It’s the week before the Big Game and it’s the perfect time to capitalize on Super Savings at the grocery store. Whether you’re planning a party or you just want to take advantage of the deals, there are plenty of smart strategies to ensure your budget is on the winning team.
Consider a Grocery Pick Up or Delivery
Sometimes it’s better to not know what’s on the shelves. For both the sake of your wallet and your waistline, you may want to consider doing a grocery pick up or delivery instead of shopping in stores this week. There will be plenty of temptations certain to hop in your cart if you choose to hit the aisles in person that you may be able to avoid by doing your controlled shopping online. I picked up Kroger Boost during December when they were running a half off deal. And I love the extra coupons and perks I get as a part of it. Plus I get next day delivery for orders of $35 or more. If you do decide to go to the store, be sure to take a written list and follow it.
Skip the Pre-Made Trays
While convenient, pre-made veggie, fruit, and meat trays have a huge mark up. Plus, there’s always an item or two on the platter that your crew doesn’t really eat. It adds up to wasting food and money. Instead of snagging the platter pushed to the front and center by your grocery store or big box retailer, opt to make your own. Stick to the basics everyone loves. Think: carrots, celery, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, and peppers. Add some dip (premade or homemade) and you’re ready to roll.
Hit the Warehouse Store
Sam’s and Costco definitely have fantastic deals you could use to your advantage this week. From those amazing Chicken Street Tacos to Wings to Cookie Cake and more, you’ll find fabulous deals for feeding a crowd. These deals are less valuable to you if you have a smaller group assembled to watch the game. Don’t sleep on the $4.99 Rotisserie Chicken and 18 inch Deli Pizzas for under $10. And when you cut that pizza, cut it party style rather than in traditional triangles. It will stretch further and you’ll have less waste.
Know Your Store Coupon Policies and Platforms
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to grocery store sales and coupons. Many stores will feature Buy 1, Get 1 deals this week – especially on snacks like chips and appetizers. However, not every store requires you to actually buy two products to harness the savings. For instance, Kroger stores give you the item at half price rather than ringing one item up at full price and the second for free. Meijer does the opposite and one item rings at full price and the second at $0.00. This is important when it comes to stretching your savings. Because the items at Kroger ring up at half price, you can actually use two coupons, one for each product. Meijer doesn’t allow you to do this. Knowing store policies always helps stretch your dollar further. Head to your favorite grocery store website and search for their coupon policies. This will help you become a better shopper anytime of the year.
Start Your Buffet Line With Affordable Items
It only takes watching a potluck or two to make you realize almost everyone puts the first item in the buffet line on their plate. For this reason, it’s smart to put less expensive items first when you’re putting out your spread. Some great first spot snacks include breadsticks (buy frozen dough or make your own from scratch to save), popcorn, or even chips. Save things like pricier desserts and meats for the end of the line.
Most new grocery deals begin on Wednesday in Indiana (with the exception of Target which should begin Sunday). So keep your eyes peeled for circulars in the mail or hit the website of your favorite grocery store to see what the special deals for the big game are soon!
Go football.
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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. All prices are subject to change.
