Are You Using These Hacks To Save Money At New York State Stores?

Let’s cut to the chase– we’re tired of our groceries being so expensive. 

Price increases due to inflation show no signs of stopping anytime soon. Just this past October, the Consumer Price Index rose ever so slightly to 2.6% over the past year. It’s difficult and frustrating to stay within a budget when you have no clue what the standard things you buy at the store will cost week to week and month to month, and around the holidays, our budget gets stretched even thinner. 

It’s time to start planning how you can stretch your dollars to save some money at the grocery store and still be able to get the things you need. 

Here are five hacks that could help you save your hard-earned cash and keep money in your bank account during the holiday season.

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Best Hacks To Save Money On Groceries This Holiday Season

Use your freezer

When you spot a great deal, buy it up in bulk and throw it in the freezer! 

Did you know you can freeze nearly any food? Use this handy guide from the FDA to safely store and freeze your food to use at a later date. (Also, hot tip – frozen produce often costs much less than the fresh stuff and lasts much longer, without losing any of its nutritional value.)

Sign up for loyalty memberships

Several grocery store chains in New York State (like Tops and Wegmans) have clubs you scan sign up for that give members access to exclusive sales; and many of them have free apps that will send you sale alerts to your phone or use tp to browse prices and deals ahead of time. 

Buy generic brands

Believe it or not, store brand products (think Great Value at Walmart or Simply Nature at Aldi) are often made in the exact same factory as their pricier equivalent, but much less expensive.

Mix up your meat purchases

Depending on deals and sales, it may be smart to swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or sirloin for a T-bone in your go-to recipe in order to stretch your budget. 

Or…try a Meatless Monday

Want to save even more money? Try forgoing meat altogether at least once a week to save big. Pasta night, anyone?

For most of us, a little planning can lead to a lot of saving; especially when we need it most around the holidays,