6 Ways to Cut Back on the Grocery Bill

By Sammy K

Finances in college are always pretty tight, we all know that. Between school supplies, bills, and fun, going to the grocery store can cause a bit of a panic attack. Fret not, dear struggling students. There are ways to cut your grocery bill without cutting out your grocery quantity.

1. Check into your local grocer’s store membership program. A lot of grocery stores have memberships that you can join for free. These programs give you better prices than nonmembers, and usually have a coupon program. You can clip coupons before you shop, and can do it all on your phone!
2. Make a menu, then make a list. Get a general idea of what you’re planning on eating instead of wandering the aisles. If you have a general menu down, create a list and stick to it. Wandering the grocery store gives us more opportunity to browse snacks and stuff that we don’t need. Next thing you know, we have a package of Oreos and a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. All of these wandering snacks add up!
3. Cut back on unnecessary things. Try to cut out frivolities that aren’t as nutritious or necessary. There’s nothing wrong with a treat once in a while, but junk food can add up.
4. Clip coupons! You don’t have to be an obsessive couponer like those people in the shows, but clipping coupons can really help. A quick Google search can take you to coupon sites where you can search for specific items. Every little bit counts.
5. Check sales ads before going to the store. Have a game plan and get an idea of how much everything will cost you. If there are good deals, you may be able to get more for less. If you know how much money you’re working with, finding certain deals can help you stay within your budget.
6. Don’t go shopping while hungry. A lot of people will tell you this, so follow our advice. Going to the grocery store while hungry can really kill your budget. Your stomach is growling, you’re ready to eat, so you start picking up everything that looks good. Your $50 grocery bill just went up another $25! Eat before you go.

Follow some of this advice and see how much you can save while still being able to eat!

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