With food costs surging, groceries can quickly eat up your monthly budget.
But we all need to eat in the end.
So, what can we do?
Click for a larger version you can print out.
Coupons can help, but they are no substitute for shopping at the right stores.
This way, youll automatically get the most bang foryourgrocery budget buck no matter whats on your list.
How to Use the Grocery Comparison Worksheet
So, heres the thing.
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Comparing grocery stores is going to take some time and effort upfront.
Youll feel a little bit like a private investigator.
And once youre done, youll save money every time you shop no further thought or effort required.
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Its super simple!
Heres what to do.
You still want the best price on your one-off treats or occasional buys, of course.
So to best automate your savings, stick with the stuff youalways haveon hand.
Do yourself a favor and survey only stores within a reasonable distance.
Go Find the Prices
Here comes the time-intensive part.
You dont have to do it all at once, so take your time.
An important note: Remember to write down theamountsof the items, as well.
In some cases, stores wont carry the same item in the same size.
For example, check out our sample math to figure out which deal for bacon is best.
Since Publix had 16-ounce packages marked at 2-for-$8, it technically won at 25 cents per ounce.
Which brings me to another caveat: Quality matters!
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Now look at the right-hand column and count how many times each stores name appears.
Record the total number in the bottom of the stores column (see the example above).
Congrats, youve just automated your grocery savings!
Of course, markets and prices change, so youll want to revisit your comparison fairly regularly.
And besides justtryto tell me you didnt have fun sneaking around the stores, recording their prices.
And if you really didnt?
I bet your kids would.
So next time, recruit some help.
you could see the best prices for individual items or your overall cart, if you want one-stop shopping.
it’s possible for you to scan any product with a barcode quickly if you dont feel like typing.
Basket also surfaces some of the best savings from local grocery stores, displaying current sales and available coupons.
If possible, purchase nonperishables in bulk.
More aggressive savings when shopping can bring the price as low as $242.
Jamie Cattanach and Michael Archambault are former staff writers at The Penny Hoarder.
