5 Ways to save money when grocery shopping

With food prices constantly rising, almost everyone wants to save up on their grocery bills. There are ways to do so without spending hours clipping coupons or browsing store aisles.

1. Start with a plan – make sure to know what is the maximum amount of money you are allowed to spend. Once you know it, best way to save money is by paying with cash. That way you will not risk paying interest on your credit card, in case you are not able to pay off balance each month. Also, create a shopping list beforehand. It will prevent you from buying things you do not need.

2. Learn about pricing – base your weekly meals on bargains offered at the store. Buy extra so you can freeze it and use it next time when it is not on sale. Also, make sure to learn the prices of products you buy often, that way you will know a good deal when you see it. Unit pricing is also important, as midsize packages are sometimes the best purchase.

3. Savings before convenience – do a little more work at home instead of buying bagged lettuce and precut fruit and veggies. Buying in bulk is also a good idea, rather than using prepackaged products. By sacrificing convenience, your budget will increase.

4. Shop seasonal – fresher foods and lower prices can be found at local farmer’s market. Make sure to buy seasonal fruit and veggies and make the most of it by not throwing it away.

5. Visit warehouse clubs – they offer many individual items and not all products come in large quantities. However, you can also team up with family, friends and neighbors to split large purchases.