Grocery shopping has become so much more expensive since the COVID pandemic! Meat, eggs and so many other foods have climbed dramatically in price.
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COVID has left us all grabbing items off the shelves when we actually find them. On my last shopping trip, I picked up a bag of potatoes without even looking at the price! That is not like me! And they weren’t even the type I wanted. It’s so much harder to patiently think through your decisions when a mask makes it hard to breathe and people are waiting for you to move so you can all stay 6 feet apart!
Stores don’t seem to be having as many sales as pre-COVID times. And the sales they do have are often not the greatest bargains. Most stores have also suspended rainchecks, returns and refunds!
So how do we save on groceries now?
Planning for Grocery Savings During COVID
My method of shopping always begins with store flyers. I can luckily choose from many different stores where I live. I go through each flyer to see what’s on sale where and circle all the items I need that have a good price. If your area stores’ flyers aren’t delivered to you, you should be able to find them online.
I use a notebook to list the best prices on the groceries we use from each of the stores. Then I plan my shopping and meals around it. I list the item, price and any limitations, specific sale dates, or purchase requirements. If the flyer indicates a digital coupon is available, I mark that items with a DC and circle it. After I go online and load all relevant digital coupons, I put a check mark on the circled DC so I know for sure it’s done.
Before COVID, I liked to go to multiple grocery stores to cherry pick the bargains. That’s become much more difficult now since grocery shopping takes so much longer. Depending on which stores offer the best bargains for the week, I pick just one or two stores to visit.
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I always need to buy some items that aren’t in the flyer. In those cases I compare unit pricing, such as cost per ounce or pound, at the store. Even if it’s not a great deal, I at least get the best deal available at that time. But then I only buy what I need immediately. Alternatively, I may just wait to see if the item is on sale the next week.
Coupons for Grocery Savings During COVID
I then take a look at my coupons for any matches. If I find one, I put a circled C before the item in my notebook so I remember to use the coupon!
Check online for printable coupons. You can print 2 of each. So I generally print from my computer and my husband’s too. I like to print my coupons through Swagbucks where I earn one or two cents per coupon printed plus 25 cents for each coupon I use! It adds up!
Where else can you find coupons? The Sunday paper is still a great source. You can also check the websites and social media of your favorite brands. Look for coupons in the store while you’re shopping too. I just scored 4 planters peanuts (my DH’s favorite) coupons. They don’t expire until next March so I’ll save them until I find a really good sale price.
Stockpiling for Grocery Savings During COVID
My goal is not to just get what we need for the week but to stockpile items when they’re on sale.
By planning ahead and buying enough of an item when it’s on sale, you shouldn’t need to buy it again before the next sale comes around. Did you know that most grocery items go on sale at regular intervals? My hope is that will continue!
I have always kept a well-stocked pantry, so I didn’t immediately feel the impact of COVID related price increases. During quarantine however, I used up a lot of that stock to cut down on the need to go out to the stores as often. Now I plan to start re-stocking.
The key to grocery savings during COVID or anytime is in stocking your pantry and freezer when items are on sale so you almost never have to buy items when they aren’t on sale.
Not only has this approach saved me significant money over the years, but it also served as an important resource during the quarantine.
What challenges have you faced grocery shopping during COVID? Please share your comments or questions!
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