Save Money Grocery Shopping – Quick & Easy Tips
How to Avoid Spending Too Much at the Grocery Store
Oct 9, 2009
Grocery shopping is a chore for some and an adventure for others, but many people who are on a tight budget are looking for ways to cut costs while still providing nutritious meals for themselves and their families. Readers on the frugal grocery shopper’s track can find easy ways to save money by limiting trips, planning ahead, and discovering the best bargains.
Limit Trips to the Grocery Store
Multiple grocery trips can cost consumers more money in unnecessary purchases and in gasoline and time. Many people find that they are tempted to purchase extra items each time they enter a store. They may not even think of purchasing a product until they see the item on the shelf while browsing for needed items. The most heavily advertised products are often those with the biggest profit margins. Store managers may regularly move items around in the hopes that shoppers will see something that they do not normally purchase.
To minimize the temptation to purchase unnecessary items, decide how many groceries can be purchased with one shopping trip. For example, people who are paid once a month may be able to purchase a month’s worth of groceries, except for items like fresh fruits or dairy products or other items that may only be edible for a shorter period of time. Some foods, like many meats, can be frozen and thawed at a later time.
If additional shopping is needed for items that cannot be frozen or otherwise preserved, it is helpful to go only to those specific areas rather than browsing throughout the store. Some people find it helpful to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other perishable foods that are in season at a local farm, farmers market, or co-op. Others may have neighbors or co-workers who may readily share extra produce from their gardens.
Plan Grocery Shopping Before Leaving Home
Many people find themselves making numerous trips to the grocery store because they forgot to purchase a needed item. It helps to make a list. Some people might benefit from a preprinted checklist of necessary items in which they can mark off all needed items and will be less likely to forget items that are not purchased with each trip.
Shopping trips may take many detours or be cut short if shoppers and/or their children are tired, hungry, or rushed. It helps to arrange a schedule that allows enough time for the shopping trip and to ensure that the person or people going shopping are well-rested and well-fed.
Know How to Find Grocery Bargains by Looking at Unit Prices
Many companies like to make shoppers think they are getting a bargain, but smart shoppers will do the math and ensure that they are getting the most for their money. Some stores have a unit price listed beside each purchase price. Lower unit prices mean better bargains. In general, to determine a unit price, divide the total price by the number of ounces or other applicable unit of measurement. A calculator may be a great low-cost investment for those who struggle with computing unit costs. Many shoppers can find bargains by:
- Purchasing in bulk
- Using coupons for needed items that the shopper would purchase anyway
- Looking for store or generic brands (these are often not at eye level and may have less eye-catching labels)
- Considering less convenient foods (for example, a whole turkey may provide much more Meat for sandwiches than purchasing the same cost of prepackaged sliced turkey)
Speak with department managers regarding their stocking practices. Many people find that meats take up a large percentage of their grocery bill. The meat department manager may have a schedule in which they discount certain meats on particular days and/or times. Planning a shopping trip based on that schedule may give shoppers the ability to stock up on some excellent bargains.
Save Money on Every Grocery Trip
People who wish to spend less on groceries can make a few changes and see quick results. By limiting trips to the grocery store, planning ahead, and computing the unit price for the best bargain, shoppers may find that they are saving money consistently each month. Readers are welcome to share any of their money-saving tips in the comment box below.
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