Saving on Groceries: What’s in Your Cart?

With grocery costs climbing, even the “frugal boycotter” will begin considering how to lower their bill. So far we learned that Menu planning comes first. Next, shop multiple stores. Add Aldi to your routine.

So, what comes next?

I continue to avoid discussing coupons. Don’t worry. That discussion is coming. I just believe in starting elsewhere first. Each person will feel differently about this. However, this is what I did and what I believe in: look in your cart.

“Flamingo, look in my cart for what?”

Let me explain. In the summer of 2009, I realized my grocery spending had climbed. We had just adopted from China. Adding child number 4 took me off the playing field for a little. However, I was spending too much. Even with Aldi (gasp)

I remember unloading my groceries and looking. I mean really looking at what I was buying. I meal planned and did not purchase store made dinners. I didn’t buy a lot junk food. However, something was driving up the price. I took notice to all of the “prepackaged” and “premade” things I had bought. Here is a list of some things that I can remember:

Granola bars, instant oatmeal, canned broth, cream of chicken soup, paper towels, laundry detergent, canned diced tomatoes, bagels, english muffins, pancake mix, syrup, microwave popcorn, canned beans, instant rice, cereal….

None of the above items are horrible purchases alone. Put them all together and you have a grocery bill that will exceed your wallet. I decided to make changes. I was going to eliminate as many of these items from my cart as possible.

I did. The result for me was a more healthy diet and a much lower bill. Making it yourself is cheaper. It is easy. I promise. You already made your own broth. Seriously, how hard was that?

Here is your assignment. The next time you go shopping, look in your cart. What is already made for you? Make a list. We are going to figure out how to eliminate it.

On Monday, I will share with you my menu for the week. On Tuesday, we are going to learn about a frugal breakfast option that will eliminate one of the above.

Share with me what you find!

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