Inflation has been hitting family budgets hard the past few years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and labor markets. Prices have risen significantly on everyday necessities like food, gas, and household items. This has forced many families to look for ways to trim spending. Moms trying to feed their families and keep households running on a budget have had to get extra creative with how they shop and stretch their dollars.

The good news is there are lots of ways busy moms can save money at the grocery store and on common household items. With some planning, smart shopping habits, and clever couponing, you can stock up on what you need without breaking the bank. Here are 10 great tips to spend less at the supermarket and on household necessities:

1. Shop Around

Prices and sales can vary widely between grocery stores. Don’t just default to the nearest supermarket out of habit. Take some time to compare prices at different stores in your area and see where you can get the best deals. Some stores may be better than others for certain items. Consider shopping multiple stores to maximize your savings.

2. Shop Bigger Stores

Larger grocery stores and superstores like Walmart and Target often have lower prices than smaller chains and mom-and-pop shops. They buy products in huge bulk quantities direct from manufacturers, allowing them to pass more savings on to customers. Less overhead for things like rent and labor also help keep their prices down.

3. Shop Thrift Stores

For household items like kitchenware, decor, and cleaning tools, check out thrift stores. You can often find gently used items in excellent condition for a fraction of retail price. Just be sure to clean and disinfect anything before use.

4. Stick to Your Shopping List

Make a detailed list before shopping and resist the urge to grab extra items just because they’re on sale. The small savings per item can add up to big overall spending. Prioritize necessities and things you’ll actually use before they spoil. Only deviate from your list if it’s for a super good deal on something you know you’ll absolutely use.

5. Buy in Bulk

Buying large quantities can lead to big savings, but only if you can use the items before they expire. Opt for family packs of meat and bulk sizes of non-perishables you use frequently, like rice, pasta, oatmeal, etc. Resist deals on bulk items you won’t realistically use up. The savings disappear if the food goes bad before you finish it.

6. Go for Generic Brands

Opt for the supermarket’s generic brand or no-name brands rather than national name brands. The quality and taste are usually comparable. For example, the store-brand cereal is often made in the same factory as the name-brand but without the extra advertising costs built into the price.

7. Clip Coupons

Cutting out paper coupons from the Sunday circulars, magazines and mailers can lead to big savings. Just be sure to only use them on items you’d normally buy anyway. Don’t buy something just because you have a coupon. You can also find coupons online through websites and apps.

8. Watch for Sales Events

Check the store fliers for what’s on sale each week and plan meals and shopping lists around the best deals. Stock up during big sales events like “10 for $10” promotions. Check online or at customer service for rain checks if a sale item is out of stock.

9. Watch for Weekly Ads

Grocery stores usually put out new weekly sales ads starting on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Try to get the latest sales ads online or in-store before making your shopping list. You may find some items you need are on sale later in the week so you can save by waiting a day or two.

10. Use Price Matching

Many stores will match a competitor’s price on an identical item. Keep an eye on competing grocery and store ads and take them with you when shopping. Show the ads at customer service to get them to match the lower price of sale items. This allows you to shop sales at multiple stores without having to visit each one.

Being an economical grocery shopper takes some time and effort, but the payoff of feeding your family while staying on budget is huge. Start putting these money-saving habits into practice during your shopping trips. With the extra dollars left in your wallet, you can worry a little less and maybe even treat yourself and the kids occasionally.