Sometimes, a trip to the grocery store can be a very expensive weekly chore. We all love good food and stepping into that food haven where almost everything looks appetizing can make you deviate from your shopping budget. You’ll be surprised that even the most budget conscious buyer can end up scratching their head at the counter with a filled up shopping cart.
If you’re reading this, chances are, you have tendencies of spending too much at the grocery store more than you’re supposed to. Stick to your budget and stay financially fit by avoiding the common spending pitfalls with these simple tips below:
Make a Grocery Checklist
Plan your weekly meals ahead in order to make a grocery shopping list based on the menu you’re going to cook. This way, you can control what food and ingredients are going to make it to your shopping cart on your next trip to the grocery store. It’s also a good idea to place the list on your refrigerator door and add the things you have already run out of on it so that you will only buy the stuff you really need. The additional benefit is that it will prevent you from forgetting something really important. It’s going to cost you more once realize you need to make another trip to the grocery store because you forgot one essential kitchen staple that you just can’t live without like that non-fat milk for your morning brewed coffee. The plan is to write out a grocery list and stick to it.
Use Coupons Wisely
Coupons will always make it sound like you’re going to save a substantial part of your grocery budget. This is true if the coupon corresponds to a product that you always buy. In general, you have to use coupons wisely since most of them are nothing more than motivational marketing ticket to lure you from purchasing new products that you may not necessarily need. This makes them an obstacle from sticking to your list. Try to restrict yourself from using them because it offers a nice price. Always ask yourself if you really need it and if it’s even worth buying.
Bulk Up
Buying grocery items in bulk will not only help you save money on your grocery bill, it will also help you save time (and even fuel) as well. Instead of a going to the grocery store on a weekly basis, make that every two weeks. Think of the products that will bring no hassle for stocking up like detergents, soaps, salt, paper towels and food that will not go bad within two weeks. Before you do this, also consider if you have enough place in the kitchen cabinets and cupboards to store all of them.
