One of the most frequently asked questions we get when it comes to creating a budget pertains to the cost of food. These are the secrets of the supermarket shuffle. Step one: eat at home. Step two: create a budget and stick to it. Always. Use these tips to slice (pun intended) your spending in half and harvest (double pun intended!) some savings.
1. Make a list.
Seriously, folks, it seems simple, but staying focused is critical – especially at the supermarket. Hold yourself accountable. And for the love of all that is good in this world, eat BEFORE you walk into the store.
2. DIY.
Convenience foods (pre-chopped, prepared, or grab and go items) are darned convenient, but they come with a cost. Chopping veggies yourself, for example, can help you save up to 300% (!) mark up on foods. (We wish we were joking.)
3. Avoid the center.
Not only is it healthier to shop the perimeter of the store, but it’s also typically cheaper. The fewer times food has been touched by someone in a production line, the less overhead you’ll pay. (See item #2.)
4. Don’t fall for it.
Just because something says, 10 for $10 doesn’t mean you have to buy all 10 of them. Typically you can get the unit cost without buying the suggested quantity. The ad will disclose any quantity stipulations.
5. Look up and down.
If you must wander into the center aisles, look up and down before you throw an item in the cart. Grocery stores put the most expensive choice of any given product right at eye level.
6. Cash is king.
If you are committed to sticking to a budget, then leave all of your cards at home. Walk-in with your list in one hand and cash in the other. Pretty hard to overspend when you’re out of money.