We all look at these prices in the stores and think how ridiculous it is. I now realize that I am my grandfather, cursing the companies that raise their prices, repeating the cost of the item only a year or two before. A lot of times I will see the new price of something, and I literally just can’t buy it, not the full price that the store is trying to charge. So, how do we deal with these prices and never pay full price for anything?
Don’t buy it. Don’t buy that overpriced soft-ball sized lettuce for five dollars. No one needs lettuce. Just don’t buy it.
If you don’t buy something because it’s too high priced, find an alternative. Maybe instead of iceberg lettuce, you get romaine, or even cabbage if all lettuce is overpriced.
Go somewhere else. If there are a few items I know are significantly cheaper at another place, I will just hit up another store before I go home.
Building up your pantry with items you find on clearance or loss-leader sales will keep you out of the store when prices are high. If I buy something on sale and I buy enough for several months, that means I won’t pay full price for it later. Everything goes on sale and if I keep my eyes open, I will pick it up at its rock-bottom price, every time.
Look for coupons and rebates for food items that you need to buy. I can almost always find a rebate for a better product that will make it less than the budget store brand option. I’m still getting pasture raised eggs for a lower price than Great Value brand with a rebate from Ibotta.
Get creative and adapt to the changes in store. I have noticed that high-priced specialty items that were out of reach a few years ago because of price, are now the same price as the budget one. I have upgraded many of the items I buy in store, trying new foods and broadening my family’s palate, without paying more than budget brands.
There is no need to raise your food budget for inflation because you don’t have to pay full price. With these tips and tricks, you never have to pay full price again.
