Wyoming Spends Big Money At The Grocery Store

If you've been grocery shopping lately, you know the prices are sky-high. It's hard to spend hundreds of dollars, but you don't have much choice when the items are necessary.

A new study from Traceone shows that since March 2020, when the pandemic began, grocery prices have been up 25% overall, which is crazy. Certain items have seen a much bigger increase. Eggs are up 50%, and beef, flour, and sugar are 1/3 higher.

In Wyoming, we're in the top 10 for states that spend big money at the grocery store, with 9.1% of total spending.

Even with the higher prices, there are ways you can cut your grocery bill and save money.

1. Change dinner habits - Serve simple, cheaper meals to lower your stress and grocery budget.
2. Crunch numbers - Using your phone's calculator app to keep a running total to ensure you stay within your budget.
3. Round up cost estimates - While using the calculator, rounding the price up will give you a general idea of what you'll be spending and help you save.
4. Use what you already have - Use what you've already purchased. Check the freezer, fridge, and pantry for things you can use to make a meal and reduce trips to the store.
5. Don't buy in bulk - If it's not going to save you money, don't assume bulk buying is the smart thing to do. Buying more than you need doesn't help you in the long run.
6. Timing is key - Stores have weekly specials and deals. Doing some research at your favorite store will save you time and money.
7. Freeze meals - Spend time each week making meals that can be frozen and warmed up before eating. You'll use all the ingredients without worrying about them going bad.
8. Cash is king - Use a cash envelope system. When you're planning your weekly grocery budget, put the cash you have budgeted into an envelope and take only that envelope with you to the store. Doing this will help you stay within your budget.
9. Meal plan for the win - Meal planning is a simple way of staying within your budget. You know what you'll be making and the ingredients needed to make the meal. Using the grocery store sales ad will also give you ideas of what meals to plan.
10. Stick to the list - Make a list, check it twice, and only buy what's on it. Impulse buying will wreck your budget very quickly.