Grocery shopping can be notoriously hard on the budget. We understand that we can’t necessarily spend the same amount on groceries each week, so we give ourselves a little wiggle room. But all too often, that wiggle room eats into other areas of the budget.
There are several ways that we can save on groceries. We can clip coupons. We can sign up for store loyalty cards. We can buy generics instead of expensive name brands. But there’s one very simple thing that many grocery shoppers overlook that could save them a great deal of money: making a shopping list.
Shoppers often visit the grocery store with a mental list. But when they get there, they often add a little something here and a little something there until they have bought much more than they planned to buy. And sometimes they forget items and end up having to make another trip to the store, so they spend more on gas.
Having a list written down will help you focus on the things you really need and avoid the temptation of things you don’t. Here are a few tips to help you make a good shopping list.
* Look in the cabinets and refrigerator to see if you need any staples like milk, bread, flour and such. It’s easy to forget these things, or to go ahead and buy them when you already have plenty.
* Check the sale paper when making your list, and write down anything that’s on sale that you could use. If it’s not your usual brand but you’ll use it anyway, write down the brand name as well so you don’t forget which one is on sale.
* Plan your meals for the coming week, and do your shopping accordingly. If you’ve got every meal planned for every day until you will go back to the store, there will be little reason to buy extra items.
* If possible, write the items on your list in the order in which they are arranged at the store. This will allow you to finish shopping faster, and it will reduce impulse buying because you won’t be passing by those tempting items over and over again.
If you see an unadvertised sale on a non-perishable item that you use frequently, there’s no harm in deviating from your list a little and buying some. But remember, stores know that such sales catch customers off guard. They’re hoping that you’ll just chuck your list and keep buying every good deal you see. Stick to your guns and buy only what you need.
A shopping list can save you money, but only if you stick closely to what’s on it. By making as thorough a list as possible and planning ahead, you eliminate the need to buy lots of extra items. Start making lists, and watch your grocery bill shrink!
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