I have such a love hate relationship with grocery shopping. The grocery store offers so many ways to save money on the foods we eat. And dining at home makes my budget so much happier than dining out. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the aisles and overspend. The grocery store secrets or maybe just smart strategies save me money each and every time I shop.
1. Use the HALT Method
Over the years, I’ve read it’s never wise to make a major decision if you are HALT – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. This principle certainly applies to grocery shopping. If you fall into any of these categories do not, I repeat do not, go into the store. You will overspend for certain.
Secret Success:
Hungry: Have a quick snack before hitting the store. Angry: Take a few deep breaths and reflect on what you’re grateful for. Lonely: Take a friend with you or listen to a good audiobook while shopping. Tired: Do some quick burst exercises. Think: jumping jacks, squats, or push ups. Or brew a cup of coffee to take along with you.
2. Create a Hit List
Goals on paper bring success. You must shop with a grocery list. Here’s why: When we shop at stores with lots of choices, we’re required to say “no” to a lot of items. With each item you say “no” to, your resolve weakens. When you create a list, you begin eliminating what’s called choice distraction. You’ve already said “no” to the items not on your list before you even get your cart. This prevents overspending and overbuying.
Secret Success:
Even if you create your list in the parking lot before you walk into the store, you’re more likely to stay on track. Take out a scrap piece of paper and number it down the side. Or use the notes app to keep a running list whenever items pop into your head. You can even add people to your notes so that your family members can contribute items, too.
3. Keep an Eye on Unit Price
Ooooh I love a great deal. But sometimes a fantastic bargain buries your budget. You need to always look at price per unit to make sure you’re not being dazzled by signage and catchy advertising. Additionally, stocking up on a great deal can cause you to bust your budget, too.
Secret Success:
Look closely at the tags on the shelves. Most display a price per unit – either by ounce or item. However, sometimes this can be confusing since products aren’t always measured the same way. Whip out your calculator to do the math yourself and get a better estimate. No sale is worth more than your target spending. Don’t go overboard by buying more than you need.
4. Look High & Look Low
Everything about your grocery store experience was thought through and mapped out before you even set a foot in the parking lot. From where the carts are located and their size to where items are placed in the store, the experience is designed to make you spend more money. This strategy includes where your favorite items are placed on the shelves.
Secret Success:
Usually the most pricey items are placed at our eye level. This means the better bargains are placed higher and lower than where you naturally look. Be intentional about investigating those spaces before you reach for the first thing you see.
5. Shop the Perimeter
Think about your favorite grocery store. The layout matters more than you realize. The most economical and nutritious foods usually find their homes on the outside edges of the store. What’s in the middle aisles? Junk food that requires you to spend more that you plan on spending and doesn’t keep you as full for as long.
Secret Success:
Avoid the center aisles as much as possible. Some exceptions do apply to this rule. Oatmeal can be found in the center aisles. So can popcorn, dried beans, and some canned fruits and veggies. And don’t forget COFFEE. Make it your job to speed through those center aisles as quickly possible.
6. Don’t Forget the Rewards Card or Loyalty Program
Almost every store has one. For Target, it’s Cartwheel. For Meijer, mPerks has both coupons and rewards available. Kroger has its Kroger Plus Card. Walmart’s Savings Catcher App is used after you leave the store but pays you back all the same. The list goes on and on.
Secret Success:
Check the app or online interface for the loyalty program as you’re building your grocery shopping list. Look for potential coupons and check your progress on current rewards. Open your store’s app as soon as you hit the door to the store. Scan items as you place them into the cart to check for any potential coupons you may have missed. Take note of the expiration dates of any offers.
7. Use The 3 to 5 Rule
No matter what kind of shopping ninja you are, you’re going to pick up something you don’t really need. It just happens. If you’re shopping with your kids, it might happen times three. Face the hard truth, there are items you either don’t need at all or things you can wait to purchase at a later date.
Secret Success:
Follow the 3 to 5 Rule. Put back 3 to 5 items right before you check out. Don’t stick them on the end cap or drop them in the aisle. Simply tell the cashier you don’t need the items after all and hand them back with a polite smile. You’ll save $5-10 without any coupon clipping.
If you’re human, then you will make mistakes at the grocery store. Your strategies don’t mean you’ll be perfect every time. But arming yourself with basic guiding principles can make the experience more pleasant and keep your spending on track. Looking for more ideas to save? Check out these posts:
- 15 Grocery Items to Buy at the Beginning of Every Month
- 5 Grocery Store Hacks to Help You Stop Wasting Money
- Grocery Shopping Tips for Real People
- 7 Mistakes You Are Making at the Grocery Store
- How to Teach Your Kids About Money Grocery Shopping
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission.
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