Simple Tips to Save Big on Groceries and Get Free Rewards 

Let’s face it, grocery shopping can feel like a game show where you’re constantly racing the clock, dodging price traps, and hoping you don’t break the bank. But what if I told you that you could turn this weekly chore into a master plan for savings, deals, and rewards that would make you feel like a grocery superhero? That’s right, there are simple tricks and tips that can help you stretch your dollars and get the best bargains on your grocery run. Grab your reusable bags and let’s dive in! 

1. What's the Plan, Stan! 

 First things first, you need a plan. Wandering around the store aimlessly is how you end up with a cart full of cookies and ice cream when you only came in for bread and milk. It’s like going to the mall "just to look" and then walking out with five bags of stuff you didn’t know you needed. So, before you even think about setting foot in the grocery store, make a list.  

    Meal Planning: Plan out your meals for the week. This way, you’ll know exactly what ingredients you need and won’t buy unnecessary items. Plus, you avoid that moment of panic when you realize you have nothing to cook for dinner.  

    Use What You Have: Before you shop, take a peek in your fridge and pantry. What can you use up? You might already have half of what you need, and that’s money saved!  

    Shop the Sales: Check out the store’s weekly ad for deals. If chicken is on sale, it’s chicken night! Maybe tomatoes are dirt cheap, BOOM, tomato soup and grilled cheese are on the menu. 

    Pro Tip: Stick to your list. No exceptions. Not even if those cookies are buy-one-get-one-free. 

2. Timing is Everything  

When it comes to grocery shopping, timing is key. You wouldn’t want to go to a water park in the middle of a thunderstorm, right? Same idea with shopping. Go at the right time, and you could save yourself some serious cash (and maybe avoid the wild grocery store crowds while you’re at it).  

    Shop Early or Late: Hitting the store early in the morning or late at night can help you snag the best deals. These are often the times when stores mark down items like bread, meat, and deli items that need to be sold ASAP. 

    Look for Clearance Items: Keep an eye out for clearance sections, especially in the produce and bakery departments. You can often find perfectly good food for a fraction of the price just because it’s nearing its sell-by date.  

    Midweek Magic: Many grocery stores release their sales midweek. Shopping on a Wednesday or Thursday gives you first dibs on all the new deals! 

3. Be a Rewards Program Pro  

Here’s the deal—if you’re not signed up for your grocery store’s rewards program, you’re basically leaving free money on the table. Most stores offer some type of loyalty program that gives you discounts, points, or even cash back on your purchases.  

    Sign Up for Rewards: It’s usually free and easy to sign up for these programs, and the perks are worth it. Whether it’s points toward future discounts or member-only deals, you’ll get more bang for your buck.  

    Coupons Galore: Many rewards programs give you access to digital coupons that you can clip right on your phone. No more clipping paper coupons from the newspaper like it’s 1995!!  

    Cash Back or Fuel Points: Some programs offer cash back or fuel points when you spend a certain amount. The more you shop, the more you save on gas, which is like hitting two birds with one stone. (Not literally, of course.) 

Pro Tip: Many rewards programs offer birthday bonuses or extra points on certain days of the week that aren't widely advertised. Check your store's rewards program for hidden perks like double points on specific days, free items during your birthday month, or special bonus events where you can rack up extra savings just by shopping at the right time! 

4. The Art of Couponing Without Losing Your Mind  

Remember when your mom used to cut coupons for hours? Well, welcome to 2024, where couponing doesn’t have to be such a chore. In fact, it can be quick, easy, and totally worth it.  

    Use Digital Coupons: Skip the scissors and find digital coupons online or on grocery store apps. You can browse coupons by category and “clip” them straight to your loyalty card. When you check out, the savings are automatically applied. Magic, right?  

    Coupon Apps: Use apps like Ibotta or Rakuten to earn cash back on your purchases. Snap a picture of your receipt, and BAM, money in your pocket! 

Website Plug-ins: Advanced Coupons makes saving easy by solving common problems for discount shoppers. It allows coupon stacking for bigger savings and automates discounts at checkout, so you never miss a deal. No more confusing coupon rules, eligible discounts are applied instantly, including free shipping and product-specific offers. The platform also offers loyalty rewards, encouraging frequent savings, and pre-loaded coupon bundles to cut down search time. Plus, with expiration alerts, you’ll never miss out on discounts. Go to https://gracefullbargains.com/?ref=869  Whether shopping for everyday essentials or special items, Advanced Coupons helps you save time, effort, and money, making it the go-to tool for smart shoppers everywhere!!

    Pro Tip: Stack coupons! If you have a manufacturer coupon and a store coupon for the same item, you can usually use them both for double the savings. It’s like a grocery hack cheat code. 

5. Shop the Sales, Skip the Hype  

Listen, not everything that’s on sale is a good deal. Don’t fall for the flashy signs that make you think you’re saving big bucks when really, you’re just buying things you don’t need. Here’s how to avoid the traps and find the real bargains.  

    BOGO Deals: Buy-one-get-one-free deals are awesome, if it’s something you actually need. Stocking up on 10 boxes of cereal just because they’re on sale won’t help your wallet if you don’t eat cereal.  

    Buy in Bulk (But Be Smart About It): If there’s a great deal on items you use all the time (like pasta or toilet paper), stock up! But don’t go overboard. A 50-pound bag of flour is only a deal if you can actually use it before it goes bad by starting your own bread company. 

    Pro Tip: Know your prices. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it’s the lowest price around. Check other stores or apps like Flipp to compare prices before you buy. 

6. Avoid the Grocery Store Landmines  

Grocery stores are designed to get you to spend more. From the tempting candy at the checkout to the shiny endcap displays, it’s easy to get sucked into buying things you didn’t plan on. Here’s how to avoid those sneaky traps.  

    Stick to the Perimeter: The outer aisles of the store are where you’ll find the essentials—produce, dairy, meat, and bread. The inner aisles are where all the processed snacks and junk food live. Stick to the perimeter and you’ll not only save money, but you’ll probably eat healthier too.  

    Beware of the Endcap: Those flashy displays at the ends of the aisles? They’re often filled with “deals” that aren’t really deals at all. Stay focused on your list and don’t let the bright packaging fool you.  

Pro Tip: Don’t shop hungry. This is how you end up with a cart full of chips, cookies, and frozen pizza. Eat before you go, and you’ll be less tempted to throw in those extra snacks. 

7. Know When to Shop Online  

Sometimes, the best deals aren’t even in the store—they’re online. Shopping online can save you time and help you stick to your budget (no impulse buys when you’re clicking from your couch!). Plus, many stores offer great discounts on online orders.  

    Use Grocery Delivery or Pickup: Many stores offer online shopping with either delivery or pickup options. You can browse the weekly sales and compare prices without the pressure of in-store temptations.  

    Online-Only Coupons: Some stores offer coupons that are only available for online orders. It’s like getting secret savings that in-store shoppers don’t even know about! 

    Pro Tip: Don’t forget to use coupon codes or cash-back apps like Rakuten when you shop online. Extra savings, just a click away. 

8. Embrace Generic and Store Brands 

 I get it—name brands have fancy packaging and catchy commercials, but here’s a secret: the store brand is often just as good and way cheaper. Swapping out name-brand products for generic or store brands can save you a ton of money, and you probably won’t even notice the difference.  

    Compare Ingredients: In most cases, store brands have the exact same ingredients as their name-brand counterparts. So why pay more for the same thing?  

    Test the Waters: If you’re hesitant, start by swapping out one or two items (like pasta or canned goods). Once you realize they taste just as good, you’ll wonder why you ever spent more!  

    Pro Tip: Some stores even offer a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with their store brand. So, there’s really no risk in giving it a try. 

 9. Know Your Store’s Layout and Tricks 

 Did you know stores purposely put the most expensive items at eye level? It’s true! But don’t worry, you can outsmart them with these simple tricks.  

    Look High and Low: The cheaper, store-brand items are usually placed on the top or bottom shelves. Don’t be afraid to crouch down or reach up to find the best deals.  

    Use the Unit Price: Most stores list the price per ounce, pound, or unit on the shelf tag. Use this to compare products and find the best value.  

    Pro Tip: If you’re feeling brave, shop at multiple stores. Some places are known for cheaper produce, while others may have the best deals on meat. A little extra legwork can pay off in the long run. 

 10. Keep an Eye on the Register 

 You’ve done all this work to save money, now don’t lose it at the checkout! Errors happen more often than you’d think, so it pays to keep an eye on the register while your items are being scanned.  

Pro Tip: Watch the screen as each item is scanned to ensure sale prices and coupons are applied correctly. If something looks off, speak up right away! Stores will usually correct mistakes on the spot, but only if you catch them. Don’t forget to double-check your receipt before leaving, sometimes discounts don’t show until the very end! 

Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks to save big on groceries, it’s time to put them into action! Don’t wait, grab your shopping list, download those coupon apps, and start meal planning today. Every week you wait is more money slipping through your fingers. Whether it’s shopping the sales, scoring rewards, or snagging deals online, the best prices are out there right now. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into your grocery-saving adventure and start turning those trips into major wins. Your wallet (and your fridge) will thank you!!   

By Rachel Mendolia 

09/29/24