How much do you spend on groceries each month? According to Value Penguin, the average American household spends around $500 monthly on food, but that seems a bit low to me. I know quite a few families who spend over $700 a month on groceries.
In our household, we spend about $350 a month, and that covers almost all our meals since we rarely eat out. This means we prepare most of our meals at home, including work and school lunches.
For instance, the average cost of a work lunch is about $7, totaling $140 a month and $1,680 a year for my husband. My son’s school lunches cost $3.40 per day, which adds up to roughly $68 a month or $816 a year. By making these savings at the supermarket and minimizing outside meals, we’re able to keep our overall food expenses down.
If you’re looking to cut down on your grocery costs without resorting to eating out or paying for costly work lunches, there are several strategies you can try. These include creating a shopping list, making fewer trips to the store, using apps and coupons to find deals, among others.
However, one of the most effective ways to lower your grocery bills is by breaking some of your bad shopping habits. Here are six grocery shopping habits that you should ditch to save more money:
1. **Brand Loyalty:**
While it might seem worthwhile to stick to your favorite brands, it can actually cost you more. Brands often focus more on marketing than pricing. Instead, consider store brands for similar quality at lower prices. Small savings on multiple items can add up significantly.
2. **Impulse Purchases:**
Emotional shopping can hurt your budget. We often buy items on a whim that we don’t end up using, which wastes money. Focus on buying only what you need, and maybe set aside a small budget for an occasional treat.
3. **Not Comparing Prices:**
Always compare prices to avoid overspending. Within a store, similar items are usually grouped together making it easy to compare. Also, regularly check weekly promotional flyers for the best deals.
4. **Ignoring Labels:**
Take the time to read labels carefully. Buying the wrong items because you’re rushing can lead to wasteful spending. Spend an extra moment to make sure you’re picking the right products.
5. **Not Checking Receipts:**
Review your receipts after shopping to ensure everything was billed correctly. Mistakes happen, and the cashier could make an error. If you were expecting discounts or sales, double-check to see if they were applied.
6. **Skipping Store Reward Programs:**
Store reward programs can offer good savings, even though they might seem tedious. These programs don’t lock you into shopping only at those stores. Use the reward cards to get additional discounts whenever possible.
Do any of these habits sound familiar to you? Making a few changes can lead to significant savings. Most store loyalty cards are free and can be used without the pressure associated with store credit cards.
Have you recognized yourself in any of these expensive grocery shopping habits?