Even with the passage of the Inflation reduction lawconsumer prices continue to rise at nearly the fastest rate in 40 years.
Perhaps nowhere is the impact of rising inflation more acutely felt than in the grocery aisle, where the cost of staples like eggs, milk, flour and chicken is eating into family budgets. Eating at home, or meals prepared from grocery shopping, rose 1.3% last month, with all major grocery store categories up. see price jumpsthe Department of Labor reported last week. Egg prices are up 38% from a year ago, while other items that saw double-digit increases include flour (23%), butter (22%) and coffee (20%), show the government data.
As Americans look for ways to protect themselves from inflation, here are three tips to make sure your next trip to the grocery store doesn’t break the bank.
make a list
It may seem obvious, but the value of a shopping list should not be underestimated.
“Make a list before you go to the grocery store,” advised Roy Paul, executive director of Cents Ability, a nonprofit group that advises young people on personal finances. A grocery list can not only save you from wasting gas on a second trip to the market, but it can also prevent you from buying an item you don’t need.
Paul said: “How many times have you bought something, only to come home and realize you already have it?”
And with all the temptations and cleverly placed supermarket displays meant to stimulate impulse buying, a shopping list can keep you focused on getting what you need without spending a penny more.
Look for store brands
“There are a lot of people, they get very ‘bougie’ when they walk into a grocery store,” Paul said, encouraging people to ditch expensive brands in favor of more affordable store brands.
Store brands, whether for staple or premium food products, are generally cheaper than name brands because there is no advertising to add to the cost, CBS Minnesota recently reported.
Once considered lower quality, the perception of store brands has changed over the years, Todd Maute, a partner at retail research firm CBX, told CBS Minnesota. He points to the success of Trader Joe’s, where 95% of what it sells is store brand.
Check the expiration date
Another way consumers can save money is by cutting back food leftovers. Properly store perishable foods in quality airtight containers, freeze fruit that will not be eaten immediately, and preserve it. your fridge organized can go a long way in reducing waste.
Paul also recommends checking expiration dates, especially in smaller markets. “If you’re in a corner store or a warehouse, they’re more likely to have expired items,” he said.
Note that expiration dates it does not necessarily mean that a food or drink is spoiled, but serves as a general guideline for quality. Regardless of the date printed on a package, check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
Add Comment