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Tips to help fill your fridge without emptying your wallet at the grocery store: Video

Cody Godwin   Paste BN
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A trip to the grocery store can add up fast, regardless of whether you’re only buying a couple of items or doing your weekly food haul. While you don’t have to give up your favorite foods or brands to save money, being more intentional with the items that make it into your shopping cart can help you, your fridge and your wallet stay full and happy. 

Two of the easiest ways to not spend excessively at the grocery store are to make a list and resist going to the grocery store when you're hungry! You’d be surprised what shopping on a full stomach can mean for your wallet. 

Watch this video for easy tips to save money on your next grocery run.

Save money on groceries 

Once you have your list and you can’t be swayed by hunger as you meander down the aisles lined with tasty treats, you can save more while shopping by:

  • Looking at the price per ounce. 

The price per ounce is typically found in a corner of the price tag on the shelf. This indicates how much you’re paying per ounce, and the number is often lower the larger the item. While the regular-sized might be more convenient, the larger one is often better for your budget. Many of these goods can be portioned out and frozen so you can enjoy some now and the rest later. 

  • Shopping early. 

Try shopping in the morning for the best deals. Sometimes, you’ll snag discounts on yesterday’s produce, bakery and/or meat items. The food is still good, but now the price is even better!

  • Looking for in-store promotions.

Sometimes, your most-used foods are on sale or part of a buy-one-get-one promotion. Canned goods can be stored for later, while other products can be frozen until you need them. 

  • Buying whole items. 

Consider buying the whole item instead of the cut and packaged version. Simply choosing something like the whole head of lettuce instead of the bag of chopped lettuce might snag you some major savings. 

  • Buying frozen. 

Fresh fruits can be pricey, especially if they’re out of season. Consider visiting the freezer section and buying frozen instead. They’ll still have the same delicious taste, but at a lower cost. 

  • Opting for bulk buys and refillable options.

Bulk buys can be a much better value. You’ll buy the items less frequently and save money per ounce. This can apply to items used all over your home, from hand soap to olive oil. 

  • Making your own travel-sized toiletries. 

Find empty TSA-approved bottles in your house or purchase them from the store and fill them with the products you already use in your self-care routine. 

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Find grocery coupons

A simple way to bag extra savings at the grocery store is to download the store’s app. Inside, you can often find what’s on sale that week and see the coupons they're offering. Some stores may have special cash-back deals on some items, which can be used towards a future purchase or transferred to your PayPal account. 

Some of these apps allow you to scan your items as you shop and will either automatically populate the discount or show you there’s a coupon available for you to virtually clip. Then, depending on where you’re shopping, the discount is applied by entering your loyalty number or scanning your app as you're checking out. 

Creating membership accounts and using apps while shopping give the stores an idea of what their customers like, and they might use that information to send you coupons. Some stores, like Kroger, send coupons every month for discounts and freebies on items you buy regularly.

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