4 Ways to Lower Your Grocery Bill Before You Ever Step Into the Store

Groceries are one of the most relatable budget categories for families. No matter how much money you make, food is a need.

You have to eat.

You have to feed your family.

And if you are trying to eat healthier, the grocery bill can feel even more overwhelming.

But here is the good news. Just because groceries are a need does not mean they need to take over your budget.

I have learned through my own experience and through working with clients that groceries are one of the easiest categories to gain control over. With a little intention and planning, you can lower your grocery bill and free up extra money to put toward the goals that matter most to you and your family.

This post is part one of a two-part series on cutting your grocery bill. Today we are focusing on what you can do before you ever step foot in the grocery store.

Next time, we will talk about how to stay on budget while you are actually shopping, because even the best planners can still overspend once they are inside the store.

Before we jump into the tips, let’s talk about why planning ahead matters so much.

The $300 Pumpkin Pie Story

Several years ago, during the holiday season, a group of moms and I got together for a kid-free brunch. Everyone brought something to share. One of the moms walked in holding a Costco pumpkin pie.

If you have ever seen a Costco pumpkin pie, you know they are massive. She set it down and said, “I hope you all enjoy this pie because it cost me $300.”

We all stared at her in disbelief. Why would anyone pay $300 for a pumpkin pie? Of course, the pie itself did not cost $300. It cost about $6, which is actually an amazing deal. But she went into Costco for just the pie.

• Then she remembered she needed paper towels.

• She grabbed some produce.

• She saw a great deal on clothes.

• She picked up Christmas gifts.

• She added decorations.

Before she knew it, she walked out having spent $300.

That is why she called it the $300 pie.

It sounds extreme, but if we are honest, most of us have done this. We walk into a store for one thing and leave with ten extra items we did not plan to buy.

On that one trip alone, she overspent by $284. That is $284 that could have gone toward a vacation, savings, a home down payment, or another goal.

This is exactly why planning before you shop matters.

When you have a plan:

• You are less likely to overspend

• You are less likely to impulse buy

• You walk away with what your family needs and extra money to put toward your goals

One Important Step Before You Start

Before you use any of the tips below, there is one prerequisite.

You need to set a monthly grocery budget.

If you do not know how much you are aiming to spend:

• How will you know if you are over budget?

• How will you know if you are spending too much?

• How will you ever free up money for your goals?

Budgeting is not about scraping by or living paycheck to paycheck. It is about giving yourself clarity and control so you can make progress.

If you are not sure what your grocery budget should be, look back at the last two or three months and find your average spending. That number becomes your starting point. As you use these tips consistently, you will likely be able to lower that number over time.

Now let’s get into the 4 ways to lower your grocery bill before you go into a store!

Tip 1: Shop at More Than One Grocery Store

Most of us have a go-to grocery store. It is close, familiar, and easy. But convenience often comes with a higher price.

Shopping at only one store can be a silent killer, costing you more money than necessary.

Take time to learn what grocery stores are in your area and how their prices compare for the items you buy regularly. In my area, I typically start at Aldi for basics and then finish at another store for items Aldi does not carry. I only visit other stores when there is a good sale.

You do not have to shop everywhere, but being willing to compare prices can significantly lower your monthly grocery bill.

Tip 2: Check the Weekly Sale Flyers

I look at grocery flyers every single week before I plan meals and shop. This habit alone saves our family a lot of money.

If you think you do not have time, I promise this only takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

I recommend using the Flipp app, which shows flyers for most stores in one place. You can save your favorite stores and quickly scan what is on sale.

If you are short on time, at least look at the front page of each flyer. These items are often heavily discounted to bring shoppers into the store and are commonly referred to as loss leaders. Meat and produce deals in particular can make a big difference.

Tip 3: Plan Out Your Meals for the Week

Meal planning is not new advice, but it is incredibly powerful when combined

with the other tips.

When meals are not planned:

• You buy duplicates of what you already have

• You forget key ingredients

• You waste food

• You end up eating out more

  
  

Sit down and plan what your family will eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for the week. Write it out.

As you plan, consider busy nights, late workdays, sports practices, and leftovers. Planning realistic meals reduces stress and saves both time and money.

Try to limit grocery shopping to once a week. Fewer trips mean fewer opportunities to overspend.

Tip 4: Make a Grocery List and Use It

Remember the $300 pie? A list would have changed that entire trip.

A list:

• Keeps you focused on what you need

• Reduces impulse buying

• Helps you stay within your budget

You do not need to be perfect. If you forget something or need to add an item, that is okay.

The goal is intention, not perfection.

The list is your guardrail, not a punishment.

Choose One Tip and Take Action

Before you move on with your day, ask yourself which tip you will try first:

• Shopping at more than one store

• Checking sale flyers

• Planning meals

• Making and using a list

  
  

Here's your challenge for today: Pick one and take action.

This post covered how to save money before you go to the grocery store. Be sure to check out part two, where we will talk about how to stay on budget while you are actually shopping, where impulse buying is the biggest challenge.

Do not just read and move on. Take one step today and watch how it lowers your grocery bill.

You’ve got this.