5 Ways to Use Tech to Save on Groceries

People are always looking for ways to save money on their monthly budgets. One of the most common budget items is the grocery budget. This budget item cannot be eliminated because, let's face it, everyone has to eat. But are there ways to reduce the amount you spend on your grocery budget? Thanks to the Internet and your smartphone, the answer to this question is yes. Here are the 5 easiest ways to ensure you save money on groceries.

Create a Grocery List on Your Cell Phone
Before you go to the market, take inventory of what you have in your fridge, pantry, and cupboards. Then, use your cell phone to make a list of everything you need. iPhone and Android have great grocery list apps. Then, once you get to the market, stick to that list. I can't tell you how much I have saved by not straying from my list when I see delicious looking cookies or other goodies.    
Some good apps to use to create your grocery list include:
1. Shopping List Free (iPhone)
2. My Shopping Lists Lite (iPhone)
3. Grocery List (Android)
4. Shopping List (Android)
5. Lister (Blackberry)

Use the Internet to Find Coupons
The Internet has many coupon-based websites. By simply Googling "grocery store coupons," over 14 million results come back. With that many results, you can rest assured you will find more than a few coupons you can use at your local grocery stores. You can also check out your local store's website to see if they have any coupons available that week.

Some good websites to visit when you are looking for coupons:
1. Coupons.com
2. SmartSource.com
3. Grocery Coupons
4. The Grocery Game
5. MyGroceryDeals.com

Go Online to Find Out What is on Sale
This is similar to using coupons. Before you go to the market, go online to find out what items are on sale at your local grocery stores. Compare what's on sale to what is on your grocery list.  If you find any matches between what is on sale and what you need, be sure to make a notation next to that item on your list so you ensure you buy the on sale version of what you need.

Use Google to Find Cheap Recipes
Instead of pre-made meals, opt to cook your own food - it's cheaper, and healthier. An added bonus is the fact that, chances are if you make your own food, you will have leftovers. If you are clueless about cooking, go online and use Google to search for easy, quick, cheap recipes. You're guaranteed to find things you can make easily without breaking the bank.

Here are some good websites to check out for cheap recipes:
1. $5 Dinners
2. CheapCooking.com
3. Thrifty Fun
4. Eating Well
5. Cooks.com

Go Online to Compare Prices
Before you shop, go online to compare prices of the items you need to buy at all your local grocery stores. By comparing prices of the items you are purchasing, you can make sure you are getting the best deal in town. Then make sure you shop at the store with the cheapest prices for the items you are buying.

Be sure to use the above tips to save money on your groceries!  Your bank account will thank you!

Do you use technology in a unique way to save money on your grocery bill?  Share your tips in the comment section!
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Cash Flow Sherpas is a personal finance blog about budget living, frugal spending, and tips for stretching your dollar. Ashley Jacobs is the editor of Cash Flow Sherpas as well as the product marketing manager for GreenSherpa.