2 of 90

Write now Article Tools

So-called "impulse purchases" can drive up your grocery bill quickly. Impulse purchases are items you didn't plan to buy and may not even need. They are also big money makers for stores, and marketing experts know how to entice unwary shoppers into buying them. Convenient, pre-made deli meals, candy near the checkout stand, and delicious-smelling baked goods are all calculated to make impulse purchases more likely. You can avoid impulse purchases when grocery shopping by making a realistic, all-inclusive list before you go. Here are some ideas for creating an effective list:

1. Take an inventory of your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry.

Mentally note what already have, especially foods that are nearing expiration and need to be consumed soon. Plan on incorporating these items into your next few meals.

Knowing what you already have will help you avoid purchasing duplicates. When you have too many of the same item, you may not be able to use it all before it expires. However, when you manage your inventory well, you can be sure that all food gets used efficiently.

2. Think realistically about what your family will eat between this coming trip to the store and the next one.

Thinking realistically means considering everything from breakfast cereal and dinner entrees to snacks and sweets. If you can come up with a list that will keep your household happy without busting your budget, you'll be less likely to spontaneously splurge at the store.

3. Consider low-cost, in-season fruits and vegetables.

Fresh, exotic fruits like Asian pears and out-of-season berries can be a big temptation, but you'll be less likely to succumb if you're already planning to buy apples and oranges or some other cheap produce. Having these items on your list, or better yet, in your basket, makes their pricey counterparts easier to pass up.

4. Have some low-budget, easily prepared meals in mind.

Deli foods can be alluring because they save you from having to prepare a meal. Instead of taking home that ready-to-bake pizza or that plate of barbecue ribs, try getting a less expensive frozen entree or make something easy like grilled cheese sandwiches, canned soup, or raman noodles.

5. Plan your splurges.

We all have our weaknesses. Whether it's a pound of gourmet coffee, a pint of Haagan Das, or package of gourmet cheese, your wish list probably has at least one non-frugal item in mind. Planning one or two indulgences and putting them on your list will help keep you from going overboard once you get to the store.

6. Look for coupons.

Having coupons for the items on your list will help you stick to the items on that list. Make sure you look for coupons after you have already made your list. A coupon does not save you money unless it reduces the price of an item you already planned on purchasing.

7. Don't shop when you're hungry.

When you're thinking about what you'd like to eat in the next five minutes, it's hard to think about what your family needs for the week. Going to the store hungry makes it far too easy to grab a convenience meal or a checkout stand candy bar. Make sure to go shopping when you are not hungry so you can think with your brain and not your stomache.

Learn more about this author, Raven Lebeau.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to plan your grocery list to avoid impulse purchases?
We want to hear your view. Write now!