By The People’s Paper MS Staff
You don’t need a finance degree to stop overspending at the grocery store. A little planning, a short shopping list and a few smart swaps can trim your grocery bill without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Before You Leave the House
Start by checking what’s already in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. That quick inventory keeps you from buying items you already have. Then plan a few meals for the week and make a shopping list based on those meals. Stick to it.
Shopping while you’re hungry, tired or stressed can lead to impulse purchases, so try to shop when you’re clear headed and have already eaten.
Set a spending limit before you walk into the store. If you tend to go over budget, consider using cash or keeping a running total as you shop so you can make adjustments before checking out.
In the Aisles: Shop Like a Pro
Start with the essentials, or staple items you’ll use for multiple meals. As you shop, compare prices by weight or unit price, not just the shelf price. A larger package isn’t always the best value.
Skip the snack aisles unless those items are on your list. And don’t buy something simply because it’s on sale. If you won’t eat it, it’s not a bargain. It’s waste.
Choose versatile ingredients that work in several dishes, such as rice, beans, eggs, pasta, frozen vegetables, whole grain bread, oatmeal, yogurt, tomato sauce and basic seasonings. These foods are affordable, nutritious and easy to turn into multiple meals.
Watch for Silent Money Drains
Small habits can quietly chip away at your grocery budget. These include ordering food delivery too often, shopping without a list, wasting leftovers, buying expensive “health” foods you don’t need, making multiple grocery trips each week and purchasing ingredients that never get used.
Cutting back on even one or two of these habits can save more money than you might expect.
Quick Start Pantry List
Keep these budget friendly staples on hand to make weeknight meals easier and more affordable.
- Rice and beans
- Eggs
- Pasta and tomato sauce
- Frozen vegetables and frozen protein options
- Whole grain bread
- Oatmeal and yogurt
- Fresh, easy to eat fruit
- Basic seasonings
These pantry staples form the foundation for many affordable, nutritious and satisfying meals.
