We all have dozens of apps on our phones that entertain us, educate us, and help make our lives easier. Chances are, you have a money saving app or two on your phone already, but do you have grocery savings apps? By downloading a few different apps to save money on groceries, you’ll have more control over what goes into your cart and how much you save on the food you buy.
Step 1. Make a List
This step is the hardest, but it makes the grocery shopping process easier and more efficient if you do it: making the shopping list! The grocery list is your compass when visiting the store or placing an online grocery order. If you keep a running list throughout the week, shopping for groceries will be quicker and easier, and you’ll be less likely to make impulse purchases that you don’t need and drive up your grocery bill. Use the Notes app on your phone, download a list-making app such as AnyList, or add items to the cart in your favorite grocer’s mobile app. Need some meal inspiration? Explore unique recipe ideas, cooking basics, and kitchen tips to make meal planning more exciting.
Step 2. Look for Grocery Sales and Discounts
With the number of apps available, all it takes is a little time and research to find one that you like and that suits your needs. Start by typing “grocery savings apps” into the search bar of your phone’s app store.
Retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, or ShopRite offer their own grocery apps. These can be helpful if you shop at the same grocer on a consistent basis. Bonus: Many grocery retailers have loyalty programs that offer members exclusive discounts or coupons. You can also shop weekly ads via apps to look for sale items or coupons that match the items on your list.
Step 3. How to Get Cash Back on Groceries
You can also use rewards apps to save money on groceries. Apps like Ibotta or Checkout 51 give users cash back on certain items or by uploading grocery receipts. Other apps like Fetch Rewards allow users to accumulate points on grocery purchases and redeem them for gift cards.
No matter how, where, or when you prefer to shop, there are plenty of grocery savings apps out there to help you save money or get cash back when you buy food. Think about it: The average cost for groceries for a family of four per year in the U.S. is around $5,000. Using apps to save money on groceries can help you keep more of your hard-earned cash every time you shop. Once you find a method you like, pay it forward and tell a friend how to save money on groceries!