With inflation remaining high and prices continuously rising, the cost of groceries at supermarkets is getting more expensive. This is especially true when you have a large family to shop for.
If you familiarize yourself with some shopping techniques and cultivate a habit of saving, through small savings and long-term accumulation, the financial pressure can be somewhat alleviated. Here are 11 shopping tips recommended by CNBC’s “d Select” section that can help you save money on your next grocery trip.
Using the right credit card at checkout can earn you rewards to offset some of your bills. For example, some cashback credit cards offer a 2% cashback on every purchase, while dedicated grocery rewards cards may even offer up to 6% cashback. Choosing a card that fits your shopping habits can significantly reduce your actual expenses.
Most supermarkets in the United States offer free customer loyalty programs that provide member-exclusive discounts upon registration. These discounts are automatically applied at checkout without any extra effort. It’s a simple and efficient way to save money.
Check the weekly promotional flyers mailed to your home, clip the discounts you need, and use them on your next shopping trip. Additionally, many supermarkets offer digital coupons; download their mobile apps, browse discounts, load them onto your digital loyalty card, and the discounts will automatically apply at checkout. This method is straightforward and particularly suitable for people who frequently purchase specific items.
Wholesale clubs like Costco can help you save money through bulk purchasing. If you have a larger household, this could be a good option. However, bulk buying requires a higher initial investment, although it may be more cost-effective overall, it may not be suitable for those with limited cash flow. Additionally, membership fees are a cost as well; for example, Costco’s Gold Star membership costs $60 a year, while Executive membership costs $120. But if you need larger quantities and regularly stock up, this cost may be worth it.
Making a shopping list before you go and strictly sticking to it can help avoid impulse purchases. Studies have shown that shopping without a list makes it very easy to buy unplanned items. Moreover, experts recommend eating a meal before shopping, as hunger may tempt you to purchase more items.
Supermarkets often offer discounted items, from essentials like milk and eggs to snacks like ice cream. Discounted items are usually displayed prominently, such as at the store entrance or at the end of aisles; prioritizing these items can effectively save money.
Pre-cut vegetables or pre-shredded cheese may be convenient, but they also come at a higher price. Choosing fresh or frozen vegetables and whole blocks of cheese and processing them yourself can significantly reduce costs. Comparing the prices of pre-packaged and bulk items during your next shopping trip can make the price difference clear.
If there are multiple supermarkets nearby, compare prices and pay attention to their respective promotions. If you’ve been shopping at high-end supermarkets, consider switching to more affordable stores like Walmart, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, etc. You can also purchase relatively lower-priced items from different stores to maximize your savings.
Supermarkets tend to display brand-name products prominently at eye level for customers, but sometimes, store brands at the top or bottom shelves may be cheaper and offer similar quality. Opting for these store-brand alternatives can significantly reduce expenses.
In some parts of the United States, bringing reusable shopping bags can earn you discounts (e.g., Target or Whole Foods offer savings of 10 cents per bag). This not only saves money but also helps the environment.
Make full use of rebate apps that offer cashback for shopping (such as Ibotta, Rakuten). After free registration, you can further stack cashback on top of loyalty programs and credit card rewards.