Try This to Save Money on Groceries

I don’t buy as many groceries as I used to and, when I do, I generally have a recipe in mind when I get to the store, as well as a shopping list and a menu planned. But, I’ve been wondering if there is a better way to shop that will allow me to save more money. After all, every penny counts these days.

My plan is to try a little something different during an upcoming shopping trip.

Step 1:

Start how what I normally do. Go through my coupons and the sales papers to see what sales I can match up with my money saving coupons. However, while I will make note of the item and the coupon value, I wont be making a main shopping list. I may not actually end up buying these items because there may be better deals.

Step 2:

Make a mental note other coupons I have, and be prepared to bring these to the store as well. I have an organizer for this.

Also note what my budget is. I will likely break this down by section. Ex: $12.00 for meats, $15.00 for fresh produce. But, maybe not. I might find it better, once I get to the store, not have a set amount per grocery store section. Maybe I will do two shopping trips, to see which is better.

Step 3:

Write down any foods I absolutely have to buy, whether I have a coupon or not. Non dairy milk and eggs are necessities most weeks, but I will not stick with my usual brand if another, more affordable brand costs less but offers the same needs nutritionally.

Spend a little time researching companies (I wont have to do this for every trip to the store) to determine which brands use BPA and other harmful toxins in their can/freezer bag linings. Note which companies do not, because I would rather buy from them.

Step 4:

Grab my coupons, make-shift list, reusable bags, and a pen, and calculator (I have one of these on my phone), and head to the grocery store.

Step 5:

Remember to look for in-store specials, which are not always advertised. Also try not to be brand loyal, and keep in mind that store brands are usually just as good as the name brand. In many cases, the store brand is the same exact product, with the label being the only difference.

Step 6:

Look around the store. Meat is essential, so I will check out what they have to offer. What are the cheapest cuts? Would a slightly more expensive cut be more affordable with a coupon? If not, go for the cheapest cuts and worry about what I will do with it when I get home.

Do the same in the produce section. Then with the eggs and the milk. Be sure my options are healthy ones, and I am not buying a lot of processed foods. Instead, I will use the money I save by not buying those foods to go toward more fresh, canned (packed in water), and frozen produce, or a little more meat. Or, I might use it to begin a stock of canned coconut milk or to buy some almond flour – a real treat.

Step 7:

Go home and put everything away, keeping my receipt handy to refer back to during a meal planning session.

It will be different, not having it all planned out by the time I get to the store, but I am hoping this method will save me a little more money on my grocery budget. I will keep you updated.

Do you have a similar method? Tell us about in the comments, or email me at shannonlbuck@gmail.com. What works for you? What does not?

Shannon