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Many people don’t think of groceries as a “bill”.
It’s also a highly variable cost that depends on inflation, supplies, and even how much you had to eat before going shopping.
With big expenses like this happening so often, the savings and the mistakes you can avoid add up quickly. Let’s take a look at some of the costly mistakes you should avoid on your next grocery shopping trip.
1. Not using a cashback app
Available for both Android and Apple phones, cashback apps like Ibotta give you access to cash rebates on your purchases at many grocery stores and retailers. It’s free, so there’s little reason not to try it.
2. SNUB STORE BRAND
Brand loyalty is expensive. Try different brands if they offer a better deal, including the store’s own.
Check out our article, 32 Products You Should Always Buy Generic.
3. Don’t pay with point cards
Assuming you can pay off your balance in full each month, a rewards credit card means you get more out of your spending, whether it’s travel points, statement credits, or direct cash back. The card offers higher reward rates, especially for grocery purchases.
Compare credit cards at the Money Talks News Solution Center to see what benefits you can get.
4. Hungry Shopping
Not everyone struggles with impulse buying, but it’s easy to see how showing up to the store hungry can be a disadvantage.
If you don’t eat before shopping, Endcap’s display of snacks will tempt you literally every time. yeah.
5. Shop by recipe
If you need to buy multiple ingredients at once for a particular recipe, it’s unlikely that many of them will be on sale at the same time. It can also lead to waste.
To maximize your savings, stick to a mostly regular meal plan and stock up on flexible staples.
6. Wait until it’s out of stock before buying
Some things spoil quickly and can’t be stocked up, but there are many things that don’t. If something you eat regularly is on sale, it might make sense to buy it – even if you haven’t exhausted the supplies you already have.
Obviously, you have to be sure that no food is wasted. However, keeping inventory allows you to stay in control and wait for a deal rather than being forced to buy at full price.
7. Always shop in-store
Many grocery chains now offer free curbside pickup. Choosing this option saves time and hopefully forces you to shop first off the list, reducing the chance of impulse purchases.
8. Ignore the unit price
Grocery stores can be overwhelming with a wide variety of products in different sizes and combinations, all priced differently, some of which may be on sale. Neither the largest nor the biggest package is always the best deal.
Instead, the only way to ensure the best deal is to compare unit prices.
9. Not understanding the terms of sale
Let’s say your favorite chips are on sale: A weekly ad says 3 for $10. Does that mean that the discounted price only applies if I buy 3 or that I can only buy 1 for $3.33 this week?
If you have a “buy one get one” deal, do you know what the item limit is? It could also mean “buy two get two”.
Understanding the rules behind selling can double your savings and prevent you from buying more than you actually need.
