So do those grocery discount cards that they give out at Albertson’s and Ralph’s really work? I was all set to try a little ex-po-say investigation by trying to buy the same groceries at different stores. But apparently someone has already done the work for me. Hot damn. The KCRA Channel had done research on whether discount cards actually work.

We all know that the grocery stores use the discount cards to gain information on shopping habits of customers. But as far savings go, they don’t really actually save you a huge amount, if any, compared to shopping stores that don’t use cards. It seems to average out at best.

However, one thing I discovered is that the average person is somewhat “attached” to the grocery store that they frequent. Whether it’s due to location or just familiarity, you’re mostly going to shop at just one grocery store whether or not they have discount cards. The only reason you’d go to another one is if there is some unbelievable discount on a particular item where it’s a worth a special trip.

So, what you should do depends on what grocery store you frequent. If you go to a store that has a discount card, by god USE IT. Otherwise, you are basically paying inflated prices! If your local grocery store doesn’t have one, don’t worry about it. There’s no need to search for one.

I find that it’s better to focus on savings from holiday or seasonal specials. That’s when you can stock up on “nonspoilables” that otherwise would be very expensive.