In my previous piece, I highlighted two out of five grocery-related resolutions to help cut down on your supermarket expenses in 2012. Not only do these tips help you save money, but they also promote healthier eating and possibly weight loss, a win-win to kick off the New Year. Here are three additional strategies to maintain a budget-friendly and lean lifestyle.
3. My third resolution is to use cash only for grocery shopping. It may feel inconvenient, but the slight discomfort of using cash enhances your shopper’s instinct. Sticking to cash payments at the supermarket ensures adherence to your budget. Plus, if you form a habit of avoiding credit card payments for groceries, you can steer clear of potential interest charges and debt.
Even when I choose to use my debit card for groceries, I often exceed my budget due to lax thinking, such as “My husband just got paid, so splurging a little is okay” or “If I stock up on groceries now, we won’t eat out for the rest of this month”. The tangible nature of cash makes me more aware and accountable to my budget.
Implementing a cash-only system is an effective way to trim your grocery budget. Determine your monthly grocery allowance, then divide it by the number of shopping trips planned for that month. With your allocated cash, shop mindfully, weighing up the worth of every item you add to your cart. Do you really need that rarely-used product this week? Can you buy everything you need and still have $10 left?
A careful tally of your grocery items can help you avoid nasty surprises at the checkout counter. You might even realize you often add unnecessary items to your cart. Any leftover cash can be saved in an envelope or deposited into a savings account.
4. My fourth resolution is to consume simpler meals. Every dinner at your home doesn’t have to resemble a three-course feast. This approach not only costs more, it also demands more time and energy. Consider simpler, budget-friendly weekday meals such as soups, bread, chili, spaghetti, baked potatoes, rice and beans, salads. On days where I don’t feel up to cooking, I find delights in preparing easy-to-make, warm turkey sandwiches.
5. My fifth resolution is to try making homemade versions of processed store-bought items at least once a month. Take a moment to evaluate your shopping cart and pantry. Is it predominantly packed with processed foods? Try making basic items like stocks, beans, yoghurts, or bread from scratch. Doing this can increase your monthly savings. Also, homemade versions generally taste better and have fewer additives. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you become adept at, say, bread-making and how much money it saves you.
To cut down on grocery expenses in the coming year, adopt a simple eating lifestyle. Learn to make fresh versions of your favourite canned, frozen, and processed foods. As you spend more time cooking, you’ll find yourself spending lesser time and money at the grocer’s.
