How to Shop for Groceries Efficiently Without Breaking the Budget

With prices rising by the week and supermarkets expanding into mega-size marts, grocery shopping isn't a simple operation - especially for those on a budget. Each supermarket shopper is surrounded by displays of delectable items and an absolute buffet of variety from around the world. Even worse, many major supermarkets are part of a huge retail store such as the Wal-Mart Super Centers or the Super Target stores so groceries are just a small part of what's offered to shoppers. It's too easy to be tempted to fill the shopping cart to the rim with items that many shoppers don't really want and can't afford.

It's not impossible to shop for groceries in an efficient way and keep within a budget, however. It just takes some planning and a little self-control. Here's how it works:

First, make a list. Going grocery shopping without a list is the absolute worst thing that anyone can do because it's just so easy to slip everything that looks good into the cart. Sit down and make a list of the groceries that are needed at home. If the store puts out a weekly sales ad, use the ad as a basis for the list. Try to group items into groups - dairy, bread, frozen foods, canned goods, fresh meats, etc. so that the shopping experience can be streamlined.

Next, look for coupons. Although in the past some consumers have scoffed at coupons, it's a proven fact that most savvy supermarket shoppers use coupons. Coupons can be easily available. Most major Sunday newspapers are filled with coupon inserts. The Internet is another great source for coupons and there are many sites that allow consumers to custom print coupons for items they use each week. Another source is to find coupons attached to products already on the shelf - many items have a coupon that can be torn off and used at the check-out counter. Magazines and newspapers are another source for coupons. And, look for a coupon exchange. Some supermarkets have an area where shoppers can exchange coupons or look for coupons to use. Last but not least, look for shelf tag coupon dispensers found in many stores.

With list and coupons in hand, it's time to make the shopping trip. Plan ahead - the best times to shop are early in the morning or late in the evening. Try to avoid busy times like the end of the day rush where almost every store is clogged with shoppers trying to grab something to take home for the evening meal after a hard day at work. Early morning hours on weekends are another excellent time to shop but try to avoid shopping after 11am on Saturdays because stores are just too busy.

Once in the store, use the list to guide the trip. With a list that divides like items into groups it saves time to make one trip down each aisle. Work through the fresh produce department and keep an eye peeled for bargains. Fruit or vegetables in season are always less expensive than items long out of season so look for apples in the fall, strawberries in spring and summer, and let seasonal savings begin. Look for mark downs on things that might include bananas just starting to show spots or potatoes with a few sprouts too.

Many stores today have unadvertised specials so keep a sharp watch for shelf tags or signs - sometimes hand lettered - that offer in store or manager's specials on many items.

One of the best ways to buy fresh meat on a budget is to plan the week's menu around the meat specials at the supermarket. When a super deal is available - whole chickens for 59 cents per pound as an example - buy as many as possible IF it is something that the family will use. Watch for limits on some sale items but buy what is on sale for the best savings.

Also keep an eye on fat to lean ratios. Although hamburger may be cheaper, if it's made up of a lot of fat, much of the bulk will cook away so it's often more economical to buy a leaner grind like ground chuck or ground round.

Remember that the more basic the meat, the cheaper per pound it is likely to be. A whole turkey costs less per pound with a much greater yield than a turkey breast.

Stock up on frozen food and canned goods specials. Use coupons for items or opt for store brands that often cost much less but are just as good in quality.

Make a methodical pass up and down each aisle, checking the list while shopping to move quickly yet efficiently.

Say no to prepared packaged dinners and create your own instead with pasta, sauces, and meat. Remember that the closer to nature that a food item is, the less expensive it tends to be. This means choose fresh potatoes over instant or frozen.

Look for bakery markdowns of day old items. Those cookies, cakes, special breads, or rolls will often be half price but still taste great. A secret tip that works with breads or cookies is that a few seconds in the microwave restores a fresh taste without any effort.

Avoid deli items unless there is a current special and choose the lunch meats that are on sale. This can save several dollars per pound!

Never go grocery shopping when hungry; it's best to eat before making that run to the supermarket because hungry shoppers tend to buy more than they need in response to their body's hunger.

Leave the kids home if possible - kids often insist on impulse buys, a big no-no when it comes to sticking to a budget. By the same token, avoid impulse buys too.

These simple tips can make grocery shopping quicker and save money, something that every busy person wants to do!