Saving On Groceries During Inflation


  • August 21, 2024
  • By Samantha Martinez

Paying for groceries has always made up a significant portion of one’s budget, and record-high prices have navigating how to afford the price of grocery needs on most, if not, everyone’s minds.

It’s no secret: grocery store prices have increased. Thankfully, that increase has started to slow down, but the 11% rise in food prices from 2021 to 2022 and with restaurant and fast-food prices up 25.6% and 29.6% in recent years, everyone is feeling the pinch. Groceries have only gone up 2.4% from last year, but since the steep increase around the time of the pandemic, prices are at an undeniable high.  

The skyrocketing prices can have us feeling like things are completely out of our control, but we’re here to share some helpful grocery-saving-tips that can put a lot of the power back into shoppers’ hands.
 
Knowing When to Shop and Sticking to a List
Picking the best time to shop can be key to getting great deals on your grocery store visits. Knowing when your local grocery store is offering special deals and running their sales cycles offers you an easy opportunity to save. Many stores put out their weekly deals on their website, mobile app and the local newspaper, so keep an eye out for when deals show up!

Another tip that can help you save is to go to the supermarket prepared with a list. Buying without a shopping list can lead to grabbing items you might see and want, but don’t necessarily need. Sticking to a list can help prevent an increase in your final bill and keep you from filling up your fridge or pantry with something you might already have. 

Comparing Prices Between Stores and Buying Generic Over Name Brand
Those who live near different grocery stores might consider comparing the prices at each store and scoping out the best place to shop and save. Familiarizing yourself with the best deals from each store and selectively shopping (if it’s not too much of a hassle) at different stores can optimize your savings.

Supermarkets hold a variety of items, from the more costly, name brand items to more affordable generic brands. You might be tempted to splurge on the name brand items due to familiarity or recognizable advertising, but the truth is, generic brand and store brand items are cheaper and can taste just as good. In some instances, generic or store brand products are the exact same. For the sake of saving, try opting for the generic brand next time you shop!

Sign Up for Your Store's Loyalty Program and Pay with a Grocery Rewards Card
Most grocery stores offer some sort of loyalty program that is usually free to join and can offer member-only discounts and savings. Racking up points with this system can lead to big savings at the checkout counter, automatically deducting the cost without needing to stack coupons.

Additionally, paying with a credit card can help you earn rewards on grocery hauls and boost your credit. CoastHills offers the Platinum Rewards Visa® and Encore Visa Signature® cards, both earning rewards that you can use for cash back, travel, merchandise and more. Doing research on which credit and rewards cards can earn you the most points towards saving can take your grocery experience to a whole new level.

Join a Wholesale Club and Think Before You Buy in Bulk
Wholesale clubs like Costco offer great savings in the form of bulk-buying, which can be a great idea, especially if you have a big family. On top of saving money, shoppers can reduce the amount of time they spend shopping by buying larger quantities and stocking up.

Buying in bulk can be extremely beneficial, but only if it’s truly saving you money! The key is to compare prices per unit or ounce to make sure you are getting a better deal. Double check that the larger quantity at a wholesale store is actually the cheaper option and don’t merely assume. It’s important to note that wholesale clubs often come with membership fees, which can be worth it if you’re a frequent shopper.

Shopping wholesale can work great when you stock up on things you know you need and will use. Don’t pile up items you might end up wasting or will spoil quickly. Being mindful of why you’re choosing to buy in bulk can save you from making a purchase that you might’ve been better off buying at regular price and unit. 

Clip Coupons
Joining your local grocery store’s loyalty program and utilizing coupons for additional discounts is a great way to maximize your saving. Coupons can be found in your local paper, in the mail, and even at the grocery store. Finding coupons that can help you save is totally worth the 10 seconds it takes to clip them.

And that’s only mentioning paper coupons – there are tons of digital options that can be found online or on your grocery store’s website that are just as easy, if not easier to use. Downloadable coupons can be stored on your phone for seamless savings at checkout, that can be used time and time again.

Being a loyal customer or member at your favorite grocery store can also come with rewards and the chance to stack up on discounts so you are saving each time you shop.

Utilize Your Local Food Pantry and Food Shares
Food pantries are local spots that distribute free food to those who need it. They are often connected to local churches, schools, nonprofits, or community centers, offering food donations to families and individuals in their community. Some local pantries may even offer clothing or hygiene products, depending on the cycle of their donations.

Often times, visiting a food pantry is connected with the stigmatized notion that people will judge you based on your need for food. The truth is, local food banks and pantries are there for a reason: to support and benefit whoever needs food. For those who may not qualify for federal-based food assistance, food pantries across the U.S. are an amazing resource for those who are looking to fill the gap in their grocery needs.

Looking to take advantage of local food distributions near you? Check out some of these local food resources: 
Food Resources in San Luis Obispo County
Food Resources in Santa Barbara County

We hope these simple tips on how to save on groceries can offer you some relief and strategy when it comes to shopping for you and all your family’s needs!

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