10 ways to save money when grocery shopping

Whether you are by yourself or have a full house with a large family, grocery shopping takes a good chunk of your money since it is a priority. Let’s face it, we have to eat to survive. With the prices of food soaring high, the less we buy. This calls for a conscious shopping habit which can go a long way in saving you some money. Here are 10 simple and easy to accomplish money saving tips that you need to carry the next time you go for shopping.

1. Shop on a full stomach. You are less likely to be tempted to buy snacks and other unnecessary things if you are not hungry when you go shopping.  2. Have a list. This is especially necessary if your kids are helping. Be strict with your choices and only buy what you have noted down.  3. Plan your meals ahead. A lot of families already have a meal plan in place for the week. Check what is on the menu and buy that. Knowing what you will be cooking in the week will help you come up with your grocery shopping list.  4. Shop once a week. Minimize your trips to the grocery store by buying what you need for the week all at once. The fewer trips you take to the grocery shop, the less tempted you will be to buy things you do not need besides saving on some much needed transport. 5. Shop when you are full of energy. Going for shopping when you are worn out can affect your choices. You will be more critical and make better decisions about your purchases when your mind is sharp and when you are well focused.  6. Clean out your fridge. Check your store and fridge at least once a month and make sure you empty it out. Use everything you already have before going out for more. 7. Use a calculator. It is advisable that you keep track of the expenses as you shop. If you have a specific budget, this will help you stick to it. If you are shopping with your kids you can make it fun by having them keep track of the numbers.  8. Buy what you need. Sometimes when things are on sale it can be tempting to deviate from your plan. If the offer is 3-for-1, make sure you need and will use those three extra items before purchasing.  9. Know the rock bottom price. Be keen on the prices of the things you frequently buy. This will help you know when the price is the lowest it has ever been and you can then stock up.  10. Be loyal. Have one store where you always do your shopping. This will help you take advantage of offers and promotions that they give. Certain stores have membership cards where you can earn points as you shop. You can redeem these points on one of your shopping trips!

Bonus point: Buy in bulk. Team up with your friends or relatives then head out to a wholesale market and buy all that you need. The more the quantity the cheaper it is. Not only will you save on transport making one trip, but you will have groceries to last you more than a month.