How to Save at the Store

Eating healthy can be expensive, but it does not have to be. here are a few ways to save while shopping.

The most important thing to do before going shopping, is to set a firm budget and stick to it. Planning out a budget as well as weekly meal planning can help to reduce monthly expenses immensely. Financial restraints should not restrict you from eating well.

Farmers Markets have become a new way for people to purchase local fresh produce in their community.

Small changes for big savings

Grocery shopping for one, or for a big family can be both daunting and costly. To reiterate, the most cost-effective tip for shopping is to plan your meals. Dedicate time each week to exploring your pantries and determine what you really need at the store. From there, you can purchase only what you are missing, to incorporate into your weekly meal planning.

To further expand the worth of your dollar, you should check out your local stores' weekly circulars. Finding the best sales at different stores can save you a lot of money. Meats and produce tend to be the most expensive items in your shopping cart. To save on meat, try finding the store with the best sale, or try replacing your product with a healthier plant-based protein. To save on fresh produce, buy what is in season. Buying produce out-of-season that is pre-cut is the least frugal option.

Often times, stores will have their own brand of many products, choosing to purchase store brands instead of name brand products can save you a lot of money. Another frugal tip for your shopping is to use coupons on items you will purchase. Shopping does not have to be restricted either, you can allot a certain amount of money to spend on other treats, as long as they are both eaten and spent in ration.

Farmers markets are great places to purchase your fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers markets even accept SNAP benefits to make their produce accessible to all. Some farmers markets in your area participate in double value incentive programs in which you earn an equivalent bonus in reward coupons (ex: Spend $20 and receive a $20 free coupon). For more information about this in your area please visit the link below.