Many grocery stores now have apps available that can make grocery shopping faster and more convenient. You can use the apps to look for sales, find where items are located in the store, make a list, and much more. It’s also worth grabbing a flyer when you get to the store. You can check to see if there are any day-of-sales or extra coupons. Signing up for store rewards and emails is another great way to save money. You will often get extra coupons and information on sales. 

When you’re shopping, it might always seem cheaper to buy in bulk. This is a great way to save money when you’re buying non-perishable items, however, not always the best choice when purchasing perishable food. If you’re shopping for one person and see that the extra–large bag of carrots is $5, but the small bag of carrots is $4, you might think, “wow, the big bag is a better deal,” and purchase the big bag. But if you don’t eat carrots very often, that extra–large bag of carrots will probably sit in the back of your fridge until they’re rotten and get thrown away. Throwing away food is like throwing money straight into the trash. Although that big bag of carrots might have been cheaper per pound, it wasn’t cheaper for you. So, be mindful of how many people you are shopping for so you aren’t wasting food and ultimately wasting money. 

When you’re shopping and see a sale or coupon, it’s easy to justify the purchase. Unless it is already on your list, leave that item for someone else. You probably don’t need the item, so it will likely end up going to waste anyway.  

We’ve all been to the grocery store, spent way more than our budget, and then looked in the fridge just to think, “I have nothing to eat,” all because we went shopping on an empty stomach. You’ve heard it once, and you’ll hear it again, don’t go to the grocery store on an empty stomach! If you happen to get to the store and realize how hungry you are, don’t be afraid to snack on those grapes or protein bars you are already buying.