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“Smart grocery shopping” isn’t a reference to ordering apps or self-driving carts, but rather to the savviness with which you approach your weekly shopping list. Groceries are a necessity, and choosing to buy groceries and prepare food at home is a great way to save yourself money on a monthly basis. The truly smart grocery shoppers know how to trim dollars and unnecessary buys from their receipt, helping them save money for other expenses. Are you grocery shopping the smart way? Here are some helpful tips to keep your grocery budget down each month.

Enter the Grocery Store with a Plan

You should enter the grocery store with specific objectives in mind. This piece of advice actually covers a broad swath of issues. Entering the grocery store with a plan means going to the store at a specific time of day — when you’re not hungry or groggy. It also means having a list so that you know exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re shopping for a list, it means that you probably already have some meals planned out. It also keeps you on task and prevents impulse buys that can cause your total to skyrocket. Before you leave your home to head to the grocery store, make sure you have a plan.

Check the Size of Your Grocery Cart

Once you get to the grocery store, it’s time to choose your method of grocery transportation. This decision can seem pretty benign, but it may impact how you shop. Do you grab the big grocery cart, the small grocery cart, or a basket? The number of people in your household that you’re shopping for will play a part in the volume of groceries that you need. You also don’t want to return to the grocery store multiple times throughout the week for supplementary supplies. However, it’s still a good idea to think about whether or not you actually need that big grocery cart. It can have a subconscious psychological effect, encouraging you to fill it. 

Look for Coupons and Coupon Apps

Do you use coupons? The practice can seem a little outdated, but coupons are still very much a thing. Whether they’re physical coupons, manufacturers coupons you get at checkout, or coupons you access through apps, they help to cut the cost of your monthly grocery bill and save money. While using coupons is a smart practice, be sure that you’re not purchasing items that you wouldn’t normally buy because of the coupons. This kind of defeats the purpose.

Looking to Purchase a Home in Omaha? Talk to Bill Swanson

Finding ways to cut down on your grocery bill each month can help you save money for bigger purchases in life, like buying a home. If you’re looking for a home in the Omaha area, Bill Swanson is ready to help. Bill has over 25 years of experience helping families buy and sell homes in Omaha. Talk to Bill Swanson by contacting his Omaha, NE office at 402-679-6566.