How to Save Money on Grocery Shopping

Living at Parkside Commons has many perks including our fitness center, seasonal swimming pools, and our eco-friendly buildings. One amenity that is often taken for granted is the kitchen right inside your apartment. With your own kitchen there is no need to spend extra money going out to eat. Instead you can cook home-made gourmet meals in the comfort of your home. Cooking at home can save you large amounts of money, especially if done properly. Here are some tips on how to save money while grocery shopping!

Start couponing

Couponing can seem like a daunting or pointless task sometimes but what is better than saving money just by cutting paper? You can find coupons in your weekly Sunday paper and can save them up for one big trip a month or cut them out each week based on what you need.  By cutting and saving coupons you can save upwards to $100’s of dollars. So when you receive this week’s Sunday paper don’t recycle the coupons. Instead see if there are any coupons for food you need for upcoming meals or weeks and start saving!

Make a list

The reason most people end up over spending when they go grocery shopping is because they roam the grocery store aisle by aisle and discover items they don’t need. These impulsive purchases can add up though. Therefore before leaving for the grocery store make a quick list of the items you really need for this week’s meals. This will also help you effectively grocery shop. If you come across an item you forgot on your list don’t worry, but with a list at least you can leave the store and won’t get home to realize you forgot to pick up milk.

Buy bulk when it makes sense

There are certain items in every household that are consumed almost every day. Whether its pasta, soup or even snacks for some reason these items can’t stay in your pantry. When these items are on sale this is your time to bulk up. You never know when the next sale will be and this is a chance to save money on an item you know you will eat. This is especially important with non-perishable items or paper products. Make sure you always consider the amount of space in your apartment though because you don’t want to be living in a grocery store of your own.

Purchase in season fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, they are expensive in general, especially in off seasons. Therefore, in order to save money purchase fruits and vegetables based on the best seasons for production. For example, strawberries have the best flavor during the spring and summer. In result, they are more expensive and aren’t as flavorful in the winter months. By purchasing your produce during the peak seasons you will not only save money but also experience the most tasty fruits and vegetables.

Time your trip wisely

If you are trying to save money while food shopping, you should avoid shopping during a meal time or even worse on an empty stomach. Shopping for food can result in impulse buys and will distract you from what you really came to buy. Shopping around 10 a.m. is a perfect time because you’ve probably already eaten a meal and beat the afternoon crowds promising for a less expensive and stressful grocery trip. If you ever have the urge to shop on an empty stomach try to stop yourself because it will likely end in your spending extra money and indulging on the food you just bought when you get home.

Grocery shopping can be an expensive part of life, but with these tips and tricks you can help manage your money and maybe even save up for a weekend getaway from Parkside Commons in New England!

Here is a list of local grocery stores to check out in the area! From specialty stores to supermarkets, you will definitely want to check out all the stores have to offer. Don't limit yourself to just one store- find your best deals and where the best places to splurge actually are. With that, it's time to get shopping!