For a lot of parents out there the weekly grocery shop costs way too much, more than they can afford! This can easily lead them down a path of debt and budget problems that can impact upon their lives and start affecting relationships among the family unit. There is a way to shop frugally, instead of blowing your budget at the store tills - it just takes a little planning ahead.
Before You Shop
Setting Your Budget
There really isn't much point in trying to save when you don't have a grasp on what it is you are already spending, and how much you need to save. So first off, sit down with your till receipts from previous grocery shops and figure out how much you spend on an average trip. Then, figure out what you would like that to drop to.
Plan Ahead
Rather than turning up at the supermarket, plan ahead - this is the simplest and most effective way to cut down on your spending. Make a list of what meals you are going to serve each night and then list what it is you will need to buy. This will save you a lot of money because you won't overspend on products that you just don't need.
Set A Time
As part of your planning, you should really get into a routine and set a date and time for when you'll go grocery shopping. It is best to not take your kids as they will pressure you into buying expensive chocolate and other treats. If you can, shop just before the store closes to take advantage of their bargains on fresh produce.
At The Store
Look Down For Bargains
Why buy an expensive brand of cereal when the cheaper brand is just as good, but costs less? If you want to save big money then start lookig down, as this is where you will find all the bargains. Stores will place the most expensive and better known products at eye level so that you'll see them and not even think to look further. Don't fall for it, just take your time and look for the cheaper products.
Shop With Cash, Not Credit Cards
Shopping with cash is advised, rather than shopping with credit cards. Shopping with cash lets you see and feel exactly what you are spending, which should provide you with a reality check and impetus to save more money. Shopping with a credit card is not advisable as you don't feel the savings - or worse, the overspend!
Go For The Offers
Grocery stores will nearly always be running some sort of promotion that you could and should take advantage of. If you have a family that goes through milk, then take advantage of any promotions on milk. Likewise, if the grocery store is discounting tinned beans, buy them up and save money down the line. You should also collect and use coupons whenever available.
