Grocery shopping can be more complicated than it seems, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget and aren’t sure where to find the best deals. As a college student, I didn’t start grocery shopping regularly until my second year, and I quickly fell into the trap of thinking I had to get everything from one store.
For a while, I bought all my dry foods, fresh produce, and meats at the same place, not realizing how much extra I was spending. One day, after noticing my grocery bill was higher than expected, I called my mom for some advice. She explained that while it’s convenient to shop at one store, some stores are much better for certain items. For instance, stores like Kroger, Walmart, and others offer better prices on dry goods, while other places may charge more for the same items.
Since that conversation, I’ve started planning my grocery trips differently. I make a list of items and match them with the stores that have the best deals. Although it’s a bit more time-consuming, it’s saved me a significant amount of money in the long run. Now, I buy my fresh produce and meats from Martin’s, pick up dry goods and canned items from Kroger, or whichever store is offering the best discounts that week. Splitting my shopping between stores may take more effort, but the savings and quality are well worth it.
Stores like Martin’s, while on the pricier side, can actually be quite convenient and cost-effective if you know how to take advantage of their deals. One of the biggest perks is their discount card, which gives you access to significant savings on various food items. As a student, you can also get an additional 5% off your purchases by showing a valid student ID, which really adds up over time.
Martin’s also offers an app that’s incredibly helpful—it highlights daily deals, clearance items, and even tracks your points. One of the best parts is that these points can be redeemed for discounts on gas, which makes the savings even more valuable. Just the other day, I saved 80 cents per gallon at the pump, all from the points I accumulated from my regular grocery shopping. When you combine the in-store savings with the gas rewards, shopping at Martin’s becomes more than just convenient—it’s a smart way to stretch your budget.