Sometimes going over budget is less about making some big-ticket item purchases or dealing with a financial emergency than it is about making a series of small purchases that add up quickly. If you keep coming up short for cash at the end of the month, it may be time to hone in on some of everyday expenses, and make sure you’re not overpaying for the basics. Even saving a few dollars a week can add up to major savings over the course of the year.
Use these six smart shopping strategies to save on everyday items.
1. Use a rebate app every time you shop.
Money-saving apps like ibotta help you unlock exclusive rebates and discounts at many of your favorite stores, so you can get cash back on every purchase. Using an app like this can save you money on everything from groceries to beauty items. Just unlock the cash-back rewards available, make the purchase and get your purchase verified to qualify for the reward. As a bonus, ibotta can also sync with your store loyalty card.
2. Jump on the paperless coupon train.
Take advantage of digital coupons from your favorite drugstore, convenience store or grocery store so you pay the lowest possible price on everyday items. CVS recently upgraded its digital coupon system so you can get all available offers from your ExtraCare loyalty card sent directly to your smartphone. Whether you’re in the market for baby wipes, shower gel or candy, you can snag the latest deals without shuffling through coupon books or the weekly newspaper.
3. Consolidate your shopping trips.
It sounds like common sense, but how many times have you found yourself running to the same store or multiple stores to buy just one item throughout the week? Not only will you spend some extra money on gas to take you to and from the store, but you might also fall prey to clever marketing tactics that prompt an unplanned purchase. Plan on making one trip a week to shop for items on a list so you have time to find the best deals and buy all items — or most items — from one place. Also keep an eye out for in-store specials, buy one get one free specials and store-only coupons that can take a few dollars off the final bill.
4. Use a cash-back rewards credit card.
If you pay off your credit card balances in full each month, take advantage of your credit card’s cash back rewards program. You could save a few dollars on each purchase, and dump the savings into your bank account every few months. Many rewards programs allow you to earn cash on groceries, gas and other everyday expenses up to a certain limit. Review the card agreement details so you can make some smart purchases throughout the week.
5. Plan your weekly menu.
Cooking as you go through the week can be fun and may even be a creative outlet for you — but it can also be a costly one when you buy fresh food in bulk that ends up going to waste, or you have to buy specialty ingredients you won’t use again for a while — or ever again. If you find yourself making multiple trips to the grocery store for a few ingredients each week, you may be buying more than you need just to make a single meal. Plan your menu ahead of time so you can buy some basic ingredients in bulk and avoid food spoilage. You can also prepare and freeze your meals at once so you’re not scouring the store or making a fast-food run when hunger pangs strike.
6. Skip the gas station purchases.
If you have a daily habit of buying coffee, breakfast items or snacks from a gas station, you may be paying a premium for that morning run. Brew up some coffee and enjoy that first meal of the day at home to save on the cost of breakfast each morning. Saving $3 to $5 per day equates to about $90 to $150 per month — savings that could be used for an upcoming vacation or to help build the emergency fund.
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6 Smart Shopping Strategies to Save on Everyday Expenses originally appeared on usnews.com
