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With high prices pinching budgets with every trip to the store, many families are finding ways to get by with buying less — but sometimes doubling up can save you more money in the long run.
GOBankingRates spoke with two frugal shopping experts who revealed the items you should buy in quantity whenever you can.
The first is Annie Cole, a money coach and founder of Money Essentials for Women. She’s a first-generation college graduate who went from struggling to pay the bills with a $26,000 salary to owning more than $1 million in real estate and having $300,000 invested in the stock market.
A self-taught investor who put herself through school and earned a doctoral degree before climbing the corporate ladder to a six-figure salary, Cole now offers one-on-one coaching, mentoring and online classes to other women who want to learn her secrets of financial security and independence — and strategic bulk-buying has supercharged her savings.
“Be on the lookout for specific sales that will give you the most bang for your buck, and stock up when you can,” she said. Here’s what she never buys just one of.
All Low-Priced Nonperishables That You Know You’ll Need Later
The first thing Cole always recommends buying in multiples will vary from person to person — and she has a very simple formula for identifying yours.
“If you’re deciding whether or not to stock up on a certain item, ask yourself, ‘Will I for sure need this in the next three months?’” she said. “If the answer is yes, and the item isn’t perishable, go for it!”
Beyond that generality, there are also a few specific items that you should gather in groups on your next shopping trip.
Discounted Meat and Fish
As the cost of a full belly continues to rise, more shoppers are cutting back on products that were once dinnertime staples but have since become rarer culinary luxuries for many households — two, in particular.
“Meat and seafood are often some of the most expensive items in the grocery store,” said Cole.
Meat: 2024 Demand With 1951 Supply
According to the USDA, beef and veal prices will rise by 4% in 2024, the fastest inflation rate among all categories. Unsurprisingly, supply and demand are to blame.
According to Good Ranchers, the U.S. had 87.2 million cattle and calves at the start of 2024. While that might sound like a lot, it’s the lowest inventory since 1951, when the country’s human population was less than half of today’s.
In October 2023, CNBC reported that beef prices broke a then-record high — and it’s only gotten worse since then. By now, shoppers should know to declutter their freezers and snag meat in multiples whenever their budgets allow and when a sale justifies the expense.
“If you find a discounted price, buy a few extra and freeze them for future meals,” said Cole. “Bonus tip: cut them into smaller sizes and freeze in individual bags for easy cooking later.”
Seafood: Fish for Value Wherever You Can Find It
At the start of the year, SeafoodSource wrote, “Inflation drove seafood consumers toward value in 2023, with trends likely to continue into 2024.” The three main ways buyers pursued value in the seafood aisle were “by looking to buy more private-label products, clipping coupons or following in-store promotions,” the organization wrote.
Cole recommends a fourth tactic of buying in quantity whenever seafood is on sale.
In-Season Produce
According to OSF Healthcare, “Produce is more affordable when in season, because it is easier and cheaper to grow. Seasonal produce may also travel a shorter distance to get to the store, if it is grown more locally. This also makes it more sustainable and nutritious than out-of-season produce.”
It’s a dynamic that Cole keeps in mind with every trip to the store. “Seasonal fruits and veggies are often lower priced than out-of-season items,” she said. “Stock up on seasonal goods to save more.”
Household Essentials and Pantry Food
Eric Sornoso, frugal shopping expert and co-founder of the affordable healthy eating site Mealfan, suggested springing for multiple purchases of essentials, like paper products and pantry items.
“Products like toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning supplies are often cheaper in bulk,” he said. “Since these items are used regularly, stocking up during sales can lead to significant savings. When on sale, buy multiple items such as canned soups, pasta and rice. These items have a long shelf life and can help save money in the long run by reducing the frequency of grocery trips.”
Personal Care Products
It’s smart to shop in bulk for the household essentials you use to clean your home — but the same can be said for personal care products you use to clean yourself.
“When they are discounted, shampoo, soap, toothpaste and other personal care items should be bought in multiples,” said Sornoso. “These essentials have a long shelf life, making it practical to purchase several at once.”
Frozen Produce
Produce in the freezer aisle offers the convenience and storage capacity of canned goods with the flavor and nutritional value of fresh produce.
“When frozen items like vegetables and fruits are on sale, it’s wise to buy multiple packs,” said Sornoso. “They can be stored for extended periods and used as needed, providing convenience and savings.”
Snacks and Soft Drinks
If it’s salty or sweet, you might want to consider buying more than just one — especially when they get a price cut, which is often the case.
“Items like chips, nuts and beverages often come with promotions such as ‘buy one, get one free,’” said Sornoso. “These deals can reduce the cost per unit and ensure a steady supply of favorite snacks and drinks.”
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