Tips for Grocery Shopping on a Budget

As grocery prices go up we find ourselves spending more and more for the same items. How can we feed our family when we can afford less and less? Here are some tips to keep in mind next time you go shopping.

Start Shopping at cheaper grocery stores

We all know that there are differences in prices at different stores and even in different areas of town. Find the stores that offer less brand names, have you bag/box your own items, or make you return your cart back to the store and you'll find some of the lowest prices. See if one of these stores is in your home town: Aldi, Save-a-lot, Shoprite, and an all time favorite for most is shopping at the local Super Wal-mart. Wal-mart is known for their low prices, however if you are okay with not having brand name Aldi and Save-a-lot beat out Wal-mart any day. Look at the grocery section of a nearby dollar store. Some items aren't a great value, but others are. There are even outlet stores where you can buy discount items. I buy bread from the discount Sara Lee store.

Cut Coupons and use discount cards

Many people cut coupons, but the key is that you have to organize them. I like to organize mine in the order that I go grocery shopping. I know the layout of the store pretty well and which aisles I start with. I put my coupons in the same corresponding order. If I end with dairy products, then dairy coupons are in the back. Watch for Buy 1 Get 1 coupons versus 55 cents off when you buy two. Some coupons are a better deal than others. Also, don't use a coupon just because you have it. Only coupons for items that you actually use! Getting 35 cents off may be nice if its something you usually buy, but if its not then don't use it. Try to use coupons on items already on sale. The best way to get the most for your money is by doubling up on sales and coupons. Some grocery stores have keycards. Some keycards give you a few cents off some products or some give you rewards back. I have mine linked to my Upromise account so that I earn a percentage back towards my college education. Use a grocery keycard whenever possible.

Do NOT shop when you are hungry

Most of us have heard this before, but it is very true and we should all be reminded. Do not go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. You will be apt to buy quick snacks and microwavable items for quick and easy consumption. Not only are these foods expensive and a bad value they are also high in trans fats.

Plan meals ahead of time

Buy what you need and what you know you will use. Don't just aimlessly walk through the grocery store picking up whatever looks good. You will end up buying a lot of easy things or things that sound good, but you probably won't get all the ingredients for the meals you want. You will have a lot of food in the house, but meal planning throughout the week will usually end up with, "I still need to pick up milk or eggs so I can make this or that". Preparing meals ahead of time will keep you focused and on task at the grocery store. You will have set meals for the week and you will know exactly what foods will run out and when.

Buy in bulk

Buy in bulk does not mean buy everything in bulk, but it does mean buying on sale, nonperishable items in bulk. If you have a few people in the house and there is a great buy one, get one sale on toilet paper by all means, pick up four or six (unless it is limited to a certain amount). Yes, it may cost a little more now, but your grocery bill the next couple of months will be much smaller. Buy meat in large family packs and then split it up into thick freezer bags and freeze your portions. For each meal use one bag of meat. Buying meat in bulk usually has about a 20 cent per pound discount. Packaging into small bags when you get home means that it'll keep better and last longer and if you are on a diet you can also make sure you get the correct portion of meat.

Remember your budget

Go to the store with a number in mind. How much can you afford? Try to stick with it. Make your list and buy the store brand items on it. Think about which meals will last the longest and which meals have the cheapest items. When you prepare your meals write down how much each item will approximately cost. Are there ingredients you can go without and still have the dish taste right? Are there any cheaper alternatives? Use flour plus baking powder instead of going out to buy self-rising flour. For baking, use re-hydrated dry powered milk (I wouldn't recommend for using on your cereal). There are many ingredients that can be replaced or simply not used.

Cook your meals and promptly put away leftovers

Make last night's dinner for lunch or dinner the next day. Take the main course and fix a plate with a new vegetable to add some variety. Did you fix BBQ chicken for dinner? How about turning it into a sandwich for lunch at work tomorrow?

Remember shelf life

Remember the shelf life of the items that you bought and don't let them go bad. Don't buy bananas if you don't think you'll eat them before they go bad. If you are slow at eating lettuce, make sure it is sealed really well and keep it in the cooler vegetable drawer in the refrigerator.

These tips should help you get on track for spending less at the grocery store. For the most savings, don't eat out. Most of us buy groceries and will still eat out a couple times a week. Eating out is a terrible value and you'll spend much more per meal than cooking. If you have to eat out check out the value menu and try ordering a water instead of a soda. There is becoming a wider variety on dollar menus and you can get an entire meal for under $2-3. You can often even find small side salads on the dollar menus. Continue to watch what you buy and how much it is costing you. You will soon notice you are getting more for your buck.