Mastering the Art of Saving Big at Kroger: Your Ultimate Guide to Money-Saving Tips in the Face of Inflation

Hey there, my wonderful friends! I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend. Today, we're going to dive into something a little different. When I started this channel, one of my primary goals was to share some of the savvy ways I save money as a middle-class mom in the southern part of the United States. In this episode, we're going to focus on Kroger stores, which, in other regions of the country, might be known as Fred Meyer. Even if you don't have either of these stores nearby, I encourage you to stick around because the money-saving tips I'll share can be applied to other grocery stores you frequent.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to save big at Kroger, let me also give you a sneak peek at what's coming up on the channel this March. First on the list is our exciting dining room deep clean video, where we tackle the front part of our house that has become a designated area for our furry friends. Trust me; it was in dire need of some TLC. I've already completed the clean, so all that's left is the editing. Additionally, I'll be bringing you a pantry transformation video, sharing my experience with decluttering and organizing my kitchen, and even getting my car cleaned out. These videos promise to be both fun and insightful, so make sure you're subscribed to the channel with your notification bell turned on so you don't miss any of the action.

Alright, now let's jump into the exciting world of saving money at Kroger.

Step 1: Mastering Digital Coupons with the Kroger App

One of the first things I do to maximize my savings at Kroger is to utilize their user-friendly mobile app. The Kroger app has come a long way and is now super intuitive, making it a breeze to save big. Here's how I do it:

Sale Scouting: The first thing I do when preparing for a Kroger shopping trip is to peruse their weekly ad. I carefully scrutinize what's on sale and identify items I'd like to stock up on. While scrolling through the digital ad, I make a list and jot down quantities for each item.

Digital Coupons: Next, I dive into the digital coupons section within the Kroger app. This feature has improved significantly over time. You can easily access your digital coupons by clicking on the savings tab. Here, you'll find a range of coupons organized by categories like produce, health and beauty, and more. You can even filter items on sale for pickup or delivery if you prefer not to shop in-store.

Cashback Offers: Another exciting feature found under the savings tab is the cashback section. Kroger provides both digital coupons and cashback offers. I scroll through this section and select the rebates I'm likely to use. Not only do these offers provide instant savings, but you can also transfer the cashback balance to your shopper's card for future visits. It's like a bonus within a bonus!

Price Comparison: Sometimes, even with digital coupons and cashback offers, you might wonder if you're getting the best deal. That's when I turn to my trusty Target app (or another preferred store's app) to compare prices. For example, if I find a product at Kroger for $27.99 but discover it's only $20 at Target, I'll weigh my options. Also, remember to cross-reference cashback offers on apps like Ibotta for the best deals.

Step 2: Unearthing Hidden Savings with Ibotta

Ibotta is another fabulous tool in the savvy shopper's arsenal. Here's how I harness its power:

Check Kroger Rebates: After creating my shopping list and selecting digital coupons in the Kroger app, I head over to Ibotta. I search for Kroger-specific rebates and compare them with the items I've already clipped coupons for. This way, I ensure I'm not missing out on any additional savings.

Embrace "Any Item" Rebates: You'll often come across rebates that offer minimal savings, such as 10 cents off any receipt, any milk, any eggs, and so on. While these may not seem like much, they contribute to bonus rewards. Don't underestimate their value; clip and submit your receipts for those small purchases to work towards your bonuses.

Step 3: Clipping Coupons with Kroger's Website

If you're more comfortable clipping coupons on your computer, Kroger's website is here to accommodate you. Here's a quick rundown:

Log In: Simply log on to the Kroger or Fred Meyer's website. The savings tab will be prominently displayed at the top of the screen. Clicking on it will reveal a side menu with digital coupons, your sales ad, and cashback offers.

Filter and Sort: On the left-hand side, you'll have the option to filter coupons by specific categories of items. You can also refine your selection based on how you plan to shop, whether in-store, for delivery, or pickup. The right-hand side offers a sorting feature, allowing you to view coupons that are most relevant to you or sorted by expiration date, among other options.

Print Coupons: If you prefer to have a physical list, you can print your selected coupons directly from the website. This list will serve as your shopping guide, ensuring you don't miss out on any fantastic deals.

Step 4: Crafting the Ultimate Shopping List

With digital coupons and cashback offers at your disposal, it's time to create the ultimate shopping list. Here's how I do it:

Sale Items: Based on what's on sale and what I've clipped coupons for, I compile my list. I specify the quantities I plan to purchase, ensuring I don't go overboard or miss out on essential items.

Staples: I make it a point to include staples like eggs, bread, milk, and produce on my list regardless of whether they're on sale. These are items we consistently need and use, and purchasing them while shopping for discounted items helps maintain a balanced budget.

Special Offers: I keep an eye out for special offers such as "5 Times Digital Deals." This means I can purchase up to five of a particular product in a single transaction and enjoy the savings on each. These deals are too good to pass up.

Price Comparisons: If I spot any items that seem pricier than usual or aren't on sale, I do a quick price comparison using apps like Ibotta and even compare them to other stores. This step ensures I'm getting the best value for my money.

Bonus Consideration: Remember those "Any Item" rebates we talked about earlier? I always ensure I have items on my list that qualify for these rebates. They may seem small, but they add up and help you reach those bonus thresholds.

Step 5: Shopping Smarter, Not Harder

Armed with your well-crafted shopping list and a game plan, it's time to hit the store. Here's how I execute my savvy shopping trip:

Sale and Coupons: I start by grabbing the items on sale and those for which I have digital coupons. This way, I can maximize my savings right from the beginning. It's like an instant discount on the products I was already planning to purchase.

Price Matching: If I've done my homework and compared prices with other stores, I make sure to choose the store that offers the best deal. Price matching can significantly impact your overall savings, so it's worth the extra effort.

Cashback Opportunities: Don't forget about the cashback offers available through the Kroger app. These can sometimes be stacked with digital coupons, providing even more savings. It's a win-win situation.

Flexibility: While it's great to have a well-planned list, I also remain flexible. If I spot unadvertised specials or clearance items that I know my family will use, I'll grab them if they fit within my budget.

Coupon Organization: As I shop, I ensure I're following the digital coupons and cashback offers on my list. It's essential to be organized to avoid any confusion at the checkout.

Rebate Redemption: After making my purchases, I always double-check my Ibotta app to make sure I've selected the right products and saved the receipts. This is a crucial step in maximizing my cashback rewards.

Smart Purchases: While I aim to save on most items, I'm also mindful of the quality and necessity of what I'm buying. There's no point in saving money on products that won't be used or enjoyed by my family.

Budgeting: Throughout my shopping trip, I keep an eye on my budget. Staying within budget is key to long-term financial success. Sometimes, it's better to pass on an item if it means staying within your financial limits.

Stay Hydrated and Energized: Don't forget to grab a water bottle and perhaps a healthy snack to keep your energy up during your shopping adventure. It's easy to get carried away when you're hungry or thirsty.

Step 6: Review Your Receipt

Once you've completed your shopping trip, it's essential to review your receipt before leaving the store. Mistakes can happen, and you want to ensure that all your digital coupons and discounts were applied correctly.

Check for the following:

Digital Coupons: Verify that all the digital coupons you clipped were applied to the corresponding items on your receipt. If you notice any discrepancies, don't hesitate to ask a store associate for assistance.

Cashback Offers: Ensure that the cashback offers you selected in the Kroger app are reflected in your receipt. These savings should be clearly indicated.

Price Matching: If you requested price matching, confirm that the lower prices were honored as stated in the store's policy.

Ibotta Rebates: Double-check that the Ibotta rebates you planned to redeem align with the items you purchased. Sometimes, scanning the product's barcode within the app can help verify eligibility.

Subtotal and Total: Review the subtotal and total amounts on your receipt to ensure they align with your budget and expectations.

Conclusion: Saving Big at Kroger, One Savvy Shopper at a Time

In conclusion, mastering the art of saving big at Kroger (or your preferred grocery store) involves a combination of preparation, organization, and smart shopping. By leveraging digital coupons, cashback offers, price matching, and price comparisons, you can significantly reduce your grocery expenses, even in the face of inflation.

Remember, saving money is a skill that can be honed over time. Be patient with yourself as you navigate the world of coupons and discounts. The more you practice these money-saving techniques, the better you'll become at finding great deals and optimizing your shopping trips.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide for your family's needs while also being mindful of your budget. With the right approach and a little effort, you can make every shopping trip a successful money-saving adventure. Happy shopping, and may your grocery bills be forever reduced!