With gas prices going up more and more every day, any deal is appreciated. Saving money at the grocery store is a great way to make budgeting less stressful.
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There are plenty of strategies to reduce expenses during your weekly trip to the store. With a little planning and a few hacks, you could be cutting your grocery bill in half in no time with these nine ways to save.
Check What You Already Have
The contents of our pantries can get forgotten if we don't go through them every once in a while. The next time you're about to make your grocery list, take a thorough inventory of what's in your pantry and refrigerator. You might be surprised at what you find.
Plan recipes around those ingredients so you can use what you already have rather than spending money on more food.
Walk in With a Plan
Before you go shopping, plan out your meals for the week and write down exactly how much you'll need to make them. Once you've made your grocery list -- stick to it! Don't be tempted by sales or bakery goodies in the front of the store. Go in with a solid list and only buy what you came to get.
Use a Grocery Store Rebate App
Next time you need a coupon, you don't have to go through your junk mail. Simply download an app to find savings.
Ibotta is a great app to start with. Using Ibotta, you can add items to "your list," then submit your receipt from the grocery store and receive cash back on certain items. You can also use the app to get cash back from online retailers.
Dosh is another app that offers you cash back from stores like Walmart and Sam's Club, in addition to popular restaurants. The app Checkout 51 enables you to browse offers at your favorite grocery store so you can get the best deals. You can upload your receipt to get cash back, as well.
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Enroll in Store Loyalty Programs
Pretty much every grocery store has a rewards card now. They're usually free, and they can help you save hundreds over the course of a year.
You'll get access to members only discounts, and you can sign up for email alerts to make sure you always know when the sales on your favorite items are happening.
Use a Credit Card That Gives Cash Back for Groceries
If you're looking for a new credit card and trying to save money on groceries, there are plenty of cards that will give you cashback on grocery purchases. The American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card gives you 6% cashback on purchases from American supermarkets for up to $6,000 a year.