How to Stay on Budget with Your Grocery Shopping

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food is the third largest household expenditure for the average family in the United States. It doesn’t matter if you’re feeding yourself or a whole flock of children – groceries are expensive no matter where you live or how much you eat. Luckily, there are several ways to stay on budget and save money.

Plan Ahead

Remembering you need to go to the grocery store as you’re leaving work is a common occurrence for busy people, but don’t act on that impulse. Instead, to behave more responsibly with your finances, go home and take inventory of your pantry and refrigerator first. Creating a list and sticking to it will help you stay on budget.

Planning weekly meals is also a good way to keep on track. Create a menu and ask for input from other family members. When you know what you need to buy, it’s time to head to the store. Do this once weekly and avoid “quick visits” to the store later in the week that may lead to impulse buys. This can wreck your weekly grocery budget.

Get the Best Price

Pay attention to weekly circulars from your preferred grocery store. Look for sales on items you use frequently and stock up. If you know your kids will go through a bag of chips each week, buy four bags when their favorite brand goes on sale. Not only will you save money, but you’ll keep your children happy for the next month.

When you’re shopping, consider buying other brands to make the most of your budget. You’ll need to look high and low on the shelves to find the less expensive products. Major companies pay to place their products at eye level in most grocery stores.

If your family loves fresh produce, consider purchasing it by season. Buying your favorite fruits during the off-season means you could pay double the normal price. Instead, buy these items when they’re in season and freeze them for use later in the year. The USDA offers a guide that will help you determine which fruits and vegetables to buy at certain times of the year to get the best price.

Diligence is Key

Staying on track with your family budget is hard. Sometimes the best plan of attack is to divide and conquer. Following the simple tips outlined above will help you keep your grocery budget in check and your family well-fed.