Do you have plans this year to save some more money? Did you know that as many as 34% of New Year’s resolutions actually have to do with money? Groceries are a big part of any family’s budget. I mean, you have to eat to live. However, you don’t have to break the bank to do it. Today, I’m going to share some money save tips that have helped my family save money on groceries and I’m sure they’ll help your family, as well.
#1. Stay Out of the Aisles
This is a rule I stick to, because it will help you save money and will also help you stick with a healthier diet. The aisles is where all the expensive and unhealthy things are stocked. Have you ever noticed how all of the basic groceries you need are usually at the back of the store? This is because store owners are smart and they make you walk past all of those aisles to get to what you need.
On your way to get some eggs and milk, you’ll have to walk by all of those aisles that are filled with cookies, candy, gummies, donuts, etc… Most of the stuff in the aisles is not good for you and they won’t help you get the most out of your budget. Therefore, always try to stick to the perimeter / outside edge of the store.
#2. Make a Grocery List
Make yourself a grocery list before heading out to the store and stick to that list. If you don’t have a list, you’ll just grab whatever looks good and may not necessarily be healthy for yourself or your budget. So, make that list and stay on track while at the grocery store. It’s important that you stick to the list.
#3. Never Go to the Grocery Store Hungry
It’s hard to tell what you’ll throw in your cart if you go to the grocery store when you’re hungry, because you’re surrounded by food and it all looks good. It’s important that you don’t shop on an empty stomach, so you’ll have better self-control when it comes to sticking with your grocery list. If not, you’ll probably come home with a ton of sugary snack and potato chips.
#4. Leave the Kids At Home
Grocery store owners are very smart and they hope your kids will stuff your cart full of sugary snacks. All those packages and advertisements in the middle of the store lanes will make your kids crave sugary sweets, so you should definitely leave the kiddies at home.
#5. Buy Groceries Online
You may have to wait for the food to be shipped to your door and you may not be able to find every single item on your grocery list online, but shopping online will save you money.
#6. Eat Beans
Protein is great for us and it helps us stay fuller longer. For instance, one cup of lentil beans can pack as much as 18 grams of protein. Beans aren’t only cheap, but they’re a good source of protein. Buy beans in bulk to save even more money.
#7. Enjoy Leftovers
Instead of throwing your leftovers out, you should keep them for the next day. If you want, you could even go as far as storing some of your leftovers in food containers and freezing them. I do this all the time with stuff like chili and lasagna.
#8. Make It Yourself
I’m not saying that you should make every little thing yourself or else you’d never get out of the kitchen. However, there are some things you can make on your own within reason. For instance, you could easily make your own almond milk, sugar substitutes, taco seasoning, chili powder, etc…
This will take some extra time, but it will help you save a great deal of money, because items like seasonings have huge markups.
#9. Start Your Own Garden
I know a lot of people that own and manage their own gardens and it doesn’t take a whole lot of time, either. Instead of having to buy things like cucumbers and tomatoes, you can grow your own.
#10. Buy Items in Bulk
Items bought in bulk typically have a higher price tag associated with them, but you will almost always get a lot more bang for your buck. Therefore, I’d suggest buying in bulk when possible.
