One of the most frequently asked questions we get when it comes to creating a budget pertains to the cost of food. These are the secrets of the supermarket shuffle. Use these tips to slice (pun intended) your spending in half and harvest (double pun intended!) some savings at the supermarket.
1. Make a list.
Seriously, folks, it seems simple, but staying focused is critical – especially at the supermarket. Hold yourself accountable. And for the love of all that is good in this world, eat BEFORE you walk into the store.
2. DIY.
Convenience foods (pre-chopped, prepared, or grab-and-go items) are darned convenient, but they come with a cost. Chopping veggies yourself, for example, can help you save up to 300% (!) mark up on foods. (We wish we were joking.)
3. Avoid the center.
It is healthier to shop around the perimeter of the store, but it’s also typically cheaper. The fewer times food has been touched by someone in a production line, the less overhead you’ll pay. (See item #2.)
4. Please don’t fall for it.
Just because something says 10 for $10 doesn’t mean you have to buy all 10 of them. Typically you can get the unit cost without buying the suggested quantity. The ad will disclose any quantity stipulations.
5. Look up and down.
If you must wander into the center aisles, look up and down before you throw an item in the cart. Grocery stores put the most expensive choice of any given product right at eye level.
6. Cash is king.
If you are committed to sticking to a budget, leave all of your cards at home. Walk in with your list in one hand and cash in the other. Pretty hard to overspend when you’re out of money.
7. Plan, plan, plan.
Plan your meals ahead of time and only buy what’s on the menu. Start by planning one day of meals and slowly work toward planning your whole week. Pro tip: plan meals that use many of the same ingredients and buy in bulk – you’ll get a ton of bang for your buck!
8. Shop with intent.
Shop when you have energy and aren’t exhausted from a day’s work. It’s easier to focus and make wise-calculated choices when you’ve got energy and aren’t racing against the clock to get home for dinner time. On the same note, shop in familiar stores when tired stressed, or in a hurry (if you can’t avoid it!). You’ll find what you need and get out quickly.
9. Plan with leftovers in mind.
Extend the life of your meals by making dishes you don’t mind reheating and eating again!
10. Organize at home.
Organize your food storage areas at home. If you can’t see what you’ve got or can’t find anything quickly, you’ll buy more of the same items or let a lot spoil, making you spend more unnecessarily!
11. Don’t knock the knock-offs.
Don’t overlook generic or store brands. Many big brand name companies make them, only with a different label!
