Sometimes, just a few dollars can make the difference between an overdrawn bank account (with all of the fees to go along with it) and one that is barely in the black. While you may not be able to save money on your rent or car payment, there are areas where you can pinch pennies. The best example of this is the grocery store. Below are a few tips to help you save money on groceries and household goods.
- Load up your store's app and loyalty account
Most grocery chains have a free app with digital coupons you clip with a single tap and member-only sale prices that non-members don't get. Sign up for the loyalty program at every store you shop at — it's free, it takes two minutes, and it's where most of the savings live these days. Clip every digital coupon that looks even remotely useful before you head out; there's no paper to cut and no cost to you.
- Stack cash-back and coupon apps
Apps like Ibotta, Fetch, and Rakuten pay you back for everyday purchases, and sites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com still offer both digital and printable deals. Activate an offer or scan your receipt and the savings add up on things you were buying anyway. It costs nothing but a few minutes, and it stacks on top of the sale price and your store coupons.
- Shop the sales, not the cravings
Keep an eye on each store's weekly ad (usually right there in the app). Plan your meals around what's actually on sale that week, and don't be afraid to put off buying a non-urgent item until it drops in price. A little planning here saves more than any single coupon.
- Buy store brands
Generic and store-brand versions of staples — pasta, canned goods, spices, cleaning supplies — are often nearly identical to the name brands for a fraction of the price. Over a full month of groceries, quietly switching to store brands saves more than most people save with coupons.
- Check the discount and bulk stores first
Dollar stores, warehouse clubs, and big-box stores like Target or Walmart often beat the grocery store on dry foods, snacks, and household basics. Just compare the unit price (the price per ounce or per item on the shelf tag), not the sticker price, so you know you're actually getting a deal and not just a bigger box.
It also helps to make a game out of saving money, challenging yourself to spend a little less each time you go shopping. Track what you save for a few trips and you'll be surprised how quickly small, painless changes add up over a semester.