If you’re keen on saving money, financial advisors usually advise starting by trimming unnecessary expenses. Most of us can readily identify non-essentials in our budget such as frequent trips to Starbucks, eating out, clothes shopping, or perhaps gym memberships that we can do without. However, once these are eliminated and savings remain unsatisfactory, you may have to look into reducing necessity expenses.
This necessitates being more mindful about spending -from making sure to turn off lights when not in use to combining errands into a single journey to conserve fuel. A large area for potential savings is groceries, an expense common to all households. Financial advisors typically propose reducing dining in restaurants and ordering takeaways to save money, which implies that most meals must originate from grocery shopping.
However, one may wonder, how can we effectively decrease our grocery expenses?
On facing this issue, I realized that I lacked time and energy to clip coupons to save money, a method traditionally suggested. Thus, I had to brainstorm alternate methods for grocery savings. Here are my top five techniques:
1. PLAN SHOPPING AROUND WEEKLY SALES
Instead of creating your shopping list based on your cravings, make use of store circulars sent to your home, or look them up online. Plan your week’s meal based on discounted products. If pork chops are on sale, find a recipe revolving around them.
2. MEAL PLANNING
You should always have a week’s menu ready prior to grocery shopping. This will enhance your understanding of exactly what you need to buy. When you base your meal plan on weekly sales, you maximize your savings.
3. ADHERE TO A SHOPPING LIST
Creating a meal plan makes clear what purchases are necessary. Check your pantry for existing items to avoid buying more than required. Stick to your shopping list without straying into aisles carrying items you don’t need.
4. CONSUME LEFTOVERS
Take your dinner leftovers to work for lunch the next day. I make extra dinner to ensure I have lunch for the subsequent day, saving me money usually spent on eating out and on typical lunch items.
5. GO MEATLESS
Meat is typically pricey. Having a few meatless meals in a week can lead to significant savings. Dishes like pasta and salads can star in such meals.
By using these cost-effective grocery shopping techniques, you’ll be able to shrink your grocery budget and significantly grow your savings.
