Groceries Busting Your Budget? Take a Seat.
The Wall Street Journal has a great article-Higher Food Prices Start to Pinch Consumer, and while it seems rather dismal there are things we can do to reduce the rising costs of food prices. To some this may seem pretty simple but not only are we battling ourselves in this area (buying things we don’t need or won’t use in two weeks) but we’re battling the rising costs of food which over which we have no control.
- Make a list
- Be realistic about what you plan to eat for the week. Don’t buy something if you know that you won’t eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner within the next 2 weeks.
- If you use menu planning then gather your ingredients for the week and add them to your list. This prevents you from buying things you won’t need for the week.
- Don’t go to the supermarket hungry. You’ll only end up spending more because as you’re going through the aisles thinking of all the foods you can make once you’re home. Mmmmhmmm that Betty Crocker Pineapple Cake looks gooood!!
- If time is an issue for you, the order your groceries online, there are services like Peapod and Door to Door Organics that can take care of everything in one order.
- If you have a family of 4 or more then buying in bulk helps tremendously and cuts down on random trips to the supermarket saving you time and gas.
- Go to a retailer that accepts competitor coupons.
- Compare prices. Shop once for everything at 3 local retailers and compare prices. We all have different needs so my shopping at Trader Joes may not work for the person who lives near Pathmark or Food Lion.
- Keep your receipts. Note which items are going up in price and then begin to look at alternatives or check for manufacturer coupons.
Try them out and report back! With the rising costs of food prices its becoming harder to keep this item under budget, but with careful planning it can be done!
About the Author: Girls Just Wanna Have Funds is for the woman that wants to take charge of her personal finances. We value budgeting, investing, frugality and remain mindful of our spending habits. Move over and make way for women who are in control of their financial destinies and not afraid to say it. We're armed with a positive net worth and not afraid to flaunt it while breaking financial ceilings one stiletto at a time!
Tanya | Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Im copying and printing this post out if you don’t mind. My family and I need to do better in this area.
Kim | Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
This makes so much sense! I am guilty of going to the supermarket hungry and coming home with lawd knows everything I dont need since I am on a diet!
Toni | Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Loverly list! Im going to try ordering online to see how that works.
Natasha | Jan 17, 2008 | Reply
I would also recommend checking online for coupons before shopping or making any purchase.
Couponcheif.com and coupons.com are good ones. Google “coupon” to get great deals.