4 Tips to Save Money at Tacoma Grocery Stores

A family of four, with a moderate budget, spends an estimated $239.00 a week on groceries. That’s almost $12,000 a year, which is 21% of the median household income.

Depending on your own financial situation, spending this amount of money for groceries on a weekly and monthly basis, could be eating away at the money you already have. The longer it continues, the more money you will be spending, and if you don’t have any money coming in, you won’t have the funds to pay for other things. Unsurprisingly, when people find themselves in this situation, they may decide to go down the investing route, and more specifically looking at something like this The News Spy article, to see how their finances can be uplifted by buying and selling shares and stocks, as well as buying bitcoin. If this can help to make sure that people have enough money to spend on groceries, as well as other things, it could be a blessing in disguise.

Considering the cost of groceries for the average American, particularly those in the Tacoma area, it’s only natural to seek out ways to cut back on costs without sacrificing quality. Some families use an AMEX Blue Cash Preferred card to pay for their groceries which is a pretty good idea because you can then earn rewards on what you’ve spent. It just makes grocery shopping a little more affordable and the rewards can be put towards a lot of other purchases.

Our team at Tacoma Boys is here to help. We put together this list of ways to save big when shopping at Tacoma grocery stores!

1) Shop at a Place with Every day Low Prices

Eating healthy is an investment that many people are choosing to make these days. We tend to feel better when we buy organic or eat whole grains with no high fructose corn syrup. Physically and mentally we benefit from making good choices. Local farmers benefit from us buying locally. Even the animals and produce experience a better life, having been cared for to ensure a quality end product.

Because most people have the desire, but lack the ability to purchase and prepare healthy food, they often choose a brand or label they can trust to do that work for them. Large chain grocery stores will often have a special section or packaging for these foods, with a considerably higher price attached. Stores that specialize in healthy food are often less gimmicky in how they sell such products. Many of these stores offer consistent pricing based on the market value, rather than a choice between the super cheap unhealthy food and the super expensive healthy version.

In order to find the best grocery market for you, first, decide the experience you’re looking for. Are you looking for a run of the mill grocery store? Are you looking for a place that offers fresh food along with items that you can’t typically get from a traditional box store? Is customer service of value to you? Do you want to shop for regional and local products if possible?

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start shopping around. Pop into a few Tacoma grocery stores and compare prices. This may take some time up front but once you find a store that provides you the experience you are looking for, the time you spend will pay off in dividends for years to come!

It’s surprising how many people overpay for groceries by simply walking into the wrong store.

2) Stay Mindful of Weekly Ads

We’ve all seen the lady in line with her coupons, filing through, looking for every value she can find. Society may scoff at her efforts, but imagine if you were sent a sheet full of money every week and all you had to do was cut it out and cash it in when you went shopping? If done right, coupons and weekly ads can be an amazing way to save money at Tacoma grocery stores.

Every week, most markets offer specials as an effort to entice new and long-term shoppers. While these deals may feel like mailbox clutter, they can offer tremendous value. The key is to find items that fit into your lifestyle, budget and meal plan. Quite often, if you’re feeling adventurous, these promotional deals can be a way to step out of the norm and try that one product you’ve always wondered about.

This next week when that mailer shows in your mailbox or inbox, grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine, sit down and look through deals. Imagine up some meal plans, or ways to stock up and store the food for later. Circle the deals you’re interested in and buy them up! Your friends will be most impressed at the spread you put out for your next gathering.

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3) Don’t Shy Away from Buying in Bulk

When you see an excellent sale, that’s your cue to stock up! Even when things are not on a standard sale, you can sometimes purchase 2 or 3 or more of an item to save money. Again if it’s an item that is part of your normal lifestyle and meal plan, then by all means stock up! If it’s a sale on seaweed crackers and you’ve never been to the ocean, then maybe buying one box is a better bet, or if you’re at Tacoma Boys you could ask an employee for a sample.

Typically, non-perishables and products that freeze well are great things to stock up on. If you’re curious about how to store certain foods and for how long, the US government’s food safety site has excellent information!

If you find yourself purchasing a lot in bulk, consider storing your food in rotation by date. If you notice older items getting close to their expiration date, throw them into your meal plan for the week or donate them to the local food shelter

Being open to buying in bulk can save you big!

4) Shop When You’re Full of Food and Full of Energy

We’ve all heard this one, don’t shop on an empty stomach. Shopping for food when you’re hungry substantially increases your risk of impulse buying. Snacks and desserts will often stand out more than healthier choices in these situations as well.

Also, be sure you’re well rested and energized before going on a shopping trip. Making a trip to the market when you’re burned out decreases the odds that you’ll be vigilant in comparing prices.

If you find yourself hungry or low in energy, take a few minutes to purchase some dark chocolate, or something delicious and healthy from the deli. Once your body is burning some fresh fuel, you will be in a great position to make smart purchases.

Saving Money at Tacoma Grocery Stores

Grocery expenses make up a massive amount of our annual budget. In order to keep those costs in check, pick a market that offers competitive prices and excellent food. Also look to buy what’s on sale, buy in bulk, and shop when you’re not hungry and full of energy!

If you’ve been wondering which Tacoma grocery store has an excellent selection with awesome prices, look no further than Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce in Lakewood. We offer quality selection at a fair market value.

Click here to find the nearest Tacoma Boys market to you!