Back to the Basics of Shopping Savvy
This post is about going back to the basics for spending less and saving more.
As the belt tightens a bit, keep these tips in mind to save money when shopping for groceries:
- Write a list in advance of shopping. Stick to the list.
- Don't just replace something because you are out of it, stop to think about if you need it right now.
- Don't shop with scarcity in mind, one or two of an item will generally suffice.
- Avoid the middle isles that tend to have more processed foods.
- Consider making your own for items like salad dressing and pre-packaged items such as whip cream for that pumpkin pie next week.
- Just because it is on sale... doesn't mean it is a better deal. Check the unit price to know for sure. It is never a better deal if you don't need it.
- Limit trips to the store. While there is no need to stock up for more than a week, it is better to avoid temptation by shopping a week at a time if possible.
- As always, make sure to eat before you shop.
- If you really want to save money, shop with a calculator.
Helpful tips when shopping for other household or personal items.
- Keep a tally of things larger items you might be considering. Writing it down helps to keep it out of your mind and lets you reflect on your need and research for the best price.
- Avoid impulse shopping. This is one of the biggest areas where it is easy to overspend. If you haven't already identified a given item on your list for some time, then take a pass. This goes for holiday shopping as well!
- If it doesn't match the criteria you've set, also pass. We often settle for something that isn't exactly what we need. Waiting might give you something that you will appreciate and treasure for longer and meet your needs better.
- Look for deals. Deals abound in this economy, just look for them and you are likely to save on items you were already intending to purchase.
- Chances are, you might see that you really don't need it after all. Reflection gives you time to think about your needs. For example, I might really want an iPhone, but do I really need one? Probably not. I've been using a free cell phone my whole life, so why do I really need more now? This doesn't mean I'll necessarily hold out forever, but it will mean that I'll hold off until I'm sure that it is what I really want.
Spend Less, Save More,
Miel
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10 comments:
I think a great way to shop is to shop with cash. If you bring a certain amount of cash with you to spend, you won't be able to spend more than you have.
Craig
www.budgetpulse.com
# Don't just replace something because you are out of it
# Don't shop with scarcity in mind, one or two of an item will generally suffice.
I'd include an exception for great deals on "staples". We have a list of staples that we use day in and day out. When one of the non-parishable items comes on sale for a fabulously low price, we often stock up on it to almost rediculous quantities. It's stuff we know we'll use, it won't go bad, and we save good money on them. And because we buy it regularly and watch the prices, we know when a good deal comes along.
Gumnos - Yes, I do think that there is some argument for buying extra of staples when they are on sale. I think the problem comes when the sale mentality kicks in and you buy more than just the staples that you really need.
One advantage of hand carrying our shopping at least five blocks means that stocking up is hard to do. I actually bought two cans of beans instead of one, since they we a buck each and we eat burritos often, but I suffered the whole way home. Lesson learned.
Miel
I know this sounds funny, but where I live, Safeway delivers - and while it may seem to be a luxury, it is actually a great saving service!
I've gone from going to the grocery store a few times a week, to carefully planning my menus, purchasing my groceries on-line and having them delivered - once a month!
Since I don't drive (due to medication) the cost of taking a cab (round trip) would be $16... the Safeway delivery charge is less than $7. However, often times there are "free delivery" promos and coupons that I can use, making the delivery charge $0.
The best benefit??? No impulse purchases! No spending $20+ every week on tabloid magazines at the cash register.
Safeway's website has the same "sale" items as there are in my local store... so prior to logging-on I can review the sales advertised and take advantage of those same items.
I understand food costs have been "rising", however, by utilizing this service, I've managed to cut my monthly grocery bill by 25% from one year ago!
Anon - Thanks for the reminder about delivery. I used to make a big order every couple of months to stock up things, particularly those that are heavy like litter. They send the promo deals often enough that I rarely paid for delivery.
I've been getting back into the swing of being back in the states, but will certainly pick up on this one. I'm easy James back into seeing what it looks like to have food in our cupboards. A safeway delivery or TJ's run might be a shock to his bachelorized system!
Best,
Miel
I would also add, don't go shopping with your kids if you can help it. It's always buy me this and buy me that...
CheapBastid - LOL!!! I remember being a culprit of torturing my mom through the grocery shopping experience.
Cheers,
Miel
"Don't shop with scarcity in mind, one or two of an item will generally suffice."
This is a fantastic piece of advice. My parents and grandparents often bought in bulk so I was brought up to believe it's normal. Guess not always.
Ishtar - Yeah, I had a friend who took stock of what she had in her kitchen and realized that she had 24 cans of refried beans. Note that this was for a couple with no kids who didn't cook often.
I know this is an extreme, but it happens a lot in America. She said that she just always picked up stuff that she knew she would eventually use.
I think it is better to take stock of what you have and plan for the near future. Otherwise you are also likely to end up in a rut of always eating the same stuff.
Best,
Miel
24 Cans of beans? Crikey.
Yes, Cheap Bastard and Miel, I think we were all culprits when we were younger. Ishtar looks guilty
Let's not make those same mistakes...
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