Groceries are normally one of the biggest expenses and the question is, how much are people really spending when it comes to groceries? Statistics have shown that an average American shopper would spend about $26 to $125 in groceries depending on family size which roughly sums up to about $48 to $101 a week and $2500 to $6805 annually. Some people go smart in groceries while some aren't (which is generally the case). Smart spending in groceries can reduce one's expenses and save a lot of cash. Here are some tips that might be helpful in spending in groceries.
1.) Make a list and stick to it. Making a list is going to the groceries prepared. This is one very important thing yet most people overlook. Shopping without a list would generally end up spending for nothing. Impulse buying generally results when one isn't prepared or doesn't really know what he/she wants to purchase and end up picking everything that appeals to him/her. Aside from making a list, sticking to it comes next. What's on the list are necessities and those aren't are not useful. Before picking something out from the list, give it some time off and think about it. Not unless if it's really important.
2.) Plan ahead. Planning a week or a few days before can ensure that the list is complete and at the same time allot an amount for it. Also, one can roughly estimate the amount of groceries good for a certain amount of time, say a week or two. It's better to go shop once a week or better yet twice a month the most. That saves a lot of time, budget, and effort.
3.) Budget. Knowing roughly how much to spend in another trip to the grocery store and sticking to it no matter what helps a lot in saving cash. Just like going without a list, shopping without knowing how much to spend will normally end up in spending too much. Most of the time, what is more expensive is not really what is better. Generic are also as good as branded ones like dish washing liquids and bathroom tissues but they are a lot cheaper. Scout for cheaper alternatives, write them down, and do a rough tally.
4.) Knowing where to shop. Prices of goods at different stores are generally not the same. Local convenient and grocery stores normally price lesser than department stores and malls. It pays a lot to know where to shop and where to look for much cheaper commodities. Markets are the best places for fruits and vegetables, stop shops are cheaper when it comes to fun snacks and basic needs, while some stores offer wholesale prices. Smart shoppers shuttle from store to store just to look for the best deal that they can get.
5.) Expiry dates. A successful shopper is not only someone who could save a lot but also somebody who gets the best deal and goods after leaving the cashier. Not many people might notice but newly arrived goods are normally placed behind the older ones in the shelf. The reason? Expiry dates. Newer stocks would expire longer hence the store would get rid of the old ones first to avoid putting it to waste. Instead of picking what's infront of the shelf, trying considering taking what's at the back. Compare the expiry dates, you'll be amazed. It's not really the case all the time but normally, it is.
6.) Don't stock more than you could chew. Many people are drawn to how much money they can save on wholesale deals which appears cheaper than the retail prices but without knowing that in the long run they are just purchasing too much. Too much of something is not really good and by purchasing too much, many ends up in waste. Not really a cheaper alternative after all.
7.) Don't shop when hungry. Shopping with a growling stomach would normally end up in purchases outside one's budget (even one has a list and a budget). Most of the time, unnecessary expenses goes to foods especially different kinds of junk.
8.) Apply for rewards card. This is a marketing scheme of supermarkets and groceries to win shoppers' loyalty. Stores and shops give rebates and discounts through rewards card holders for some accumulated points/purchases made by a customer. Shoppers in turn should take advantage of this opportunity because even though it might not be much, it still gives something back in return.. at least. But a word of advice, rewards cards can also lead to unnecessary spendings especially one is going after points or rebates. Take advantage but be very watchful.
9.) Don't shop with kids. Kids are more than impulsive buyers. They don't have a list, they don't have a budget, and they simply don't care. They just pick whatever they want in the grocery shelf. Kids can pester until they can have the junk food that they want (refer to tip number 1).