Like everything in life, the economy is cyclical and unfortunately, current signs point to the U.S. heading into a downturn. High inflation, higher interest rates, and a possible recession loom.
One area being hit by inflation is groceries. With the highest inflation in 40 years bearing down on us, 90% of Americans are concerned about food prices[1]. Shockingly, it has even overtaken gas prices as Americans’ top inflation worry.
The Consumer Price Index shows that the price of eggs increased 10.3% in April 2022 alone[2]. The May numbers show that food costs jumped 10.1% from a year earlier. All to say, prices are rising, and Americans need to adjust their budgets. That’s why at Combined Insurance, we want to offer some tips and tricks on how to weather this coming storm.
Here are 6 tips on how to save money on groceries:
- Track your grocery spending for insights into your spending
If you currently don’t know what you spend on groceries, now is the time to start paying attention. Knowing what you spend will help you to create a budget based on your actual numbers.
By knowing what you normally spend, you may start to see patterns that can help you find ways to save money, such as buying things in bulk or choosing to cut back on meat a few meals a week if a large portion of your budget goes towards chicken, beef, or pork.
- Meal plan
Important for more reasons than just budget, meal planning will help you waste less food, buy only what you need, and give you opportunity to use what you’ve already purchased. Additionally, it can also lower the number of trips you need to make to the grocery store, eliminating impulse purchases, and help you eat more healthy meals.
- Check the price per ounce
If you look at price tags in grocery stores, it usually lists a price per ounce, which is the most telling price you can see. For example, if you want to buy broccoli, there are lots of ways to do that. You can buy fresh, frozen, different frozen brands, etc. How do you know what is the best deal? Check the unit price and it will tell you how much each cost per ounce or pound.
While frozen broccoli might cost $2.50 per pound, fresh broccoli may only be $1.50 per pound.
Comparing unit prices can take some getting used to, but it can help to save a lot of money over the long-term and get you more food for your buck.
- Use a delivery service or do a drive-thru pick-up
Due to Covid, many grocery stores offer contactless pick-up or even delivery services for no extra cost. This can help with your grocery bill in many ways. You can be very strategic on what you put in your cart and not physically going into the store can help to curb any impulse purchases.
- Buy store brands
Generic brands are often cheaper than their brand-name competitors and just as good. It’s an easy switch to make and you may even find you like some of the generic brands better!
Saving money on groceries is possible with a few small changes in how you plan your meals and shopping trips.
- Investigate discounts
Spend some time online researching any discounts you can use at the grocery store. One good source is Combined Connections, our consumer discount program. Topping the list for grocery discounts is Buyer’s Edge, which can save you up to $1,200 a year with coupons on everyday items you buy at the supermarket. Buyer’s Edge lets you choose from hundreds of name-brand items — dairy, produce, meats, juice, packaged foods, and so much more. Go shopping with your coupons worth up to $100 each month, up to $1,200 per year. Buyer’s Edge is $1 for the first 30 days and $11.99 each month after until canceled.
Take a closer look and sign up here.
Sources:
1- Csreinicke. (2022, June 9). Consumers changing eating, shopping habits as inflation pushes up prices. CNBC. Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/09/consumers-changing-eating-shopping-habits-as-inflation-pushes-up-price.html
2- Transmission of material in this release is embargoed until USDL-22-1113. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf