Do you ever feel that you have been overspending on your grocery shopping? Well, the question is then how much should you actually spend on it? Well, it is your grocery budget that helps you decide it. Often parent are so much under monetary pressure that they devoid their kids from basic food, but it isn’t right! All of a sudden you try to get out of debt so fast that cut down the major necessities of grocery shopping. But do remember, maintaining the balance is very important. Drawing the line between the need and want is necessary.
Every moth the USDA prints a report of the cost of groceries. It is very helpful in calculating your grocery no matter what size family you have. Feeding healthy diet to your family is very important so you cannot compromise with the food or food quality because of your low budget. However, the major places where you can cut down the expenses are mentioned below. Take a look at them to draft your food budget more effectively.
1. Go for e-shopping
Online grocery shopping saves a lot of money in a number of surprising ways. Do not forget to include the value of time too or you may have to run between the stores to figure out which one provides you with more reasonable rates and quality products. Online shopping of grocery gives you the freedom to shop, compare and get it delivered right at your doorsteps without any problem. It also gives you slashed prices along with excellent discounts from the stores. It saves your to and fro expense too. So, you have some good amount of cash to save now every time you think of grocery shopping.
2. Separate your wants and needs
There are some food items that you need and there are some which you want. Like you definitely need rice, wheat and veggies to dine, but you want a loaf, butter, jam to enjoy your food. So, rather than focusing on luxuries, it is better to clear out the necessities first. Once the basic items are under your budget, you can definitely opt for the luxuries too.
3. Look out for offers and discounts
Whether you go for online shopping or offline purchase, checking out the subsidy rates and offers on products is important. Stores also hold weekday lowest rates for the buyers. Try to go out on shopping on that very day. It will help you save some extra pounds. You can also search for grocery coupons such as Aldi coupon codes online before you shop. Aldi coupon codes can be found online that you can use to cut your grocery bill down.To use such discount codes,you need to search for coupons before you shop.
4. Get a card that grants you reward points
There are several credit cards that provide you with reward points, cash backs and discounts when you shop for grocery and food with them. Go for these cards. However, remember that you do not exceed the limit while shopping while you may end up piling up debt for you. However, the debt can be covered by credit card loan consolidation.
It is advisable that you speak to a credit counselor about it and then plan your budget accordingly.
7 comments
Truly, you have provided a great points on this post and great tips as well. Personally, I have this way of spending much on the grocery items that I forget to set my limits on how much should I spend whenever I’m inside the supermarket. I’m now enlightened through your blog post that somehow it has given me idea on what to do next time if I’m in the supermarket. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
I am guilty of spending too much in grocery. Over the years, I learned some few tricks which are really effective. Making a list and sticking to that list, as well as not going to the grocers on empty stomach works wonders in sticking to your budget and saving up while doing your groceries. I am also all for getting a reward card. We once earned 400 points from our card and got vouchers worth Php400 in return! Rewarding, indeed!
I like the idea of going to the supermarket and pushing that cart myself. It gives gratification. But I also agree that it could mean overspending as you get to see so many wants and you keep convincing yourself those are needs instead.
I tried online shopping once but when I checked out, the online shop, sadly doesnt serve our area. It seems online shopping is practical.
I hope that e-shopping is available here. I cried on my last week’s grocery expenses, it was doubled than our last grocery. I feel so stressed out because of the additional expenses. I admit that we bought some items that we do not need much on the kitchen.
I agree with you that we need to be vigilant with our spending, even on groceries. It helps to make a list. It helps us to be reminded of our needs. Online shopping can really be a great help because you don’t get to pass by many aisles of attractive merchandise.
I’m having a hard time dealing with number 2 since food is really hard to resist when they’re in front of you. I wish there’s a personal grocery shopper that will just buy what’s on your list though. I’m from the Philippines and online egrocery shopping is never a thing as well as that coupons and discounts (like in Costco)
my mom said she finds eshopping more convenient in so many ways.. first, she doesn’t have to spend money on gas so she can travel from home to the grocery store…. second, she do not have to prepare much and exert effort looking more presentable since she can just order it online and third, she will not spend much money because every time she takes our youngest brother.. she was forced to spend much because our little kiddo will often ask her to buy something haha