The year is flying by so quickly, and in just a couple of months, the holidays will be here. At this time of year is when families get together and enjoy multiple holiday dinners and events. The average family spends nearly $1000 during the holiday months. Baking, dinners, and parties it is no wonder that we spend that much money on groceries during the holidays. If you don’t have a thousand dollars saved in your bank, and you want to know how to save money on your groceries during the holidays, then we have supplied some tips for you.
Check Advertisements and Shop Around
Start checking all your local grocery store advertisements a few weeks before Thanksgiving. Usually, grocery stores will start putting a few items on sale just to get you in the store. This is called ‘loss leaders’. The grocery store will sell you a few items that they know the majority of homes will be having for their holiday dinners, such as turkeys, stuffing, and pies. Turkeys are one of the biggest sales promotion, and shoppers can usually purchase the turkey at around $0.69 - $0.79 per pound, which is an excellent buy. This is the time that you should purchase your Christmas turkey at the same time. You can freeze it, and thaw it out the day before you want to cook it in your refrigerator. Purchasing your turkey at this time can save you up to $40.00 for each turkey. You must remember to only purchase the items that are on sale or a ‘loss leaders’, so you actually save money. Baking items are generally are offered at this time too. Go through your store’s advertisement, and make a list. Stick to that list, and you will save money.Coupons
The thought of cutting coupons just turns many people off. People don’t like the thought of spending hours cutting through coupons, but with smartphones, you no longer have to sit and cut out coupons. Many of the big stores have their own app, which will have a ton of coupons that you can use by just clicking on the coupon, then when you get to the checkout, the cashier just scans your phone. Shop –n- Save is one of these stores that often provides a $10.00 off a $50.00 purchase, and they also have several pages of coupons that you can use in additional to the ten dollar coupon. It just takes a minute to choose your coupons, because as you are looking through their ad on your smartphone, then you just check the coupon. You don’t have to worry about leaving the coupons at home, as they are all organized on your phone. Check your favorite store, and see if they have an app, and chances are you will find coupons there. If your favorite store doesn’t, then there are other coupon apps available to use at your store. Also, Walmart and Costco will match other store’s advertisements, so if you shop at these stores, then you can still save money too.Plan Ahead
Plan all your holiday meals and parties ahead. If you wait until the last minute, then you are worried about saving money, but just getting the items you want for the event. Right now is the time to start making a menu and list. If you have a menu and list made, then you can keep an eye on each grocery store’s advertisement, then pick up the items that you need that is on sale for the week. This will allow you to have the items you want, and save money too!Stick to a Budget
Every time you are heading to the grocery store go over your list, and see how much money it will cost you, then keep that budget amount. Too many times shoppers will impulse buy when they are at the grocery store, and this will raise the price on your groceries. Stick to the budget and your list. Try to do your shopping without your kids. Kids can be a distraction, and love to throw items into your cart. You won’t even notice this until you are either checking out or already at home. If you can do your shopping alone, then you will more than likely stick to your budget.Loyalty and Cash Back Cards
This is the time of the year to use your loyalty cards. Many grocery stores have loyalty cards or savings cards that allow you to collect points throughout the year. If you save all your points until you start doing your holiday shopping, then you can deduct the points and redeem them off the total of your bill. Also, cash back credit cards are great to use this time of year too. Use a rewards card to purchase the things you would normally buy anyways and earn points in the process. It's a win/win.Final Thoughts
The holidays are a time to bring family and friends together, and we all love to get together and enjoy a great meal. You shouldn’t worry about spending too much money on your holiday groceries when you follow the easy tips provided.Creditcards.org is a credit card comparison site. We have been providing our customers with the best credit card offers available since 2010. If you are looking for a new credit card, visit us here.
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