Grocery Store Tips

Grocery shopping is something we have to do. We have to eat. But damn it can cost a lot of money! Well, there are a few really easy things you can do to make your grocery shopping cost less. Some of them you've likely heard before but it doesn't hurt to hear them again.

• Make a list! Having a list helps you to stay focused. Sure you might get a couple extra things but make a rule that for every two things you add to your cart that aren't on the list you have to take one thing off the list.
• Eat before you go grocery shopping. You're much more likely to splurge on convenience items if you aren't hungry.
• Bring a bottle of water with you. I don't know about you but I get so thirsty when I'm shopping I usually end up buying a bottle of Coke or something.
• Don't go down the aisles that have things that aren't on your list. If you are trying to stay away from chips and snack items don't even bother going down that aisle. If house cleaning items aren't on your list today then why go down that aisle. Yes, you might find stuff on sale but if you don't need them you don't need to buy them.
• Watch the flyers. Different things go on sale and sometimes they are items that you really do use all the time. THESE are the items that you should buy lots of because they are on sale. Peanut butter is a staple in our house so if it is on a really good sale we do buy several jars.
• Avoid shopping with your children. They can kill a budget without even trying.
• Buy more whole foods (things that grow in the ground or are fresh) than frozen food. Buy more frozen food than canned food. All of it has a time and a place but the bulk of your shopping should be in meat, produce, and fresh grains. Try to cut everything else down to less than 30-40%.
• Shop less often. If you only shop a couple times a month you are less likely to buy splurge items.

Anyone else have any advice to offer? Do share. More to come on where to shop and how to save money by taking advantage of specialty stores in Canada!