Do you want to save more money on groceries? The key to reducing your grocery bill is to shop strategically.
The best way to do this is to know the best times to shop for groceries. By shopping at the right time, you can score big savings on your grocery bill without sacrificing quality or quantity.
Today, we’ll talk about the best times to grocery shop and when NOT to shop as well as share some tips to help you save money and time on your grocery budget.
The Importance of a Grocery Budget
One of the keys to saving money on groceries is having a budget.
A grocery budget is a predetermined amount of money you plan to spend on food each week or month. By creating a grocery budget, you can avoid overspending and stay on track with your finances.
The Best Time to Shop for Groceries to Score the Biggest Savings
What if I tell you there are more secrets to shopping than coupons and sales? Being more vigilant with when you grocery shop lets you save more money and cut more of your grocery bill.
Let’s get started:
Shop Early in the Week
Shopping early in the week is a smart strategy for saving money on groceries.
On Mondays and Tuesdays, many grocery stores offer discounts and deals on fresh produce and meat that didn’t sell over the weekend.
Shopping early in the week can also save you time because the stores are less crowded than they are on weekends.
As Soon As the Grocery Store Opens
Take advantage of the store’s freshest selection and do your shopping early.
Not only is it more likely that all items will be in stock, but you might just get run into some extra special deals from being one of the first shoppers in line.
Shop Late in the Day
Shopping late in the day is another way to save more money on groceries. Many stores discount items that are approaching their expiration dates.
By shopping late in the day, you can get great deals on fresh items like bread, meat, and produce that need to be sold quickly.
When the store is about to close, they’ll frequently put specials or clearance prices on items. A great way to snag some savings is before the store closes for the day.
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When Your Local Grocery Store Releases its Weekly Ads
Watch for promotional ads and flyers, as these can tell you when certain sales start or end. Knowing ahead of time when certain items will be discounted can help you stay ahead of the competition and get in on those savings.
Shop During Sales
Another great time to grocery shop is during sales. Many stores have weekly or monthly sales on certain items, which can save you a lot of money if you plan your meals around these deals.
Look for sales on items you use frequently, such as meat, vegetables, and grains, and stock up when the prices are low.
Avoid Shopping on Payday
While it might be tempting to do your grocery shopping on payday, it’s actually not the best time to save money. Many people (I was guilty of this very thing) tend to overspend on groceries when they first get paid, which can lead to a higher grocery bill overall.
Instead, try to do your shopping a few days after payday when you’ve had time to budget and plan out your meals for the week.
Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry
Make sure you never grocery shop when you’re hungry. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buys and overspending on unnecessary items.
Eat a snack or meal before you head to the store to avoid the temptation of buying items you don’t need. Lest you become the Proverbial “kid in a candy store”. lol
Get The Inside Scoop
If you know someone at your local grocery store, ask when their department offers special discounts or price changes.
Talk with them about upcoming promotions that may benefit you and increase your chances of getting targeted deals.
Avoid Shopping an Hour Before Major TV Sporting Events
If there’s a big game coming up and everyone’s trying to grab their snacks before kick-off, steer clear of this time frame!
Prices tend to skyrocket as it nears game time. Definitely try to avoid this if possible!
Avoid Weekends
It’s no surprise that weekends are usually busier for groceries than weekdays, so if you’re hoping for low prices and fewer crowds, try shopping during the weekdays instead.
You never know what kind of bargains may be waiting just around the corner!
Shop on a Weekday
Weekdays are typically less busy than weekends, and you may find that grocery stores offer better deals during the week to entice shoppers to come in.
Consider shopping on a weekday to save time and money.
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Beat the Holiday Rush
Especially in peak seasons like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, prices increase as the holiday draws near and more people are frantically shopping.
Stores might also limit purchases due to the high demand during special occasions like these, so it’s best to plan ahead and not wait until the last minute whenever possible.
Be a Savvy Shopper and Save BIG on Your Next Grocery Shopping
By following these tips, you can save money on your grocery bill and stay on track with your finances. Remember to make a grocery budget, plan ahead, shop the sales, and take advantage of coupons and discounts.
With a little effort and planning, you can save time and money on your grocery shopping trips.
Good luck and happy shopping!
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