Saving money on the weekly grocery trip used to be something many of us thought of as a fun way to get through a mundane chore. Nowadays, however, it is a challenge and a survival tool.
There are many steps to saving money at the grocery store:
First and foremost, take inventory of what foods are in your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer. Take time to write this down including the item and the quantity.
Now take a chair, have a cup of store-brand coffee, and begin to plan a menu for the next 7 days. Keep in mind any days where stress, children’s events or working late might make stopping by a drive through more appealing than cooking. For these days plan a pot crock meal or something that can go from freezer to oven.
After the menu is planned, begin a list of ingredients that each day will need. Go through the inventory list you made previously first, and write down any items you need to purchase for a days’ meal plan.
When you have your list complete, take a minute to look over ingredients needed for the menus you have made. Is there something on there that will require you to purchase several items to complete the meal? Perhaps a meal is calling for Rump Roast, potatoes, carrots or celery. It is at this point in preparations that needs a clear head. If you are going to invest in the makings of a pot roast dinner, look over another of your menu items and decide if one of those meals can “go” so you can produce a second meal from the leftovers of the pot roast meal. In other words, try to plan your meals to complement each other either by way of left over preparation or same ingredient preparation. In this way, you can cut your grocery list down considerably.
Now, thinking about the layout of the store you most likely will go to, put your list in order accordingly. This will make things quicker, more efficient, and keep your eyes from straying to all those well-laid out displays the store will have along your route.
Check through coupons to see if anything on your list has a corresponding coupon. Check various store ads, also, making note of which has the less expensive pricing versus the inconvenience and gas cost of going to 2 or 3 different stores.
(Sometimes it’s worth it, others it’s not!)
Now youare ready for your little money saving excursion. It might be tempting but, for the good of your sanity, concentration, and checkbook…GO ALONE! Do not take the children if at all possible and do not take the spouse. By going alone you can concentrate on what you really need versus making last minute changes to accommodate a “want” from your sidekick.
As you enter the store, keep your list in your mind and in your hand. A good shopper needs to know when to adjust. If you see an item that has a great markdown or sale, and you can adjust your menu accordingly, take the time to grab the sale. Do not forget to adjust your list and, if you have it along, your menu!
Try the store brands. Many store brands are exceptional values and are just as tasty as name brand items. There are some things you may find that are not. You will not know which of these are not until you actually try them. Store brand vegetables, coffee, frozen items, cereals and many other items are usually very good substitutes. Paper products vary considerably as do fresh fruits and vegetables.
Be sure to keep your receipt and circle the amount you may have saved with a store “card”. Many grocery stores have specials on items when you use your “card”. (Another reason you may have to go to a few different stores if the travel time is worth it.)
You now have your list completed, your menu in your mind, your checkbook a little less stressed than usual. You should be feeling proud of yourself and later, sitting down with another cup of store-brand coffee, you can take out that list and see how much you have actually saved using coupons, store brand items, store cards, and plain old common sense!