Keys to Lower Grocery Spending Success- Part 1

Don’t you wish there was a magical formula to lower your grocery spending?  Or maybe a magic wand that you could simply wave over your grocery list each week that would cut your bill in half?

Sadly, it’s not that simple.  It does take effort and hard work.

The good news is that spending less on food is easier than you might think.  I thought of  several keys that will aid in decreasing your current grocery budget. I promise you that when consistently applied, you WILL spend less.

Here is what I have learned. These are not in order of importance.

10 Keys to Lower Grocery Spending

1. Menu plan. Go ahead and cringe.  However, it works.  Honest.
2. Make a list and stick to it.  You have got to avoid those spontaneous splurges.
3. Deviate from your list.  Huh?  I am intentionally contradicting myself.  Deviations are good in regards to stumbling upon an awesome deal.  Would I refuse myself buying a phenomenal deal  because it’s not on my list?  No.  However, it needs to be an awesome deal.
4. Shop by unit price. Pay more attention to what the item costs per ounce than the total cost.  That way, you get the best bang for your buck.
5. Play the Drugstore game.  I will talk more about this in upcoming posts.  Shopping CVS, RiteAid and Walgreens can save you serious money.
6. Shop multiple stores.  Outside of menu planning, I think this is the number one money saving tip.  It doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it seems.  Even shopping 2 grocery stores in one trip will save you dough.  Use the sales flyer to determine what on your list is cheaper at which store.
7. Aldi’s.  Seriously.  You will come to learn that I have a serious love affair with Aldi’s.  Why?  Because it makes lowering your budget so easy.
8. Eliminate processed food.  If THEY make it, so can you.  It really is not that hard.  Our great grandmothers did not buy chicken broth in a can.  Do I still buy it in a can?  Yes.  However, I try to utilize my own whenever I can.  Pancake mixes, broths, soups, instant oatmeal, microwave popcorn, granola, laundry detergent can all be made by YOU. It’s much cheaper and a lot healthier in the long run.
9. Grow your own.  Obviously, this can’t be done year round in most geographical locations.  However, when the season is right, plant a small garden.  My product of choice is tomatoes.  I grow a lot of them.  We eat a lot of them.  Tomatoes can be used for so many things.  Nervous?  Then plant just one in a pot.  It becomes addictive.
10. Browse local produce and farmer markets.  Local produce is not always cheaper because  not all stands are created equal.  Get to know which stands have the best prices. Obviously, in the winter this is not  as easy.  However, you can buy seconds in season or in bulk and freeze or can for later use.

I have more to share!  I don't want to overwhelm your brain.  Join me tomorrow as I share 10 more keys to success!

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