How to Save Money on Grocery Shopping: Apps to Fight Inflation

Introduction

Grocery shopping has become a challenge for many families due to the impact of inflation. Rising prices have forced consumers to find new ways to save money while still providing for their families. In this article, we will explore various apps that can help you fight inflation and reduce your grocery bill.

The Impact of Inflation on Grocery Shopping

Despite a decrease in overall inflation this year, Americans continue to face high prices at the grocery store. Food prices, in particular, have been significantly affected, with a year-over-year increase of 13.5% in August 2022. Although this number decreased to 1.7% in November, grocery prices have still risen by over 25% since January 2020. This has led to sticker shock for many consumers, making it crucial to find ways to save money while shopping for groceries.

Apps to Fight Inflation and Save Money

Anylist: Sticking to a List and Meal Planning Made Easy

Anylist is a crucial app for efficiently managing your grocery shopping. It seamlessly syncs with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to add items to your shopping list using voice commands. The app also organizes items by department, making it easier to navigate the store. Additionally, you can tag specific stores, filter the list, and add notes such as coupons or rebate offers. Anylist even offers a handy meal plan feature to help you plan your weekly menu and ensure you only buy what you need.

Flipp: Stay Updated on Weekly Deals

Flipp is a useful app that provides the online version of your favorite store's weekly flyer and highlights the deals being offered. You can "clip" items you want and create a shopping list within the app. Flipp also allows you to share the list with other apps, such as Anylist, to keep all your items in one place. If you need more information about a particular deal, you can simply click on the item in your preferred app, and it will redirect you back to Flipp.

Ibotta: Find Rebates on Items You Plan to Buy

Ibotta is a rebate app that helps you save money on items you already plan to purchase. It provides a list of items with available rebates at various stores. Simply add the items you intend to buy to your list and upload a picture of your receipt after shopping. Ibotta will credit your account with the corresponding rebate. While using Ibotta, it's essential to avoid falling into the trap of impulse buying just because an item has a rebate. Stay disciplined and stick to your planned purchases or items you don't mind stocking up on.

Your Favorite Grocery Store's App: Say Goodbye to Paper Coupons

Gone are the days of paper coupons. Most grocery stores now have their own apps that offer digital coupons and exclusive deals. Download your favorite grocery store's app, such as HEB in Texas, and enjoy the convenience of accessing store coupons directly on your phone. Although using the app may involve scanning barcodes and showing them to the clerk at checkout, the savings are undoubtedly worth the effort. Additionally, these apps often provide aisle information, making it easier to locate specific items in the store.

Krazy Coupon Lady: Discover Big Wins on Amazon

Krazy Coupon Lady is a valuable resource for finding deals on various shopping sites, including Amazon. While it may not be your go-to app for grocery shopping, it can occasionally present irresistible bargains. Keep an eye out for deals on products you regularly use, and take advantage of the significant savings. By leveraging these deals, you can achieve higher returns on your money compared to traditional savings accounts.

Keepa: Track Amazon Prices and Receive Alerts

Although not an app, Keepa is a useful browser plugin for tracking Amazon prices. While you may not purchase many groceries on Amazon, certain items may be more affordable on the platform. Keepa adds a price tracker to any item on the Amazon website and provides a price history chart. Set up alerts to notify you when the price drops below a specific threshold, allowing you to stock up on discounted items.

A Dedicated Amazon List: Limit Impulse Purchases

Impulse purchases can quickly derail your budget. To combat this, create a dedicated Amazon list called "Do we really want this?" Whenever you come across something you want but don't need immediately, add it to the list. Review the list as a family once a week and reconsider whether the items are essential. By doing so, you can eliminate unnecessary purchases and save money. Additionally, this approach helps you avoid making impulsive buying decisions that you may regret later on.

The Rewards of Saving Money on Grocery Shopping

While it may require some extra effort, the rewards of saving money on grocery shopping are significant. By adopting cost-saving strategies and utilizing apps like Anylist, Flipp, Ibotta, and your preferred grocery store's app, you can reduce your monthly grocery expenses. For example, using the Ibotta app alone can earn you approximately $25 in rebates each month with minimal effort. Remember, every little bit helps, and the savings can add up over time.

Conclusion

With the rising cost of groceries due to inflation, it's essential to find ways to save money while providing for your family. By using the mentioned apps and implementing effective strategies, you can fight inflation and lower your grocery bill. Take advantage of technology and make smart choices to optimize your grocery shopping experience. Start saving today and enjoy the benefits of a more budget-friendly approach to grocery shopping.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Always do your own research before making any financial decisions.

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By: cgaines@insider.com (Cork Gaines)
Title: How to Save Money on Grocery Shopping: Apps to Fight Inflation
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/best-coupon-app-grocery-shopping-deals-discounts-rebates-2023-12
Published Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:06:01 +0000