Grocery Shopping on a Budget

I really don’t mind grocery shopping… in fact, I almost like it.  I can’t figure out why I take modest pleasure in this burdensome and costly chore that many people dread.  Maybe the joy in buying the food I eat is passed on from my love of eating.  Either way, a trip to the grocery store is a walk in the park for me.  What does get to me though is the check-out line.  Grocery shopping can be very strenuous on your wallet, especially if you’re on a budget.  Here are a few tips I use to make sure my entire paycheck isn’t spent at the market:

Have a budget.  The reality is, the majority of people are on a budget for everything.  Know how much you’re able to spend before you go to the store.

Plan your menu for the week.  This will help for budgetary reasons and also ensure a full list, resulting in fewer trips to the store. 

Keep a running list throughout the week.  I keep mine on my phone.  Jot down what you need.  If you don’t, you will forget something, guaranteed.  Stick to this list when you go to the store.  It’ll also help you keep track of things you already have stocked at home.

Avoid shopping when you’re hungry.  If you’re anything like me, you’ll end up with a cart full of Doritos and Toaster Strudels.  Everything looks delicious when you’re hungry. 

Freeze meats, fruits, etc.  Fresh can be frozen, especially if you’re not using it right away.  I detest the act of throwing out spoiled ground beef when my plans to make tacos went by the wayside.

Watch out for the “deals”.  Sometimes, the smaller size gives you the better bang for your buck.

Don’t fear generics.  I go with the store brand tortilla chips every time.

These are just a few tips I use to keep my grocery store spending in check.  How do you grocery shop on a budget?  Let us know in the comments section.