Money-saving Tips when Buying Groceries

As gas prices continue to spike up, many consumers are starting to feel the crunch. If you think putting food on the table gets harder every year, practice some smart shopping habits. To help you out, here are some money-saving tips when buying groceries:

Plan Ahead

Writing down a weekly menu is one good way of making the most out of your grocery funds. By planning ahead, you can allocate a certain budget for every week. List down the meals you plan to cook from Monday to Sunday along with the ingredients you’ll need. This habit can save you from unnecessary purchases that can lead to more expenses.

Avoid Shopping when Hungry

If you go inside a grocery store hungry, you might have the tendency to purchase more food than usual. Hunger makes you want to grab everything you see on grocery shelves so before you hit the store, have some snack.

Teach your Kids about wise Spending Habits

Going to the grocery can be a learning experience for your kids. If your kids love to hang out at the toy and cookie aisle and grab anything they want, it’s time to let them know how to budget. Letting them know how each item costs can be a first step.

Stay Away from Tempting Displays or Signs

Some grocery items displayed at eye-level may actually be more expensive than those items placed above or below the shelves. As much as possible, look high and below the shelves for cheaper alternatives. Avoid giving in to temptation and try to stick to your grocery list. You might see new items being introduced through flashy signs. If these items are more expensive than the items you usually buy, stick to your usual grocery items.

Shop During Off-peak Hours

Going to the grocery during peak hours can be such a hassle. Because there are too many people strolling around with their carts, you might be compelled to grab the first item you see just so to finish the shopping trip faster. To avoid such situations, drop by your local grocery during off-peak hours. Fewer people means you can really take your time when comparing prices and special offers.

source:
Money Management