3 SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON GROCERIES

Happy Monday, friends! 

​Today I'm sharing a little more about how I'm saving big bucks when I go shopping for groceries. 
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Now this is something that's taken me a while to figure out if it's really worth my while, but I feel super confident that this is a strategy I'll stick with for the long run because the benefits have been sooo good! 

Wanna know how I save money on groceries each week?  Keep reading ;) 

(1) SMARTPHONE APPS

​Those smartphone apps are more than just a way to pass the time crushing candy or messaging your Facebook friends.  Apps can be a huge money saver!  The key is to regularly use apps from stores you normally shop at.  My personal go-to's are: 

• THE KROGER MOBILE APP: You can go digital coupon crazy on this app!  A couple of times a week coupons are added, but you always want to check on Fridays (for completely FREE products) and Sundays.  
  
  • My year-to-date savings according to Kroger has been >$100!!  #ChaChing 

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• THE TARGET APP -- I know you already shop at Target, so why not also save on the things you're already buying!?  The Cartwheel offers are discounts exclusive to Target, but the key to redeeming your awesome savings is that you must remember to scan your barcode at checkout.
  
  • My total savings: >$46! 

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• THE IBOTTA​ APP -- This app is all about earning cashback on items you're likely already buying!  This app isn't exclusive to any one retailer so you can redeem at multiple stores (such as Kroger AND Target), and to make things even easier... for some stores you can connect your loyalty card so offers automatically apply to qualifying purchases --  meaning you can skip the step of taking a picture of your receipt to get cashback. 
  • My lifetime earnings: >$65!  (Pst... you can download this app with my referral code "tcxrdoi" and we'll help each other earn cash faster!) 

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(2) WEEKLY ADS

Whether you access weekly ads electronically or go with good ol' paper ads, these weeklies can help you shave a few dollars here and there.  I find the most effective way to use the weekly ads is to focus in on the areas/aisles you already need to buy from (example: produce, meat, dairy, etc.) so that you can find sale items to incorporate into your weekly meal plan.

Need a planner to organize your weekly meals & snacks?  Try printing our FREE WEEKLY MEAL PLANNER! 

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(3) COUPONS IN THE MAIL

Depending on where you live, you may get coupons in your mail during the week or in the Sunday paper, but the key is, again, to clip only the coupons of products you'll actually use.  (Don't be fooled by new, trendy stuff.) 

By combining mobile app savings, the weekly ad, and coupons, I've been able to save a significant amount on groceries.  Adulting is hard enough, but with these strategies I'm able to build up my savings account and have more room for the fun stuff that really matters :) 

​We'd love to know your secrets on saving.  Tell us in the comments below or tag us at @themealplanningmethod! 

lindsey