Recent discussions on rising prices have once again heated up in mainstream media, with inflation still stubbornly high. This has made topics like “how to save expenses in daily life” a focus of concern for the general public. Among these topics, food expenses continue to be a significant part of household spending.
According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2024, a “thrifty” family of four spends an average of about $976 per month on food. If you purchase large amounts of meat and popular brand products, your expenses can far exceed this figure.
Personal finance expert Rachel Cruze has recommended some methods on her self-media program that may help you reduce your food bills. Here are some tips:
Before going grocery shopping, check the apps of nearby supermarkets to see what promotional activities are ongoing and if there are any available coupons. After comparing prices using the app, plan your shopping list and decide where to buy which items. Cruze also suggests avoiding food grocery delivery services because they tend to be more costly.
Generally, store-brand products at supermarkets are relatively cheaper and have guaranteed quality. Avoid the mindset that only well-known brand products have quality assurance, and do not overlook the small savings each time you shop. Over time, these savings can accumulate into a surprisingly substantial amount. If you are concerned about the quality of certain brands of food, you can check online customer reviews and understand the store’s return policy.
You might ask, why have you spent so much effort and not see where you saved money? The answer is: the saved money may have been wasted on extra items not on the shopping list. Focus only on current actual needs and resist impulse buying additional items. Otherwise, you might be increasing expenses while trying to save, defeating the purpose.
Choose seasonal vegetables and fruits whenever possible as they are usually cheaper. You can research online in advance the seasonal times for different vegetables and fruits. If you do want to buy out-of-season produce, ask yourself first if you really want to save money.
Although the annual fee needs to be considered, many bulk items sold at warehouse-style chain supermarkets like Costco or Sam’s Club can indeed help you save money and reduce the frequency of driving for shopping. For example, you can freeze excess meat for later consumption, as long as it won’t be wasted or thrown away, bulk buying is more cost-effective.
Before buying more food, check the inventory in your kitchen first. You may find that some purchased food has been sitting for a long time, and their ultimate fate is being wasted and thrown away. Therefore, ensure all purchased food is not wasted, and prioritize consuming items that are close to expiration to avoid spoilage. Reducing waste is also a good way to save expenses.
Cruze also recommends using the EveryDollar app, which can help you budget for food and other necessary expenses. Provided by Ramsey Solutions, this app allows you to set spending limits for groceries and track your grocery expenses long-term to summarize your spending habits and trends.
(This article is for general information reference only, with no specific recommendation intended. The publisher does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, real estate planning, or other personal finance advice. For specific investment matters, consult with your financial advisor. The publisher does not assume any investment responsibility.)