Sometimes (a lot of times) in college, money gets scarce. Then, just when you think you can’t get anymore broke, you move off campus and get hit with an entirely new wave of adult expenses. Rent, electricity, cable, groceries, Wi-Fi: it’s a lot. You can probably go without a few of these things, but one thing that’s essential for human life? FOOD. GROCERIES. You need food (as you already knew). But worry not! Grocery shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. I’ve got some tips to help you save on food.
1. Prepare a list ahead of time.
Planning out your meals ahead of time can make your trip to the grocery store much easier. You’re much more likely to pick up unnecessary items when you’re not really sure what you’re going to eat. You’re also more likely to underestimate how much you might eat, which could lead to having to make another (costly) trip to grocery. Planning your meals for a specific amount of time, such as for a week or two weeks, can help you stick to the essentials while at the browsing.
2. Sign up for rewards programs!
Many grocery stores have rewards programs (which are free to sign up for!) that help customers save money on certain items or get certain deals that aren’t available to non-rewards members. These days, most stores have stopped issuing actual keychain cards and can just look you up at checkout to see if you’re in their rewards programs. All you need is a phone number or email address. This is basically like receiving free money (and we never pass up free money). Ask if your favorite stores have rewards programs and be sure to sign up for them!
3. Look at the weekly circulars.
Back in the olden days, stores used to issue weekly circulars in the Sunday newspaper (remember those things?) that showed all their deals and coupons for the week. Now, many stores have their circulars available online. Take a look at different circulars from different stores to see who has the best deals, or who has what you’re looking for this week on sale. Cutting out coupons is now a thing of the past, as you can typically find them online in the weekly circulars. It’s like stores are just begging for you to save money. Take them up on that offer.
4. Don’t be afraid of the G-word.
GENERIC. Terrifying, I know, but not deadly. Don’t be afraid to buy the generic version of products, because they’re generally the same exact product at a cheaper price. Nothing bad will happen to you. I can promise you the cashier isn’t ringing you up then laughing with their coworkers in the breakroom about how you bought generic brand bottled water earlier today.
5. Only carry cash with you.
Bringing a certain amount of cash with you helps limit what you buy. Having a credit card on a grocery shopping trip can be somewhat of an evil because you’re (somewhat) unlimited when it comes to spending. Knowing you only have a limited amount of cash on you should stop you from picking up unnecessary items.
Now go forth and save money.