There are many things shoppers can do to help them stick to the budget when out shopping. This week take extra care when groceries shopping so you save cash for other things you have been putting on hold for some time now.
Alabama University website suggests the importance of the following a plan:
nTake time to plan your meals and make a grocery list. This usually takes less time than the time spent going back to the store for a forgotten item.
nKeep paper and pencil in the kitchen to list foods you need.
nCheck kitchen cabinets and refrigerator when making your grocery list.
nBefore going to the grocery store, plan a weekly menu of favourite dishes using healthy foods.
nPlan some meals without meat. Use dried beans, eggs, or peanut butter as a main dish.
nRead the weekly food section and check the newspaper to see what is on sale.
nPlan your meals to use seasonal foods such as tomatoes, cucumbers or eggplants.
nFinish your grocery list before going shopping. The best memory does not substitute for a well-planned list.
nUse a grocery list to help manage your stress. For example, do you really like to strain your coffee through a paper towel when you are out of filters?
nShop only once a week. The more trips to the store, the more money you spend. It is hard to purchase only a few items on any trip to the grocery store.
nKeep in mind that items from service stations often cost more.
nPick the grocery store with the best prices for foods you buy.
nThink of mileage. Shopping at many stores may not be worth the extra time and gasoline cost.
nFind a local road side market stall. Fruits and vegetables tend to be fresher and cheaper.
nLook for grocery stores that offer extra savings.
nFind stores with super food sales
during special times such as "Friday
and Saturday Blow-out Sales."
nKnow when to stick to the shopping list.
nKnow when not to use the list. Take the farmers' market approach with fruits and vegetables. Buy what is fresh, cheap, and in season. Adjust your menu to fit these finds.
nDon't go down every aisle when you shop.
nDo not shop when you are hungry because you will buy extra food. Better yet, have a small snack before shopping so you won't buy a candy bar at checkout.
nShop without your children. Unwanted items can creep into the cart with too many "helping hands." Take turns with a friend for child care.
nShop early when the store is not crowded. You will get through the store faster and spend less.
nShop when you are not in a hurry. Take the time to compare the price of similar foods and purchase the cheapest. For example, which is cheaper, fruit cocktail or pears? Would it be cheaper to buy an item fresh, frozen, or dried?
nBring only the cash you have budgeted to the store. Decide how much you can spend weekly. Bring only that amount with you so you will not be tempted to spend more money.