How to Grocery Shop on a Budget

Greeting readers! 

Do you find it easy to walk into a grocery store and know exactly what you need and how much you should spend, or do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with trying to save money? It can feel as if you missed a lesson on how to grocery shop when you were growing up. Grocery shopping can be difficult and time-consuming especially when trying to budget for it. Many people tend to buy more than they can eat and lose track what they intended to buy in the first place. That is why grocery shopping on a budget can help individuals keep track of what they are buying and how much they are spending. Budgeting may not be an easy task either but with practice individuals will be able to save more money.

Here are some strategies on grocery shopping on a budget: 

  1. Take an inventory of what you already have in your refrigerator and pantry. By doing this, individuals will avoid overspending on unnecessary foods/items.
  2. Plan out your meals. Meal prepping is a great strategy to help individuals save money by allowing individuals to be more intentional with their choices and money. This can also help with planning healthier meals and avoiding eating out.

  1. Calculate your daily spending habits.  Are you often spending your money eating out? Or do you tend to save? What areas in your life are you spending the most money in? 
  2. Determine your monthly budget for groceries. How much money do you want to set aside for groceries? This is different for everybody and can alter based on everyone’s lifestyle.

  1. Once you have planned out your budget, you can understand where and when you should spend your money.  
  2. It is important to understand that a budget can change. Unexpected situations can arise like a flat tire or your rent increasing which can cause you to reevaluate your budget. You have to determine what steps you can take to help deal with these unexpected situations.  For example, you can establish an emergency fund to avoid financial stress and alleviate the financial burden that these situations can have.

Other tips & tricks for grocery shopping on a budget: 

  • Buy in bulk if necessary. Typically, items bought in bulk turn out to be a less price per item. This can be helpful when buying items you or your household go through fast or frequently.  

  • Look at weekly specials or coupons available at different stores. Some stores even offer additional coupons for users of their mobile apps. 

  • Utilize a calculator while shopping; it helps with sticking to your budget 

  • Avoid making “one-item” shopping trips. Going to the store more often than necessary increases the likelihood of spending more, or adding items to the cart that you may not have budgeted for.

  • Utilize the “pay with cash” method; once you run out of cash, that’s it!

  • Never go shopping when you are hungry.

  • Avoid aisles where you are tempted to buy unnecessary food/items.

Here’s how YOU can be a Prevention Partner: 

  • Share this information with a friend!

  • Utilize other resources to help you budget!

  • Understand your wants vs needs so that you can plan out your budget properly.

  • Remember to think about your overall financial wellness!