This post is sponsored by U.S. BANK and Kroger.
My kids aren’t quite at the age where they are eating me out of house and home, but we are getting there. I am already doing my best to keep costs down whenever I head to the grocery store, and I have a few tricks that help me along the way. I thought you might interested in them as well!
1. Make a list: This is maybe the single best way to make sure you aren’t spending wildly at the grocery store. Before you leave, make a list of what you really need, and stick to it. Check out how I organize my grocery list here.
2. Snack first: I’m guilty of breaking this rule all the time. I often shop early in the morning while the kids are at school, and before I’ve made time to have breakfast. I always buy more when I am hungry!
3. Shop the sale flyer: While you are making your list, studying the store’s sale flyer. There might be items you can buy and store or freeze to save money on future grocery trips.
4. Check the unit price: This involves a little math, but you can always bust out the calculator on your phone if you need to. Instead of just buying the cereal brand that has the lowest price, check the unit price to make sure it is actually cheaper per ounce.
5. Buy store brands: Many generics are made by the same companies as the name brands, just with less flashy packaging. You can save money and get the exact same product. This isn’t true for all generics, however, so do your research.
6. Leave the kids at home: Easier said than done, I know, but if you can leave the kids behind you will likely save money. We’ve all given in to pleas for the special juice boxes or snack crackers that weren’t on the shopping list.
7. Make a meal plan: To save even more money, create a weekly meal plan before you write up a shopping list. Choose recipes that are economical and which feature items that are on sale that week.
8. Look up and down: Stores tend to put higher ticket items at eye level, so be sure to scan the top and bottom shelves for better deals.
9. Price match: Check to see if your store will price match deals from other stores. This can save both money and time, as you won’t need to drive from store to store.
10. Use a rewards card: If your store has a frequent shopper card that gives you lower prices, sign up! If not, consider signing up for a credit card that gives you rewards you will actually use.
I’m not a huge fan of credit cards but, when used judiciously and paid off immediately, they can save you money. You can save more with the shopping you do everyday with a Kroger REWARDS Visa®. This card gives you an extra discount on fuel at Kroger Family of Stores fuel centers, AND lets you earn free groceries, every time you use it!
What’s your best tip for saving money at the grocery store? Let me know in the comments!*
*Earn points on net spend toward free groceries, excluding purchases made at The Kroger Family of Companies Fuel Centers. Net spend is purchases minus credits and returns. Rewards certificates cannot be redeemed at Fuel Centers. Rewards sent automatically only to balances greater than or equal to 1,000 points, if your Account is open and in good standing.**Offer applies to new cardholders only. Discount is available at The Kroger Family of Companies Fuel Centers when you redeem at least 100 existing fuel points earned in a single month. You must scan, redeem points and pay with your Kroger REWARDS Visa® in order to receive the fuel discount. Additional 25¢ discount offer expires one year from the cardholder’s approval date. Upon expiration, cardholder will receive additional 5¢ fuel discount at The Kroger Family of Companies Fuel Centers when they scan, redeem points and pay with their Kroger REWARDS Visa®. Not valid with any other fuel offer. Accumulation excludes taxes, office services, alcohol, tobacco, fuel, prescriptions and any purchase prohibited by law. Fuel discount effective for a limited time at participating fuel center locations. Not valid in LA, MO or where prohibited by law. Purchases made at The Kroger Family of Companies Fuel Centers do not earn Rewards points. Please see store for fuel discount details and in-store spending requirements. Selling or purchasing fuel points is prohibited. Fuel redemption offer cannot be combined with any other discounts. No discounts to dealers, wholesalers or fleet programs. No cash back. Not valid where prohibited by law. We may suspend or remove you from the fuel program due to violation of these terms or because of fraudulent activity or suspected fraudulent activity.The creditor and issuer of the 1-2-3 REWARDS® Visa® Card is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa® U.S.A. Inc.
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