10 tips on how to save money at the supermarket

It's not new that saving money at the supermarket is the only way to have a positive budget at home. The price in supermarkets increases gradually, impacting the Brazilian family's pocket. Therefore, this task has been almost impossible, especially for large families.

In this sense, we can say that there are several causes for this to happen. The first cause is in the inflation of the country which ends up raising the price of products. Furthermore, another cause is the war in Ukraine, which is impacting the entire world.

Therefore, it is extremely important that you know ways to save money at the supermarket and make your monthly expenses lighter. That's why we've put together a list of 10 tips on how to save money at the supermarket. See below.

1. Don't go to the supermarket hungry or in a hurry

Firstly, it is important to know that there is something called “emotional impulse” in our mind. This same impulse is capable of unconsciously forcing anyone to spend more than they need to.

Furthermore, this effect worsens when you are hungry or in a hurry. When you have these feelings, you add products that normally wouldn't go into the cart. Therefore, this is the first tip.

2. Determine the maximum amount that will be spent

When most people leave home, the last thing they think about is grocery spending limits. Certainly, they end up considering supermarket spending as essential, and therefore, do not set a spending ceiling.

However, having this attitude is dangerous, as you will always spend more than you would if you set a maximum spending amount. Therefore, always be careful and set a spending limit before leaving home. The recommended amount is a maximum of 37% of the monthly salary.

3. Make a shopping list

It is essential that you put together a realistic list of the items you need for your home each month. Before going directly to the list, create a weekly menu of what you need. After that, having the items you need on hand, go to the supermarket and make your purchases. Detail: do not add anything other than the list items.

4. Don't take children shopping

It seems like a lot to ask, but it is necessary. Many families with children end up taking their children or nephews shopping. Grocery retailers always place items that appeal to children near the register for children to ask for.

In this sense, parents often end up being unable to deny it and add items that are not necessary and can compromise the monthly budget.

5. Keep an eye on promotions and offers

Certainly, doing price research among supermarkets in the region is a great way to save money at the supermarket. If you've never stopped to think about it, go to 3 supermarkets in your region and write down the prices.

Once you do this, you will be able to see that one will be more affordable than the others. Focus your purchases on it. Also look for interesting promotions that often appear.

6. Set a shopping day

Having a shopping day is the solution so you don't have to go to the supermarket every week, or every day. Many people make the mistake of not being regular in this aspect and this ends up impacting expenses. In this sense, if there is no control over this, the costs will be higher.

7. Pay in cash to save at the supermarket

Firstly, many people are in the habit of making grocery purchases using a credit card. Well, this can be a huge mistake, as this can generate a huge snowball of installments and interest.

Furthermore, having this attitude will make you spend more, because you think the installments will be small. However, these small ones can become huge over time, and can even tarnish your name. Always pay in cash or debit.

8. Consider buying items wholesale

If you want to save money at the supermarket, buying items wholesale is the best possible solution. A big mistake people make is buying at retail, where prices are automatically higher. Therefore, focus on buying from wholesalers.

9. Avoid more expensive products

Shopping is an exercise in patience and a lot of attention. The price of products varies depending on the brand, be it a carton of milk or a tub of margarine. A super interesting tip is to avoid the most expensive brands.

If you find a pack of milk for R$7,00 from brand A and a pack of milk for R$5,00 from brand B, don't think twice.

10. Pay attention when arriving at the checkout

Finally, this is the moment where you should pay more attention, as prices may be different when it comes time to pay and save money at the supermarket. Many times we look at the wrong price or the attendant passes the same product at a higher price.

Furthermore, this can easily happen with products placed on sale, where something different may appear in the system.