10 best tips for grocery shopping on a budget
10 best tips for grocery shopping on a budget
Grocery shopping is enjoyable for some people but not for others. If you’re feeding a whole family, it can be very challenging.
I find it can be very difficult when you’re on a budget, many times I have sacrificed my grocery shopping experience because of money. It doesn’t need to be this way, you can still have delicious and healthy food on a budget. Just some planning and creativity you can eat healthy and delicious foods your whole family will enjoy. Here is a list of the 10 best budget tips for grocery shopping.
1. Sticker Shock
All retailers rely heavily on this strategy and the grocery store does as well. They will show a discounted price or a buy one get one deal or buy 10 for a certain price. We all like to see a sale, I mean sales are great right? The grocery store’s strategy is to get you to buy a product you did not expect or to even buy more of it that what you regularly would.
When we see that deal or a flashy discount label we naturally get a little excited and suddenly our mind is altered to accepting a product that might not be worth it or a good value for what you need.
What can you do? Have a plan, be prepare for it and be aware that we all do it, catch yourself when you see that discount and ask yourself a question. Do I really need this, is it on my list, am I aware of this strategy? Just being aware alone will make you look at deals in a different way.
2. Plan ahead, make a list.
When you make a list and stick to you get what you need, and you save money. The more time you take on your list the better organized you will be, and you are less likely to miss something.
Sometimes there is something of a good value that is not on your list. Have a plan for curveballs like this by setting a total price limit on items not on your list. Ask yourself three important questions for everything not on your list like. 1. Do I need it? 2. How many meals will this make? 3. Sticker shock?
3. Buy in bulk
Buy large quantities of foods you plan on eating. Value and likelihood to fully consume is important here. Make sure it is food that will not go to waste, that is not perishable unless you are going to freeze it. Only buy bulk foods you eat frequently, there is no point in buying the smaller package for a more expensive price.
For example, you can buy meat in bulk for a much better value. Another example is something like dish detergent, the small packages always cost more in the long run.
4. Find the best value and compare.
You may be used to your favorite grocery store, yet it is possible you may be paying more. There are many competitors out there and the best value might not be the grocery store of your choosing. Also its important to search elsewhere like online for your products as well. Sometimes the best deal is online.
5. Buy non perishables
Buy non-perishables, this is a good long-term solution to a good value. You can buy a large quantity for a great deal. Since they last a long time, you don’t need to throw out food that goes bad. The less food that goes into the garbage the more it helps your budget
6. Buy fresh produce
We cant forget fresh produce, just because we are on a budget. Produce is almost always a great deal, and it’s healthy for you. If you buy fruit and veggies while they are in season, they will be cheaper and a great healthy meal.
7. Keep track of your food
Keep track of the foods you throw out or get spoiled so you can plan for your next trip. Have a plan for all perishable food’s so you know when you will consume them. Clean out your fridge to get what is hiding in the back, the less food is in your fridge the better, this lets you keep track of your perishables easier.
8. Don’t go on an empty stomach
When you are hungry you desire more food that you don’t need. Have you ever noticed you buy more expensive and less healthy food’s when your hungry? I know I do. This is a easy solution to help you control yourself when you go to the grocery store. If you are really hungry its too easy to buy much more than you planned for. So instead have a small meal before you go shopping.
9. Save your receipts
Save your receipts for one month. Once the month is over look at them one by one to reflect on how you did. When we do this, we can focus on the big picture of our success and failures. This gives us a chance to modify our strategy for the next month.
