Canadians are feeling the pinch as food prices continue to rise. It's no shock that the cost of living is rising faster than wages - and that includes food prices. This means that families are having to spend more of their hard-earned income just to put food on the table, which can be tough to manage, no matter what your income level is.
Although it may seem impossible as today's economy continues to cause uncertainty, there are ways to save money on food and offset the rising costs. With a little bit of organization and some creativity, you can easily shave a few dollars off your grocery bill every week - and who couldn't use that extra money?
iCash, a leading Canadian lender who provides instant loans online, is here to show you how it's done. Check out these easy ways to save on groceries and start putting more money back in your wallet.
Plan Ahead
One of the easiest ways to save on groceries is to plan ahead. This doesn't mean you have to spend hours every Sunday mapping out your week's meals - although that can be helpful if you're short on ideas. Simply create a grocery list based on what you already have in your pantry and fridge, and then stick to it when you're shopping.
This will help you avoid buying unnecessary items (like that bag of chips you always end up snacking on) and will keep your spending in check. It's also a good idea to make a meal plan for the week so you know exactly what you need to buy and can avoid any last-minute purchases.
Budget Properly
If you want to cut costs, you need to be aware of how much money you're actually spending. This means tracking your spending for a couple of weeks and getting an idea of where your money is going. Once you have a good understanding of your spending habits, you can start to budget properly.
How to create a realistic grocery budget:
Decide how much you want to spend each week on groceries.
Take into account the cost of the items you usually buy.
Factor in any extra expenses, like dining out or take-out.
Make a list of must-haves and wants - try to stick to the essentials only.
With a little bit of effort, you can easily create a grocery budget that works for you and your family. Once you start sticking to it, you'll be surprised at how much money you can save. And, if you need a jumpstart, you can always look for resources on how to get your budget started.
Comparative Shopping
Comparative shopping is another great way to save some money, and it's easier than ever with the help of technology. There are a number of apps and websites (like Flipp) that allow you to compare prices for items at different stores. This is a great way to find the best deals and save money at the grocery store.
Another option is to shop at discount grocery stores like No Frills or FoodBasics. These stores offer lower prices on basic items, which can help you save a few dollars every week. Just be sure to compare prices before you shop to get the best deals.
Clipping Coupons
Couponing may seem like a lot of work, but it can really pay off if you're looking to spend less. And, you don't really have to spend hours doing it. How does it work? You can find coupons for specific items in newspapers, flyers, and magazines, or you can search for them online and download right to a mobile device. Once you have the coupons, you can use them at participating stores to get a discount on your purchase.
Couponing can be time-consuming, but it's worth it if you're able to save a significant amount of money on your groceries. And, with a little practice, it will get easier and faster.
Price Matching
Did you know that you can save money by price matching? This means that if a store has an item listed at a lower price than another store, the first store will match the second store's price. This is a great way to get the best deal on items, especially if you're able to find a sale or promotion.
You can price match at most major grocery stores, so it's definitely worth checking out if you're looking to save a few dollars. Just be sure to bring a printout of the other store's flyer or advertisement so the staff can see the lower price.
Earning Rewards
Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn rewards for shopping with them. These rewards can be in the form of points, which can be redeemed for discounts or free items, or they can be cash back.
If you shop at a grocery store that offers a loyalty program, it's definitely worth signing up. This is an easy way to save on food, and you may even find that you're able to get some free items.
Use Cashback Apps
Another great way to lower your grocery bill is to use cashback smartphone apps. These apps allow you to earn rewards for making purchases at certain stores. There are a number of different cashback apps available, including Rakuten and Checkout 51, so it's worth exploring a few to see which ones offer the best deals for you. Just make sure that you read the terms and conditions before you sign up to avoid any surprises.
Purchase Items in Bulk
When it comes to groceries, buying items in bulk can be a great way to save money. This is especially true if you have a large family or if you eat a lot of the same items.
Many grocery stores offer discounts on items when you purchase them in bulk, so it's worth checking out the prices before you buy. Just be sure to calculate how much you'll actually use so you don't end up wasting any food. You should also make sure that you have enough storage space for the items, especially frozen and perishable items.
Start a Garden
Summer is just around the corner, which means it's time to start thinking about gardening. Gardening is a great way to get fresh fruits and vegetables, and it can also reduce your expenses on food.
If you have the space, starting a garden is definitely worth considering. You can grow a variety of different fruits and vegetables, and you'll be able to enjoy them all summer long. Just be sure to do your research beforehand so you know what you're doing.
Of course, starting a garden does take some time and effort. But, if you're willing to put in the work, it can be a great way to cut costs. And, you may even end up with some produce that you can't find in the grocery store.
Start Spending Less on Groceries Now
With a little bit of effort, you can spend less on groceries every week. By using these tips above, you'll be able to cut down on your food expenses and keep your spending in check. Even if you already follow some of these tips and still need an extra hand, you can always consider getting an instant loan from iCash to cover your grocery bills until you can get back on your feet again.
iCash is a licensed and registered lender in Canada that offers short term loans of up to $1,500. So, if you're in need of some extra cash, be sure to check us out. We can help you get the money you need, when you need it.
