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4 Tips to Beat Rising Grocery Prices

Over the last couple of years, there has been a tremendous increase in the cost of living. Whether you are on a fixed income or not, most people make about the same amount each week, and the impact of the increasing food prices alone can significantly change your weekly budget.

Here are four ways to help stretch your grocery budget:

1. Rewards programs: Joining store rewards programs can help! Some stores have apps that allow you to clip coupons and then automatically apply them toward your purchase. Look for apps that also have gift card rewards or cashback options.
2. Sale fliers: Making your grocery list based on what is on sale can help keep your budget in check and help spice up your dinner menu. Most stores have a 4 to 6-week rotation on their product sales. We recommend you start a price journal to keep track of when regularly purchased items go on sale. Over time, you will see trends on all your favorite products when they go on sale. Stock up at that time!
3. Curbside Pickups: Curbside pickup is a great way to save time, avoid impulse purchasing, and stay within budget. By using an online ordering service, you can see what you will pay before you order, allowing you to pull things out or switch to smaller quantities to stay within your desired budget.
4. Meal planning: Using the abovementioned tools to meal plan will help you stay within your grocery budget. The more you plan, the less chance of food going to waste. Meal planning can occur weekly, biweekly, or even monthly.

Staying within your regular budget can be difficult with increased grocery prices, but you can get close with some planning, creativity, and weekly sales research.

If you need help with your grocery budget, please contact our certified financial coach, Carrielyn Reynolds, at creynolds@newdimensionsfcu.com or (207) 660-6267 to schedule an appointment.