Saving Money on Groceries
We all have one thing in common-we get hungry and we need to eat. So, groceries are not a discretionary expenditure. We cannot avoid buying groceries, but we can change the way we do our grocery shopping and control the cost of our food. It will take a little bit of effort, but you will end up with money in your pocket and delicious meals on the table. Here are a few suggestions that I think you will find helpful in getting started.
1. Set a reasonable budget
To help you plan a budget that you can live with, go over your grocery expenses for the past 6 months. Then decide how much less you want to spend. Be reasonable and set goals that can be achieved. Nothing would be more disheartening than to fail on your first attempt. You can always set a lower budget at a later time. If you need help setting a budget, take a look at http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/USDAFoodCost-Home.htm.
2. Clean out your pantry
Do you even know what is lurking in it? Organize your pantry and know what you have and where to find it. This will help you avoid buying duplicate items, control waste and facilitate meal planning.
3. Check weekly sales flyers or check store ads online
Do you have more than one major grocery chain in your area? Then read the sales flyers and compare prices before you even get into the car. Once you have checked the weekly ads, you can go on to the next step, which is
4. Plan your meals for the week
Sit down with a cup of coffee and make a list of meals to be served to your family that week. While you do this, have the sales flyers handy and make your list according to what is offered as a weekly special. If it's chicken, then try to incorporate that in your meal planning as much as possible. You can do the same with fruits and vegetables. Usually, whatever is in season will be a good choice.
5. Make a grocery list and stick to it
Step 4 will definitely help with accomplishing step 5 successfully. Now you know what you need to buy and you truly can make a list that will be easier to follow. Temptation to stray from the list will be much less. You have a plan now and you are steering on the right course.
6. Use Coupons
Coupons can save you money if you use them wisely. Remember that you want to use the coupon because you want to buy that particular item. Go through your coupons after you have made your lists to avoid buying something simply because you have a coupon. Collect coupons in the newspaper, the stores that you frequent, online or direct mail. Check out the websites of your local stores for additional in-store coupons.
7. No processed or prepared foods
That means unless you want to buy frozen vegetables, stay out of the frozen food section! Avoid buying ready-made meals. If you compare the cost of these meals with the cost of the same meal prepared at home, you will find that by opting not to buy convenience foods you can save a lot of money on your groceries. Steer clear of the cookie aisle. Instead, consider starting a new tradition and have the kids help you make cookies on Saturday afternoons. Buy basic ingredients to prepare well balanced yet simple meals.
8. Limit Fast Foods and Eating Out
It might be more convenient to stop at a fast food restaurant rather than prepare a meal, but if it becomes a habit rather than the exception, it can really eat into our food budget. And it will not provide your family with nearly as much good nutrition than a meal prepared at home. Rather, opt for preparing simpler meals or something that can be prepared in advance.
9. Substitute lentils, beans and other legumes for meat
These foods are full of nutrients and protein and are a good substitute for meats. The John Hopkins School of Public Health advocates Meatless Monday as a means to eat healthier, and these food items are much cheaper than meats.
10. Check for marked down Meats and Bakery items
Most stores will mark down day-old bakery items. Meats are quite often marked down one day prior to expiration of its shelf life. Check the labels. In my area this is usually done early in the morning, but it may vary for different regions.
11. Consider buying Store Brands
Quite often store brands, or private labels, are of equal quality as name brands. So go ahead and try them. You might be pleasantly surprised. Many major stores, such as Kroger and Tom Thumb have increased their private labels to keep up with consumer expectations.
12. Avoid Impulse Purchases
Don't fall into the trap of purchasing an item that you had not planned on buying because you are tempted by the display as you wait in the check out line. And always be sure to have eaten something before you go, it will make it much easier to stick to your list and not grab that bag of chips.
Staying on a budget and rearranging old habits takes time. Take baby steps and stick with your resolve to save money. Talk to your friends and share grocery-shopping experiences. In time it will be routine and you'll be glad to save all that money!