Expert Tips for Saving Money on Groceries Amidst Inflation: Coupons, Meal Planning, and Bulk Buying

New York, New York, USA United States of America
Buying in bulk with friends or family members can lead to cost savings.
Curbside pickup can prevent impulse purchases and help stick to a budget.
Grocery prices have increased by an average of 21% due to inflation over the past three years.
Meal planning and tracking spending can help control grocery expenses.
Using coupons can help save money on groceries.
Expert Tips for Saving Money on Groceries Amidst Inflation: Coupons, Meal Planning, and Bulk Buying

In recent times, Americans have been grappling with the rising costs of groceries. According to reports, inflation has led to an average increase of 21% in grocery prices since it began surging over three years ago (AP News). This situation has left many shoppers looking for ways to save money on their weekly or monthly grocery budgets. In this article, we will explore some expert-recommended tips and strategies that can help you make the most of your grocery dollars.

Firstly, consider using coupons. Coupons are a great way to save money on groceries during tough economic times (AP News). Many stores offer coupons through their apps, making it easier for customers to find discounts and apply them at the register. Additionally, apps like Flipp and Ibotta can help users browse coupons from multiple grocery stores and receive cashback for using them.

Secondly, tracking your current spending on groceries is crucial in order to set a budget and control spending (AP News). Reviewing what you already have in your fridge and pantry can prevent overbuying and save money. Meal planning for the week or month can also help keep grocery expenses under control, as well as reduce food waste.

Thirdly, curbside pickup for groceries can help shoppers avoid impulse purchases and stick to their planned budgets (AP News). Involving family members in the grocery budgeting process can be beneficial, especially when teaching children how to use coupons.

Lastly, buying in bulk with friends or family members can lead to cost savings and shared discounts (AP News).

Despite these strategies, some shoppers have expressed frustration over dynamic pricing practices. For instance, Walmart's implementation of digital shelf labels caused customer backlash due to concerns about deceptive pricing (CNBC). However, it is essential to remember that prices fluctuate based on various factors such as supply and demand.

In conclusion, while grocery prices may continue to rise due to inflation, there are ways for shoppers to save money and make their budgets go further. By using coupons, meal planning, tracking spending, and buying in bulk with friends or family members, you can effectively manage your grocery expenses during these challenging economic times.



Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Are there any specific stores or brands that offer the most significant savings through coupons?
  • How effective is meal planning in reducing overall grocery expenses?
  • What are the potential downsides of curbside pickup for groceries?

Sources

79%

  • Unique Points
    • Grocery prices account for about 8% of the average family’s budget.
    • PepsiCo reported a decrease in sales of its Frito-Lay snacks during the most recent quarter due to shopper resistance to higher prices.
  • Accuracy
    • Grocery prices have leveled off for the most part after significant increases in previous years.
    • Inflation has increased grocery prices by 21% on average since inflation started to surge more than three years ago.
    • Grocery inflation has slowed, but overall cost of groceries is unlikely to fall substantially.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article states that 'grocery prices have actually leveled off for the most part' and 'leveling off is not the same as prices coming down'. This is an example of selective reporting, as it only reports details that support the author's position. The author also uses emotional manipulation by quoting Cindy Seinar expressing her frustration with food prices and stating that 'many Americans are still frustrated by what it costs to put food on the table'. Additionally, the article mentions 'shrinkflation', which is not defined in the article but implies a negative impact on consumers. However, no evidence or data is provided to support this claim.
    • grocery prices have actually leveled off for the most part
    • Many Americans are still frustrated by what it costs to put food on the table.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting statistics from the consumer inflation report and government data. However, this does not constitute a fallacy as long as the information is accurate and presented in context. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing grocery prices as 'soaring' in the past, but this is an opinion and does not affect the objective analysis of fallacies.
    • ][The latest consumer inflation report, out this week, showed grocery prices rose just a little over 1% in the last 12 months.][/
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

97%

  • Unique Points
    • Inflation has increased grocery prices by 21% on average since inflation started to surge more than three years ago.
    • Cassandra Happe, an analyst for WalletHub, states that inflation reduces people’s ability to afford groceries by increasing the overall cost of goods.
    • Kiersten Torok, also known as Torok Coupon Hunter on social media, recommends using coupons to save on groceries during tough economic times.
    • Many stores offer coupons through their apps, making it easier for customers to find discounts and apply them at the register.
    • Apps like Flipp and Ibotta can help users browse coupons from multiple grocery stores and receive cashback for using them.
    • Tracking current spending on groceries is crucial in order to set a budget and control spending.
    • Reviewing what you already have in your fridge and pantry can prevent overbuying and save money.
    • Meal planning for the week or month can help keep grocery expenses under control, as well as reduce food waste.
    • Apps like AnyList or Mealime can assist with meal planning and creating shopping lists.
    • Curbside pickup for groceries can help shoppers avoid impulse purchases and stick to their planned budgets.
    • Involving family members in the grocery budgeting process can be beneficial, especially when teaching children how to use coupons.
    • Buying in bulk with friends or family members can lead to cost savings and shared discounts.
  • Accuracy
    • Grocery prices have leveled off for the most part after significant increases in previous years.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article provides useful tips for saving on groceries and does not contain any explicit fallacies. However, there are a few instances of inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority that slightly reduce the score.
    • >21% on average since inflation started to surge more than three years ago.
    • When times like these come up, coupons are a necessity for so many Americans.
    • All you have to do is scan an item in a store, the coupons pop up on your app and then they automatically apply in the register.
    • Many might think that using coupons means cutting them out of a magazine. While you can certainly still do that, there are now easier ways to get the discounts.
    • For anyone who wants to try couponing, Torok recommends that you first start using them at your favorite store and never buy things you don’t need, even if there’s a big discount.
    • Making a budget is a key to keeping grocery spending under control, and the first step is to track how much you’re already spending.
    • Start by reviewing how much you have spent on the last few times you’ve gone grocery shopping
    • Once you know how much you spend on groceries, set a goal, for example, staying within a specific budget or reducing your spending.
    • Review what you already have You need a plan, but before you make one, ensure you know what you currently have in your fridge and your pantry.
    • Write down the items you’re looking to buy and your estimated cost
    • Meal planning for the week or month can be a good way to stay on top of your spending
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

90%

  • Unique Points
    • Walmart rolled out digital shelf labels to quickly raise and lower prices, causing customer backlash.
    • Chipotle customers filmed workers to ensure they received proper portions in their burrito bowls.
  • Accuracy
    • Inflation outrage from consumers is running hot despite prices stabilizing.
    • Grocery prices have risen 1% in the past year but food at home prices have climbed more than 24% since May 2019.
    • Many retailers and consumer companies have seen sales fall due to customer frustration over high prices and wariness of further price increases.
  • Deception (70%)
    The authors use emotional manipulation by describing consumers as 'outraged' and 'frustrated' over higher prices. They also use sensationalism by implying that companies are engaging in deceptive pricing practices without providing concrete evidence. The authors quote a professor making an opinionated statement about consumer perception being skewed, which is editorializing.
    • We’re reaching a boiling point on this.
    • Consumers’ outrage over higher prices is running hot.
    • Many retailers, restaurants and other consumer companies have seen sales fall as shoppers pull back their spending.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

78%

  • Unique Points
    • Wendy’s proposed dynamic-pricing for its menu items caused public backlash and the company had to clarify that they would not implement surge pricing.
    • Tech-enabled dynamic pricing is becoming more common across the economy.
  • Accuracy
    • Wendy's proposed dynamic-pricing for its menu items caused public backlash and the company had to clarify that they would not implement surge pricing.
    • Inflation has led to uncertainty about prices in various sectors including grocery, restaurants, and transportation.
  • Deception (30%)
    The author expresses her personal opinion about the frustration of not knowing what prices will be and the anxiety-inducing nature of surge pricing. While this is a valid perspective, it is not deceptive in itself. However, the article does contain selective reporting by focusing on the negative aspects of dynamic pricing without mentioning its potential benefits such as efficiency and convenience for consumers.
    • It's incredibly frustrating not to know what anything costs
    • The use of surge pricing is extra anxiety-inducing.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author uses an informal fallacy of appeal to emotion when she expresses her own frustration and that of the public towards the uncertainty of prices. She also makes a hasty generalization about dynamic pricing being 'greed-fueled' without providing any evidence.
    • >It's incredibly frustrating not to know what anything costs, and the situation is only getting worse.
    • , The use of surge pricing is extra anxiety-inducing.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author expresses frustration and exhaustion towards the uncertainty of prices due to inflation and dynamic pricing. She uses language that depicts the situation as anxiety-inducing and frustrating for consumers.
    • It's incredibly frustrating not to know what anything costs,
      • The use of surge pricing is extra anxiety-inducing.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      98%

      • Unique Points
        • Experts report soaring grocery prices across the US.
        • Boxed broth takes up a lot of space and often goes unused.
        • Better Than Bouillon paste can be used to make customized broth in exact amounts needed, saving both money and space.
        • Milk can quickly spoil if not used in time, making powdered milk a more cost-effective choice for those who use it sparingly.
        • V8 lasts longer than canned tomatoes and contains additional nutrients from other vegetables at a lower cost.
        • Frozen fruit is usually more affordable, pre-chopped, and retains peak flavor and nutrition compared to fresh fruit.
        • Oats are just as effective as granola when repurposed for homemade granola or made into oat flour, saving both money and customization options.
        • Yogurt is a more versatile and affordable alternative to sour cream in various recipes.
      • Accuracy
        • Grocery prices have leveled off for the most part after significant increases in previous years.
        • Inflation has increased grocery prices by 21% on average since inflation started to surge more than three years ago.
      • Deception (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Fallacies (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Bias (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication