The ultimate guide to slashing your grocery bill



Grocery bills can be expensive, and sometimes, they can make us feel like we’re barely making enough money to live comfortably. However, for those working in skilled trades, there are plenty of ways to slash this painful expense and keep a few more dollars in our wallets. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some easy tips and tricks to help you save money on your grocery bills, without cutting down on the quality of your meals.

Cook your meals at home

The first step to reducing your grocery bill is to start cooking your meals at home. Not only is it cheaper than eating out, but it also allows you to make healthier choices and avoid overspending. According to a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends $3,508 on food outside the home each year. In comparison, the average cost of a meal cooked at home is just $4.

Stock up during sales

If you’re looking to save money on groceries, it’s important to stock up on items during sales. This not only ensures that you have a good stock of groceries, but it also provides you with a surplus of groceries that you can use in your meals. Many stores offer discounts and deals on items they have in stock, particularly fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. According to RetailMeNot, the average discount on groceries during sales ranges from 20% to 40%.

Shop for seasonal produce

Another way to save money on your grocery bill is to shop for seasonal produce. Seasonal items are fresher, cheaper, and more readily available than out-of-season foods. Take advantage of the seasonal produce by purchasing it in bulk, freeze it and use it later in your meal prep. Fruits for example; blueberries, blackberries, plums, cherries, watermelons, and peaches are cheaper during summer while Apples, bananas, kiwi fruit, and citrus are at its lowest during winter.

Make a list and stick to it

Creating a shopping list and sticking to it is another great way of keeping your grocery bill low. This ensures that you only buy the items you need and stick to your budget. A study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh found that shoppers who went into a grocery store with a list of items spent 23% less money than those who didn’t. By sticking to a shopping list, you avoid impulse buying which not only throws off your budget but also adds up to your bill.

Look for discount codes and coupons

Many grocery stores offer discount codes and coupons that you can use to save on your purchases. These codes are available on the store’s website or app, and they can provide discounts on a wide range of items, from fresh produce to packaged goods. According to Valassis, a marketing and advertising firm, coupon redemption reached 2.9 billion in 2019 with an increase of 47% in redemption rates compared to the previous year. It is estimated that the average coupon value was $1.54 compared to $1.57 in 2018.

Buy store brands

Store brands are often cheaper than their branded counterparts, and they’re usually of the same quality. In fact, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association, customers save an average of 35% when buying store brands. For example, Safeway Select canned vegetables are 35% cheaper than Del Monte’s canned vegetables. So, the next time you go shopping, buy store brands instead of expensive brands.

Bottom line

With a little bit of planning and strategy, you can slash your grocery bill without compromising on the quality of your meals. Remember to cook your meals at home, stock up during sales, shop for seasonal produce, make a list and stick to it, look for discount codes and coupons, and buy store brands. All of these steps can help you save money on your grocery bill so that you can have more money to put toward other expenses.

Photo of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Photo of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, New Zealand.

> For one on one or group assistance with personal finance, STR recommends that you check out the following resources:

Mappedoutmoney.com

Ramseysolutions.com

> Inaccuracies with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data: Many of our blog posts will quote BLS data. SkilledTradeRescue.com has been able to identify that data quoted specifically for Skilled Trades can be as much as 50% LOW in many USA labor markets. For more information on these inaccuracies please visit the STR national labor survey page at the link below. On this page there is a video containing the latest information at the top of the page as well as other information. If you currently work in skilled trades, PLEASE consider participating in our national labor survey.

CLICK HERE for more Information

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