Shaving The Grocery Bill
October 8, 2011 by megamatt09
Published in Home and Garden
Shopping for groceries does tend to be one of the most irritating expenses, as it can really burn through a lot of our money each week. Especially when we are careless. There are a few ways to help knock off a few dollars here and there, as every penny is crucial.
One of the most difficult items for people to budget is their grocery expenses. They find themselves spending a good chunk of money on groceries each and every week. Obviously we need food to live, but there is such a thing as being tricked into purchasing more than we need. Stores thrive on this, to put attractive looking items, that would interest the average shopper in prominent locations. Locations where there is no place for these people to miss out on them at all.
With that fact in mind, there are a number of steps that one can take that will help cut their weekly grocery expenses. Here are a few tips to help get you on the right track.
Make a List
An obvious step for many but many do not even bother making a grocery list when they head out to the store. Making a list and sticking with said list to the letter, unless with extraordinary circumstances will allow you to make a budget that will keep your grocery expenses to a manageable level. Lists allow you to keep organized and to prevent you from making unnecessary purchases at the grocery store.
Don’t Go Shopping When Hungry
An empty stomach is an disaster when going shopping. You see potential foods that would taste really good because you’re hungry. Technically speaking, you don’t really need that extra package of cookies. However, since you are hungry, you are going to really going to pick up a few things beyond what you need. It might not seem much at first, but a few little side purchases like this because of hunger, will add up. So try and go to the store on a full stomach if you can.
Check Out for Sales
Sales are going to shave a few dollars off of your grocery bill, providing of course it is actually things you normally buy. There are times where people actually spend more money at the store, because they go crazy taking advantage of every sale. However a good sale on something that your normally purchase goes a long way in shaving off those dollars from your bill.
Get Groceries in Cycles
There are certain items that you need to get every week, essentials ,that is for certain. However, there are just a lot of times where you can divide items into certain weeks of the month that you don’t use as often. Get a few items first week, a few items the second week, a few items the third week, and so on and so far, as the list goes on. If there are sales incorporate that in as well as you see fit.
Even if it’s a few dollars a week now and again that’s still a few more dollars than you would have had. It’s not what you make, it is what you save.
Liked it
October 8th, 2011 at 9:27 am
I left you a comment, but it didn’t post. This is a very good article. I agree with you. It’s not a good idea to go shopping when you have an empty stomach. You end up spending too much money & shopping for unncecessary items. It’s better to use cash instead of credit card. Shopping list is a good idea, but I usually only see very old ladies with one at store. you have a typo in your title. hope u don’t mind me correcting you. It should be saving instead of shaving.
October 8th, 2011 at 9:31 am
Good article. The small additions do add up.
October 8th, 2011 at 9:41 am
Nice tips. The other day I saw someone at the store who made a list…on their iPad
October 8th, 2011 at 9:50 am
yes, you are right. with little effort we can save. thanks for tips.
October 8th, 2011 at 8:17 am
Good tips. I think I have made saving money at the grocery store an art.
October 8th, 2011 at 10:28 am
I agree with you. Groceries can certainly eat up the money so these are very useful tips, thank you.
October 8th, 2011 at 10:39 am
Good suggestions for shaving the grocery bill.
October 8th, 2011 at 11:22 am
Grocery shopping can be very expensive and you have given some good suggestions. Thank you.
October 8th, 2011 at 11:38 am
Great tips! I would also like to add another: buy the store brand when you can! You will save money on the product and it is essentially the same, the only real difference often times is the packaging is not as attractive. Sometimes you have to hunt for the cheaper product. Usually the less expensive items are on the very bottom shelf or high on the top shelf, not at eye level. This is a clever marketing tactic because people tend to look for products at eye level, not necessarily stooping down or looking up to check prices.
October 8th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
Thanks for the tips! I really needed this because I’m learning as a new wife and having to go to the grocery store sometimes is stressful. I try my hardest to buy everything we need within a certain budget, the fact is sometimes it’s successful and sometimes it’s not. Great article, I learned from this!
October 8th, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Great advice – I follow every one of them. I also take a calculator and stick to a budget. I even shop between 3 different supermarkets too and know the prices of everything I buy so I also know a bargain when I see one.
It also helps to make a weekly menu of meals so you only buy what you need and don’t impulse shop.
October 9th, 2011 at 12:49 am
Yes, I have a problem with this subject.
October 9th, 2011 at 3:15 am
greats tips. will apply
October 9th, 2011 at 3:35 am
Nice and useful advices, will try to apply them as soon as possible.
October 9th, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Making a list and sticking to it works.
October 10th, 2011 at 6:10 am
Thank you wonderful tips
October 10th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
Nice share..
October 10th, 2012 at 9:49 am
Now I buy the stuff I need; then get my wants.