15 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Have you ever looked at how much money you actually spend on groceries in one month? You may be surprised to see the total on paper. In order to save money on groceries you need to look at your monthly budget and figure out how much you spend. Today, I wanted to show you some simple tricks and new ways that you can utilize every time you go grocery shopping.One of the largest monthly expense is your food budget. Groceries are expensive. Whether you are feeding a family of five or are just budgeting for yourself I am sure you can relate to overspending on food. There are plenty of times where I run into the grocery store to get three items and end up walking out spending over $100.{Related: How I am lowering my family's food budget}I have put together a list of 15 ways to save money on groceries that will help you to not only change your spending habits, but also keep more money in your wallet. Each of the items below are something you can start doing now. Some of them seem extremely simple, but if you make a conscious effort you will see a big difference in your food budget.

How to Save Money on Groceries:

1. Shopping ListI know this one is obvious, but a lot of people do not make a shopping list. Having a list not only helps you stick to what you need but it prevents you from having to make separate trips to the grocery store.2. CouponsCoupons can save you a TON of money. A lot of people are afraid when they hear couponing. Couponing does not have to be something that you spend hours on every single week. But, if you spend a few extra minutes and clip coupons for items you purchase you will be surprised with how much money you can save.3. Shop SalesThis tip alone can save you a lot of money. Your shopping list should consist of items that are on sale. This will allow you to stock-up so that you do not have to pay full price when you run out. Pay attention to your store’s weekly circular and make your list based upon the items that are on sale that week. Match the sale with a coupon and BOOM you save money!4. Don’t go hungryAgain, this one is obvious, but I often make this mistake. Going grocery shopping right before a meal is dangerous. I am guilty of purchasing items just for me to eat on the car ride home! Try to go when you are full so you are not tempted to buy everything you see.5. Rain checksUtilizing your store’s policy and asking for a rain check is a great way to take advantage of a deal when the shelves are bare. If you have ever gone to a store to get a sale item just to find an empty shelf then be sure to ask if they offer rain checks. A rain check will allow you to get the item for the sale price at a later date when they have re-stocked.6. Change grocery storesWhy do you shop at the store that you do? Is it for convenience, or out of habit? Do not let your routine cost you money. Often times I get the best deals by shopping at two different stores. It depends on the prices and deals. Plus, I find myself spending more money than I should when I shop because I get the same items whether I need them or not. Consider another local store or ask your friends and family where they get the best deals.7. Price ComparisonBefore you head out and go shopping make sure you compare prices of other stores including drugstores. This will help you to see which store has the absolute best price for the items you need.8. Do the mathBuying in bulk is a great way to save money, but make sure you take the time to do the math. Figure out if you are actually saving money. Stores will fool you into thinking it is a great deal when you buy more, but when you do the math you are not saving at all.9. Loyalty cardsBecoming a member or having a store loyalty card saves you a lot of money each time you go grocery shopping. Our local store only gives the sale prices to people with a loyalty card, plus they offer savings on gas each time you spend $50. Be sure to sign-up and start saving money.10. Avoid impulse purchasesHaving a shopping list can help prevent you from making unnecessary purchases by often times there are those last minutes items in the check out line that you just ‘have to have.’ All of these little items can really effect your budget. Avoid wasting money by not veering off your list.11. Needs vs. WantsBefore you pay for the items in your shopping cart take a quick inventory. Go through your groceries and ask yourself if the item is a need or a want. Try to keep the wants to a minimal amount. Doing this single task has helped me to save a lot of money. There are a lot of times I shop and add a few items here and there and then get to the register and realize that it is another $50 for what I have. Now, before I ring up my items I go through my cart and separate what I do not need to buy.12. Know the pricesA lot of people keep a rock bottom price list. It allows them to see what the lowest price of an item is so that they can compare deals to see if they are actually saving money. If you do not want to make this kind of list at least pay attention to prices. Start remembering how much you pay for specific items so that you are not overspending.13. Buy generic instead of name brandI know it is tempting to purchase name brand products, but have you ever tried the generic or store brand? Often times, it is the same product with a different label. Imagine if you save even $1 per item just by purchasing generic items. That kind of savings really adds up.14. Skip prepared & pre-packaged foodsAlthough this can be a huge timesaver at home it is costing you a lot of money. If possible, buy your own cheese and slice it yourself or purchase fruit whole to cut and separate at home. You are paying for the convenience when you buy prepared and pre-packaged items.15. Watch for mistakesThere are so many times where I’ve found a price mistake when the cashier is ringing up my groceries. Pay attention so that you are not overcharged.I know this may seem like a lot but starting a few new habits for grocery shopping can really lower your monthly food budget. Here are a few other resources you can check out that will help you to save money on groceries:Ibotta - This is a really cool app that gives you rebates for purchasing certain items at the grocery store. After you are done shopping you snap a picture of your receipt to verify purchase and then once you reach the $10 threshold you can get Paypal cash.Coupons.com - Save money with these printable coupons. A great way to stay on track and figure out new ways to save money is by utilizing a budget. Every little amount that you can stash away in your savings account can make a big difference. If you have not yet started using a budget you can print my free monthly budget spreadsheet. Do you have any other tips for saving money on groceries?