Everyday Cheapskate: What's Your Grocery Shopping Personality?

Once upon a time, a big "SPECIAL" sign was enough to make us think we were getting a deal at the grocery store. But today's shoppers aren't so easily fooled. We've become wiser, knowing there's more to shopping smart than flashy tags and end-of-aisle displays.

A number of studies now promise we can categorize ourselves into four grocery-shopping personalities. Take a look -- maybe you'll see a bit of yourself in one of these types. With a few extra tips, you'll be able to make the most of your unique shopping style!

SUPER SAVERS

Super Savers are the champions of bargains, always on the hunt for the best deal. They're the ones who check out three stores in a single trip, clip coupons like pros, and can spot an authentic sale from a mile away. For them, saving isn't just a necessity -- it's a challenge they're determined to win.

SIGNS YOU'RE A SUPER SAVER

-- You've got a meal plan ... sort of. You buy what's on sale, but there's a little pantry overload and still nothing for dinner. Planning meals around what's on sale, not just what's in bulk, can help.

-- You don't trust the big "SALE" tags. You carry a calculator to see if a deal is real. Aim for items at least 50% off or buy-one-get-one-free to truly call it a "score."

-- You're friends with your freezer. Double your recipes and freeze meals for those busy nights when cooking feels impossible.

-- Your pantry is an organized masterpiece. Everything is in its place, oldest in front, with an inventory list in your freezer so those bags of frozen chicken don't become artifacts.

PLANNERS

Planners are calm and collected, focused on fresh ingredients and home-cooked meals. They're less inclined to chase sales and more likely to whip up a meal from scratch. To them, time in the kitchen is well spent; time clipping coupons, not so much.

SIGNS YOU'RE A PLANNER

-- You strategize without leaving your routine. You might pick up the weekly circular and see if anything fits your plan, but you're not running all over town.

-- You think long term. Grocery stores run on 12-week cycles, so when you see a favorite item on sale, you buy enough to last until the next markdown.

-- You've gone digital with discounts. No paper clutter here -- you load your coupons electronically right onto your store card.

-- You know your sizes. Medium-sized items sometimes cost less per ounce than the larger ones. Quick math and attention to unit pricing can help you find the real savings.

SACRIFICERS

Sacrificers are practical and careful. Maybe they're adjusting to a tighter budget, or they're just picky about where every dollar goes. For them, grocery shopping has become a game of needs versus wants, and each item is a careful choice.

SIGNS YOU'RE A SACRIFICER

-- You don't let yourself go without. You're brand-loyal to a few essentials, finding coupons where you can and opting for store brands on the rest.

-- You keep it to one trip a week. Multiple trips can lead to impulse buys, so you stick to a list and avoid those budget-busting extra visits.

-- You shop where the prices are right. Forget the fancy grocery stores -- sacrificers head to the no-frills places with better prices, even if it means longer lines.

-- You're proud of your effort. Grocery shopping isn't glamorous, but you know every bit saved here is a bit more for something else important.

SPECTATORS

Spectators are loyal to their brands and habits. They haven't felt the impact of higher prices because they choose to not pay attention. Even high inflation hasn't drastically changed their shopping routines. But with a few easy tweaks, even spectators can stretch their budgets to make grocery shopping work harder for them.

SIGNS YOU'RE READY TO SHIFT FROM SPECTATOR MODE

-- You're willing to try a cash-only challenge. Set a goal to cut your grocery spending by 20%-25%, then take only that much in cash to the store. It's eye-opening how this keeps you on budget.

-- You're curious about prices. Tossing things in the cart without looking at prices is easy -- but keeping a mental note of what you're spending helps curb that habit.

-- You're willing to start small: Pick one thing to focus on, like buying in-season produce or cooking one meal from scratch.

-- You're walking on by convenience foods. Packaged foods are pricey! Homemade granola, dips and other staples not only taste better but cost less too.

Every grocery shopper has his or her style, and there's no wrong way to do it. But knowing your personality type can help you make little tweaks that fit naturally with the way you already shop. So grab your list (and maybe your calculator) and make your next trip to the store work for you -- no tricks, just smart shopping.

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Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."