Good Question: Attack grocery with plan, list, budget
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QUESTION: It seems like I'm spending a lot of money at the grocery store. Between stopping on my way home from work and a couple trips over the weekend, my grocery bill is getting out of control. Do you have any suggestions for managing my spending at the grocery store?
ANSWER: It's amazing how multiple trips to the grocery store can take a big slice out of your budget. The grocery store can be an enticing place. However, having a plan can keep your spending in check.
Decide on one day a week to do your grocery shopping for the entire upcoming week. Choose a day when you have enough time to prepare for your shopping trip and don't have to rush through the store. Most importantly make a list. Consider items that you're running low on and need and also plan out your meals for the upcoming week. Think about what you'll be having for dinner each night, check out the recipes and then make sure you have the ingredients for the meals. Meal planning not only keeps you from buying unnecessary items at the store, but also keeps you from last-minute decisions of eating out because you don't know what to make for dinner.
When you're doing meal planning, take a look at the weekly grocery store ads and try to incorporate what's on sale into your meal ideas. For instances, if the store has a great deal on ground meat, consider having meatloaf or hamburgers one night. By planning out your meals for the week, you'll be less likely to stop by the store throughout the week. In theory, you should have everything you need for your week's worth of meals.
Also when shopping for fruits and vegetables, try to stick to what's in season. A summer tomato costs a lot less than a winter one.
Another way to save money at the grocery store is by using coupons; and thanks to a new television show, "extreme couponing" has become a popular pastime. So what is "extreme couponing?" It's a method of maximizing your coupons on sale items, combining store and manufacturer coupons and knowing what stores double coupon values. "Extreme couponing" might not be for everyone. It can be time-consuming, but using coupons can be beneficial.
Here are some tips:
• In most cases, you can combine store and manufacturer coupons for an extra savings.
• If an item you use regularly is on sale and you have a coupon, consider buying in bulk to save extra money.
• Know your store prices, and make sure you are getting a good deal.
• Take advantage of online deals and promo codes.
• Know the store's coupon policy. For instance, some stores might not accept online coupons, or some stores limit the number of coupons used per transaction.
• Don't forget about drugstores. Combining their sale prices, customer-reward programs and coupons could net big savings on products.
• Keep your coupons organized, either by product category or by expiration date. You would hate to have a great deal expire before you use the coupon.
As with any money-saving strategy, the best strategy is to have a plan, have a budget and stick to both.
First Published June 12, 2011 12:00 am
