Grocery Shopping for Students on a Budget
With the rising cost of tuition, students are on budget more than ever these days. Luckily, there are ways to save at the grocery store that shouldn’t cause you to have to break the bank.
The best time to go grocery shopping is either early in the morning or late at night when there are not as many shoppers. During these times, it’s easier to comparison-shop, look around, and take your time, which leads to less impulse buying.
Check out your local advertiser for store coupons, or go online to sites where you can print them off like www.coolsavings.com or www.wow-coupons.com Using coupons might sound old-fashioned and matronly, but you’d be amazed at how much you can save in a month by using coupons for items you would have bought anyway.
However, when using coupons, never buy something that you weren’t originally going to buy to begin with. You’re not saving money if you do that; you’re actually spending more than you were going to-even if you do get a good deal. Watch for double coupon days for even more savings.
Be sure to ask about student discounts at your local market. By showing your ID or inquiring about “student days”, you could save around 10% on your total bill. This is especially true for those markets close to campus.
If you’re aware of the weight of what you have bought, you tend to buy less. Try walking to the store or riding your bike so that you don’t buy more than you can carry.
Try shopping at a bulk food store for staples. If you think it’s expensive, suggest splitting the membership fee with a friend, or see if they offer student discounts. Only buy items that you use on a regular basis in order to avoid having too much of something. If you have roommates or close friends that don’t mind sharing, try splitting the cost of bulk items as well.
If at all possible, don’t buy household items at grocery stores. Paper products and cleaning supplies can almost always be found cheaper at discount stores such as Big Lots.
Buy staples such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes, and beans. You can generally get several meals out of these, meaning that they last longer. Dried beans can last up to several years and there are many different ways to cook a potato.
Larger supermarkets are often cheaper than smaller, locally owned markets. If you want to frequent a smaller market, make sure you comparison-shop first in order to find the best deals.
Trying buying snack items that be stored easily and that are inexpensive. Popcorn can be bought in bulk and has a long shelf life. You can also add things to it, such as chocolate and butter, in order to flavor it. Don’t be afraid to be creative.
Last but not least, create a grocery list and a budget and don’t deviate from it. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to allow yourself a treat now and then as well. However, make sure that you only allow yourself one indulgence and that your entire list isn’t one.