Many Canadians are being forced to become more savvy consumers because prices are rising everywhere – on groceries, gas, cars, and electronics. While the grocery shopping list is a great place to start, we can also use other strategies at the grocery store to stay on budget and avoid overspending.
Here are 5 smart tips for grocery shopping on a budget.

1. Count while you shop

Keep track of how much each item in your basket costs at the grocery store so that you know exactly how much you’re spending. You could do this by rounding all the prices up to whole numbers, making them easier to add together in your head. Using this method prevents you from exceeding your budget.

2. Evaluate the cost-benefit for grocery shopping on a budget

It’s a no-brainer that we want to save on all purchases. However, in addition to the price, we must consider the benefits of a less expensive or more expensive purchase. Would it be worth spending a little more on a product that’s stronger and more durable? Or should I opt for a simpler option to save money? Asking simple questions like these can help you make the right purchase at the grocery store.

3. Use grocery reward cards for grocery shopping on a budget

You can save a lot of money on groceries if you use the right card when checking out at the grocery store. Many credit cards offer higher rewards on groceries, such as the MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard®, and the Scotiabank®* Platinum American Express® card. You can earn 4x Scotia Rewards points for every $1 you spend at grocery stores with the Scotiabank®* Platinum American Express® card.

But, if you are looking for a card with no annual fee, MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard® is your best bet. It offers $25 in cashback value after you make $500 or more in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.

4. Try cheaper brands for grocery shopping on a budget

The brand value also needs to be considered when shopping at the supermarket.

Little-known brands tend to have lower prices. Try some of them, as the quality can be very good, even though they are cheaper.

5. Leave the kids at home

If you can leave your kids at home while you go to the grocery store, it will be better, as children cannot maintain a certain focus in places like the supermarket.

Of course, children’s products are arranged to try and persuade you to buy them. And let’s agree that it almost always works, doesn’t it? In other words, the risk of taking unnecessary items is great, and this action will likely cause you to overspend.

6. Runaway from small expenses

For example, you didn’t put on your list that you need gum and chocolate (and you don’t), but you think it’s okay to buy as the price isn’t high.

If you’ve done the math and your budget won’t suffer, then that’s fine. But don’t overdo it, as small expenses can turn into big bills. Therefore, you must be aware of what you really need to buy at that time.

In conclusion

Grocery shopping on a budget can be challenging and requires a little discipline, but the savings are certainly worth it! By saving money on groceries, you can get a head start on other goals as well.