We shared some tips for saving money at the grocery store here, but if you’re like us, you’re still on the lookout for more ways to cut costs. These 10 common mistakes could be running up your grocery bill – can you make any changes to your routine to save a few bucks?
1. Not making a grocery list – Being prepared will save you time by making your trip more efficient, getting in and out of the grocery store more quickly, which will in turn save you a little extra cash – the less time you spend shopping, the less likely you are to toss a few extra things in your cart. You’ll also be sure to get everything you need in one trip, eliminating the need to do a second round for all of the “I forgots”.
2. Forgetting to take inventory before you head to the store – This has been known to happen semi-frequently in our house due to my husband’s lack of attention span poor communication. We keep a list near the refrigerator for us to mark down what we need to buy when something runs out, but sometimes someone forgets to check the cabinets to see if we have any stored up. So someone will repeatedly write that we need hot sauce and then we end up with a 5-bottle stockpile. Avoid making unnecessary purchases by checking for what you really need to buy first!
3. Shopping while you’re hungry – Guilty as charged! Before we discovered the joy of Aldi, we got our best deals at Walmart, and there was one conveniently located next to my gym; I’d get my workout in and then grab the groceries while I was out to eliminate the extra trip. The problem? I’d be starving after a 6-mile run and start throwing anything in my cart that looked appealing. I’d come home with piles of stuff we didn’t need, which hurt our wallets AND our waists. Shopping on a full (or at least satisfied) stomach will likely eliminate at least a few impulse purchases.
4. Buying “convenience” foods – It’s easy to buy a frozen lasagna to pop in the oven for dinner, but those kinds of “quick meals” tend to cost more than all of those individual ingredients do on their own. Opt for simple meals with a few basic components instead to save time AND money.
5. Choosing name-brand labels instead of generic versions – Some people tend to stick with well-known brands because they see tons of advertising for them, so they assume they must be the best. Store-brand labels are often much cheaper, and sometimes they even taste better! Try out a few and see if there are any you can swap out for what you would normally purchase. You might be surprised at what you find.
6. Buying frozen foods instead of fresh – It might be convenient to buy pre-frozen fruits and vegetables, but it’s not always the cheapest option. Look for produce that’s in-season and on sale and freeze it yourself!
7. Buying anything and everything organic – Whole, organic foods are always better for your health, but not necessarily for your bank account. Foods with minimal protection from pesticides should be at the top of your priority list, but everything else is up for debate.
8. Forgetting your reusable bags – Most stores are still pretty stocked with plastic and brown-paper bags, but a growing number of them now require you to bring your own reusable bags. They might even charge you to use theirs if you don’t have any. Keeping your own bags in the trunk of your car keeps you prepared for every trip to the grocery store, even the unexpected one.
9. Impulse purchases near the register – Grocery stores put tons of goodies by the check-out line for a reason – you’ve got everything you need and you’re ready to go, but you’ve been stuck in line for 10 minutes so far, and those candy bars are looking like the perfect snack for the ride home. Try to resist! While one or two items may only cost a few bucks, those expenses will add up if you make those purchases consistently over time.
10. Not comparing prices and/or stores – We had originally purchased a majority of our groceries from a store closest to our house, but I couldn’t figure out for the life of me why it was costing us a small fortune. When I switched to shopping at Walmart, I cut our bill by about 30%, which was great, but it was a little farther from home, making it a pain to get to at times. When an Aldi opened up a few blocks away, I was so excited to try out all of the wonderful things I’d heard from other budget bloggers, and it did NOT disappoint! I cut our grocery bill in HALF (not even exaggerating) and we’re able to get about 95% of everything we need on our grocery list. Shopping around really paid off for us, so there’s a good chance it’ll work out in your favor, too.
