How Can I Save Money on Groceries?

Let's face it: grocery shopping is expensive. The rise of inflation has increased the price of groceries across the country, hitting some cities harder than others but ultimately affecting many Americans. Whether you are upper, middle, or lower class, everyone can benefit from learning how to save money on groceries and spend wisely.

If you want to give your wallet a break this month, check out these eight effective ways to save money on groceries:

1. Make a Meal Plan: While this may seem like a hassle, it is one of the easiest ways to save money. Not preparing for your week can often lead to overspending on takeout! Check out recipes on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter and find options that fit your budget and preferences.

2. Learn How to Make Your Groceries Stretch: Relating to the idea of creating meal plans, it is also important to make sure that your groceries are lasting as long as they should. While it is easy to forget that you bought something, do not let your cheese or bread go bad before you have the chance to use it! If you have a meal plan, it can be easier to prepare meals and make your groceries stretch until the next visit to the supermarket. Additionally, try to buy groceries that can make multiple meals simpler. For example, if you buy a rotisserie chicken, you can turn that chicken into two different meals by creating a chicken salad and then using the rest of the meat to make enchiladas. Then, save the scraps for a hearty chicken broth as a base to make different kinds of soup!

3. Buy Generic Products: Buying generic products is not always ideal, but in most cases, it is the right choice. Whether you are buying bread, canned goods, or frozen items, the generic option is cheaper and often just as yummy as the name-brand options.

4. Buy Cheaper Cuts of Meat: Although you will not enjoy cheaper cuts of steak, it is possible to buy cheaper cuts of meat and make recipes that cater to those types of options.

5. Shop Alone and Never Shop Hungry: Shopping with other people can be distracting, and shopping while you are hungry is a recipe for disaster! Always shop on a full stop to avoid overspending on items that you do not need.

6. Don't Buy Unnecessary Items: As mentioned above, it is easy to overspend. However, you should always try to avoid items that you know you will not eat or that you know are expensive and a waste of money.

7. Make the Most of Your Produce: If you aren't doing so already, you should learn how to make the most of the produce you are buying. That means learning how to do some extra cooking! If you save the scraps of carrots, onions, and celery, you can use that to make a mirepoix, which is the starting point for many yummy recipes—including soup!

8. Avoid Buying Hygiene Products at Big Grocery Stores: Although it is tempting to get all of your shopping done at once, try to avoid buying toothpaste and deodorant at the grocery store because they are more expensive. Try to order what you can online or in bulk in order to save money!

Is it Possible to Spend $100 a Week on Groceries?

According to CNBC, a realistic monthly grocery budget is around $170 per child and $260-300 per adult. While this number can fluctuate depending on your location and dietary needs, it is important to prioritize nutrition and ensure that you are getting all the food you need to take care of yourself. Based on the amount that most Americans spend on groceries, $100 per week is realistic, but you should make sure that you are taking care of yourself and planning your meals appropriately.

What Can I Do If I Can't Afford Groceries?

If you can't afford groceries, you are not alone. Many Americans are struggling to make ends meet and may not be able to pay for groceries or other common household items. If you are struggling financially and are considered to be low-income, you can seek government assistance through specific programs like SNAP. Or, you can try to apply for a title loan from LoanMart to get your finances back on track.