topic Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips in Leave a Health Tip

How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

AARPRachelA — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 17:13:32 GMT

Grocery shopping habits changed a bit during the pandemic. Many are spending less time in the store and shopping less frequently. Grocers have started using some sly tricks to get you to spend more.

To avoid falling for those tricks, it’s wise to have a grocery budget and to stick to it. Here are some simple tips to follow to set your budget:

Track your current spending – First, you’ll need to figure out what you are spending on food to decide what you should be spending on food.
Avoid eating out, unless you’ve budgeted for it – Frequently eating out is a quick way to ruin your grocery budget. Set a limit and adhere to it.
Plan your meals – Ensuring you have a purpose for each item you buy will help you avoid food waste. Not every meal has to be a fine dining experience, don’t be afraid of keeping things simple.
Keep a fridge grocery list – Keeping a magnetized notepad on your fridge enables you to write down items you need as you run out. Stick to your list when you are in the store.
Don’t go to the store hungry – According to this survey, shoppers spend 64% more when they go grocery shopping on an empty stomach.
Use coupons, but with caution – If an item isn’t on your list, don’t buy it simply because you have a coupon.

Savvy budgeting requires being adept at understanding monthly cash flow, problem-solving, impulse control and planning. Share other budgeting tips that have worked for you now!

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

jw5013387 — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 23:34:21 GMT

I sit down a few days before and review all the store ads to see what is on sale. I make a list and stick with it and don’t buy anything unless I actually need it & will use it. I usually go to several stores (most staples at Aldi, produce at Sprouts, bread & frozen fish at Trader Joe’s, etc). I use both store & manufacturers coupons but again, only if I need the product. I also read ingredient labels…some little known pet foods may be healthier & yet much cheaper than big name brands…same with cereals, etc. I often choose frozen organic fruit instead of fresh produce…it may cost a bit more sometimes, but I find there’s less waste from spoilage & the vitamin content is better since it’s frozen when fresh. I don’t get fast food & it’s very rare that I eat out. I cook enough for several meals and freeze what I don’t eat.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

2Papa — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 01:46:44 GMT

Buy your beer by the keg instead of the six pack.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

8strts — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 03:19:14 GMT

I buy only organic food and I buy at Amazon fresh and Whole Foods, which deliver right at my door, so there’s no need running anywhere, save gas and time. When, I start my list, I add what I plan to eat in a few weeks. I have found that if you wait a week, items go on sale and then others might run out but I always look at the bright side- try a new recipe with what you can buy.

Vegetables are always fresh and have found out prices are way lower than other stores.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

gettingolder — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 18:43:29 GMT

Hi @8strts. Check your Whole Foods "organic" package. I saw a report on the news yesterday regarding this. Most of the "organic" foods are processed in China. No way to check if they are actually organic. By the way, I also buy from Amazon Fresh.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

AARPRachelA — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 17:22:19 GMT

Excellent tips, thanks @jw5013387!

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

CaroleB718818 — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 11:21:22 GMT

With care, bulk buying of flour on sale can save time and money. Remember to break down larger amounts into small storage quantities when you get home. For example, I buy 20 or 50 lb at a time and rebag into 5 lb units and store them in a large airtight, opaque container in the pantry.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

mk46725882 — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 02:47:15 GMT

A good part of Whole Foods produce is not organic. There is a simple way to tell. All produce has a little sticker on it with a 5 (sometimes 6) digit number. If the number begins with 9, it is organic. Read about it here:

https://organicslant.com/identify-conventional-organic-and-gmo-produce-from-plu-label/

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

nctarheel — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 03:51:39 GMT

First of all, there is a lot of scandal surrounding whether an item marked organic actually is organic.

Beyond that, there is little evidence that organic food is that much better for you anyway.

Additionally, as far as the market here in NC is concerned, Whole Foods is, by far, the most expensive food store of them all.

I make use of Costco. I save, on paper towels alone, enough to pay the membership fee. There are many items, even if only a family of two, that are a bargain if bought at a warehouse club. Some bulk items make no sense for two but there is a plethora of items that do.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

bgornie — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 12:41:02 GMT

With today's uncontrollable inflation and package sizes shrinking dramatically I have had to resort to one meal every other day. My four footed assistant gets fed better than I do. Wish my state had real food banks.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

PaulH627938 — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 13:00:53 GMT

i don't really have a budget when i go shopping. what i do is if i see something i like i grab it & go on. every so often i would grab an item & spend 3 or so minutes trying to decide weather i want it or not then in other areas i just have to have the will power to say no! i have to lay off. it's rare i lose the "battle".

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

jw5013387 — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 13:28:13 GMT

Thank you, that’s helpful.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

Rhymesometimes — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 13:53:27 GMT

@AARPRachelA Excellent tips! Thank you.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

SusanB687277 — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 14:03:14 GMT

I have learned that store brands are just as good as the name brand in most cases and are a lot cheaper. Very rarely have I found a store brand that doesn't taste as good as the more expensive one. Also if you watch the ads and plan your week's meals from them it will save you money.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

SusanB687277 — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 14:06:30 GMT

Always get the store brands. They are just as good and much cheaper than name brands. I know what you mean about your four footed assistant. We have a dog and 3 cats and their food is about as costly as ours!

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

Rhymesometimes — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 15:56:08 GMT

@SusanB687277 I agree. The ingredients are often the same, whether it's food, beauty products, cleaners, etc.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

topsail60 — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 21:03:36 GMT

I shop mainly regular grocery stores - not expensive Whole Foods, etc. I go about 3 x per week to check what’s been marked down for quick sale which occurs on off-peak days (Mon - Wed) - Real deals can be found on fruit, veg, and meat. I mainly buy what’s on sale and frequently the store brand.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

CaroleS978438 — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 21:13:49 GMT

I'd like to know what state you live in, because I NEVER want to be there. My state of NM gave all of us SNAP beneficiaries the full food amount for the entire year. In my county (Torrance) alone there are at least 5 free food pickup places too. New Mexico hasn't let anyone go hungry this year.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

jw5013387 — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 21:42:22 GMT

Have you looked into what’s available? I live in NJ & we have numerous local & state food banks, as well as community food banks via supermarkets, Lions clubs, churches temples mosques , etc.

it’s incredible that you are only eating one meal every 2 days.

Re: How to Budget Groceries: 6 Easy Tips

lauhig — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 23:00:32 GMT

Your situation cannot exist. Some food banks are set up to provide for agencies who make meals, But call your state or city agency on aging. They can tell you where meals are provided - senior centers, for example. You need to stay healthy to keep taking care of your four footed friend. Did you know some pet shelters provide pet food, even prescription ones?