwhelmed by Discounts
Grocery stores will routinely use discounts to attract clients, but it’s not always in your best interests. Sometimes, they might want to let go of some stock that they may have, or it may be products that will be expiring soon. This is why you need to be very careful with discounts. If you see a discount on an item, make sure that you know exactly how much it will cost and compare it with other products or the same product from somewhere else. You can calculate discount prices with a discount calculator. This will give you a clear idea of how much of a discount you’re actually getting and if it’s worth it.
Stay Away from Prepared Foods
Anything that has been processed in any way will usually cost more. So, stay away from anything processed or even pre-cut. There is no reason for you to pay a premium for lettuce simply because it has been cut and washed. These are all things that you can easily do on your own.
There are tons of things you can prepare yourself that people pay extra for when they shouldn’t have to. Take pickles, for instance. Few people would ever imagine making their own pickles, but it’s so simple and will cost you so much less than buying mass-produced ones. Not only that, but they’ll taste much better.
Another benefit of pickling is that you can buy vegetables when they’re in season and enjoy them all year long. You can do the same thing with fruits and make preserves. There is also no reason for you to spend money on things such as frozen fries when they can so easily be done yourself. Not to mention that nothing compares to homemade fries.
Being resourceful will allow you to save in so many ways. We would suggest that you learn how to butcher your own meat and how to fillet, debone, and skin a fish. Buying whole fish and primal cuts of meat will cut your spending significantly and doesn’t require that much work. You shouldn’t be intimidated by butchering. If you know how to use a knife, you can learn how to butcher your meat with experience.
Another thing we would suggest is that you invest in a chest freezer. This will give you the chance to stock up on frozen foods when they’re on sale or freeze large primal cuts of meat.
The only exception to the rule is when it comes to canned goods. There are some cases when canned goods will be cheaper than fresh options, like tuna, for instance. This is because canning allows turning a good that is very perishable into one with an extendable shelf life. Frozen vegetables also have the advantage of not having to be bought in season, which can make them cheaper in some cases.
Join Loyalty Programs
We also suggest that you join as many loyalty programs as you can. Also, look at which retailers have the best ones so you can buy more from them. Loyalty programs are not only a great way to save, but some will allow you to get points that you can use on everything from flights to lodging. So, make sure that you look at some of the programs available and pick one that fits your lifestyle and spending habits.
Stock Up on Specials
Another thing you should do is make sure that you keep your eyes peeled for discounts on non-perishable foods. If this is something you use a lot, then you should stock on as much as you reasonably can. Make sure that you check the max amount you’re allowed to buy.
These are all tips that you should keep close to your heart if you’re trying to reduce your grocery bills. These will not only allow you to save but could actually end up improving the quality of the foods you eat.
