5 Ways Arizonans Can Save on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality
With the price of groceries up over 6% since 2022 and the USDA averaging a thrifty budget for a family of four at nearly $1,000 per month, shoppers are feeling the pinch every time they head to the store.
What used to be a routine errand has become a carefully calculated outing as more families look for ways to stretch every dollar. The good news is that saving money at the grocery store doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or nutrition. With a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can still fill your cart without emptying your wallet.
Here are some practical tips to help you shop smarter and keep your grocery budget in check:
Shop the ads
Many people ignore weekly grocery ads, but it’s wise to use them to plan your shopping trip. After deciding what store or stores have the best deals, plan your weekly meals based on what’s on sale and in season. Then, make your list to include only the items needed for these meals, along with any of the other items you need and stick to that list.
Avoid end caps and buy lines
The eye line is the buy line. Many stores put more expensive items within your line of sight to capture your attention first. It’s a tactic to make you spend more. Same goes for the end caps. Items that are associated with holidays and seasons are often used on end caps of aisles to entice you to purchase them even if you didn’t plan to.
Eat first so you don’t pay later
Ever been hungry and stood in front of the pantry or fridge, reaching for anything you can eat to fill you up? Grocery shopping when you’re hungry can lead to those same feelings. You’re more likely to purchase less healthy items on impulse to satisfy a temporary craving when you’re hungry. You’re also more likely to impulse buy non-food items, adding to your total bill and blowing your budget. Eating a good, nutritional meal before shopping can help curb these desires and save you money.
Take advantage of programs
Most grocery stores have discount programs using your phone number or by downloading their app. Take advantage of these to clip digital coupons and save more. In addition, stores with gas stations also offer fuel points with grocery purchases, saving you additional money.
Earn credits with credit
Many credit cards offer additional cash back on grocery purchases, which you can use to your advantage. While you shouldn’t rely on credit cards for your purchases, taking advantage of the extra points puts even more savings back in your pocket.
By being a more intentional shopper and following a few simple strategies, you can make a real dent in your grocery bill without sacrificing the quality of your meals. From planning around weekly ads and resisting strategic store layouts to using rewards programs and credit card perks, these small changes add up.
With food costs still on the rise, a little extra effort before and during your grocery trip can lead to big savings — and that’s money you can use elsewhere in your budget.
By Rachel Caballero | TruWest Credit Union
