3 Tips For Big Thing Budgeting for Groceries
Budgeting for groceries seems like a simple task. Make a list and buy what you need. Well, it usually doesn’t happen that way. If you are not precise about shopping, the list will be meaningless, and you will end up spending more money than you need to. Shopping the right way can save you thousands of dollars every year. Here is a short list of quick things you can do for big thing budgeting for groceries.
YOUR SHOPPING LIST
1. Shopping with a list is important, but the list must be well thought-out. You should decide what your menu will be for the week, comparison shop for groceries by using prices online or in your weekly sales paper.
It is best to use your list to shop the isles for grocery shopping is much less expensive than the end of isles, where new products are often displayed.
Shop within the confines of a menu. Know exactly how many pieces of fruits, vegetables, meat packages, loaves of bread, box of cereal etc. Know what you will pay for each item and stay within a strict budget.
BUY, PREPARE AND EAT IN A FEW DAYS
2. Buy and prepare only as much as you can eat within a few days. Food waste is a big reason for going over budget with your grocery bill. Clean your refrigerator at least once a month to closely monitor food use. It is even better to clean and monitor your refrigerator once a week if you have time.
Keep your refrigerator and cupboards well organized so food is used on a timely basis. Concentrate on fresh foods to prepare, not junk food or food that is already prepared.
SHOPPING WITH COUPONS WILL HELP
3. Coupons will help if you buy items you need. In other words, don’t use coupons to purchase items just because they are on discount. The next money saver is the sales paper and prices online. Another option is extreme couponing if you have time.
The savings comes at the cash register, when you have product for weeks, and when you sell product that is in excess. Buying in bulk also saves money on food, but you have to calculate your savings, it doesn’t always work. Shop with a calculator.
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BE VIGILANT ABOUT SHOPPING FOR GROCERIES
Being vigilant about shopping and budgeting for groceries will make a big difference in your grocery bill. The savings can be enormous if you shop the right way.
Shop when you are calm and hopefully you are not bothered by kids sneaking expensive groceries into the cart. When you follow these simple guidelines budgeting for groceries and saving money will become easy.
Get organized with your budgeting by using my award-winning BUDGET PLANNER, WITH THE COMPRENSIVE FANTASTIC FINANCES COURSE.
These are some great ideas. I pretty much incorporate them into our weekly planning. It helps so much.
Thank you Gina, let me know if you have questions.
I never really thought about budgeting when it came to grocery shopping, but I’m sure if I followed some of these tips that I would prevent a lot of useless spending! I’ve heard meal planning can definitely be a big help as well 🙂
We waste a lot of food, and we buy a lot of stuff we don’t need. Since groceries are something we buy regularly the potential to waste a lot of money is always there.
I definitely struggle with this still! I’m usually only shopping for myself and still end up overspending even with lists. Still trying to get it right!
It’s difficult for everyone. You might try exact change, therefore you are forced to stay within budget. ~Lois
Budgeting groceries has been a huge thing in our family as of late. We are down to $100-$125/ week with a family of 5. I am so proud of this and meal planning has been a huge part of it
Jody, that is awesome! Love that success.