With shortages, supply chain issues, and inflation, grocery shopping these days can feel like an episode of “Supermarket Sweep.” You’re rushing through the aisles, tossing whatever you can into your cart, and by the time you hit the checkout, you've racked up $700 worth of goods. But instead of smiling in triumph, you're panting from an impending panic attack, and your wallet is curled up in the fetal position. But fear not, Super Saver! With a few savvy tips, you can feel like a game show contestant who just won big because you got more bang for your buck.
Feed Shaggy and Leave Scooby-Doo at Home
Shopping while hungry is like a classic Scooby-Doo episode waiting to happen. When you’re hungry, everything looks good, and you might just find yourself saying, "Zoinks!" as you fill your cart with unnecessary snacks. And if you’ve got a hungry buddy (aka your Scooby-Doo), the temptation doubles. So, before you hit the store, feed your inner Shaggy a Scooby Snack. Leave Scooby at home, and it’ll be easier to stay focused on buying the essentials.
Make a List and Check it 2x
Before you make the trip to the store, channel your inner Santa. Take inventory of what you already have and make a list of what you actually need. Once you’ve got your list, check the sales flyers for any deals on those items. This not only helps you spend less on essentials, but it also gives you a clearer idea of how much of your budget will take a hit. Plus, it helps you plan your trip efficiently and create a meal plan for the week.
Never Buy Retail
Fran Fine might have been onto something when she said, “Never buy retail.” In the world of grocery shopping, finding stores with everyday low prices is good, but scoping out the clearance sections is even better. These sections can be treasure troves of perfectly good food with damaged packaging, out-of-season items, or overstocked inventory. And don’t forget about off-price retailers and bargain outlets. They may not carry regular inventory, but they’re full of surprises, letting you sample different foods without breaking the bank.
What’s in a Name?
As Shakespeare might have said, “Costlier victuals.” Name-brand foods often come with a higher price tag than their generic counterparts. By switching to store brands or private labels, you can save about 25-40% on your bill. In some cases, the store brand is the exact same product as the name brand, just with different packaging. So why pay more for the label? Give the store brand a try—you might be pleasantly surprised.
Pat, I’d Like a “Y,” Please
Ever watch a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune” land on the $5,000 wedge and call a letter that only appears once? You’re left screaming at the TV, “Why didn’t you pick the letter that shows up three times?” Some shoppers do the same with sales. They see an item on sale, buy one, and think they’re set—until they need that same item next month when it’s full price. My advice? If an item you regularly use is on sale, buy enough to last until the next sale. That’s one less item on future shopping lists and more money in your pocket.
Extreme Couponing
Remember that show from a few years ago, “Extreme Couponing”? Those shoppers would go to great lengths to save a buck. While you don’t need to be that extreme, using coupons, both paper and digital, can make a big difference. Combine them with sales and rewards programs, and you’re stacking savings like a pro. Some stores offer exclusive deals and extra savings through their loyalty programs, while others give you the chance to clip manufacturer and store coupons digitally. And don’t forget about rebates—they’re like post-checkout coupons that give you a discount after the purchase.
If we want more money in our pockets, let’s not wait for Wayne Brady to offer us a deal. Let’s make our own deals by taking advantage of what’s already available to us. With the savings we rack up, maybe we could fund a dream trip to California and become lucky contestants on “Let’s Make a Deal.” Now that’s a win-win situation!
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