Grocery Shopping done SMART

You create your grocery list and promise yourself that this time, you'll adhere to it. How do you measure success? What typically occurs for me is this: I leave the list in the car! Or if it's on my phone, I forget about it as soon as I enter the store. I understand not everyone is like this. I always seem to overlook something.

It has taken me years of deliberate planning and action to become efficient and savvy at grocery shopping. If you're exceeding your budget, not stocking up on seasonal produce, discarding a lot of food, or keeping food in the freezer for over six months without using it, then you're not using your grocery money wisely.

Here is a plan that works.

1. Create your list and utilize it! You can opt for a grocery shopping app if you prefer (though I personally dislike them); a traditional piece of paper will suffice (if you can keep track of it); or simply jot down a note on your phone.

2. Limit yourself to purchasing no more than two items on sale. Make sure to check their expiry dates. Be practical and avoid buying more than necessary. There will be other deals in the future!

3. Purchase groceries for your actual needs, not for idealized magazine meals. Only select items that you and the kids will realistically consume.

4. Owning a spacious freezer can significantly reduce your expenses. Take advantage of the tomato and bell pepper seasons by purchasing in bulk from local farmers. They're fresher and more affordable!

5. Feel free to shop at various grocery stores. I head to No Frills for grapefruit, which is both juicy and reasonably priced! I go to the Asian or Caribbean grocery store for large bags of rice. For high-quality meats, I choose Sobeys or Fortinos. Develop a plan that suits you, but the aim is to save money.

6. If you consistently exceed your grocery budget, consider reassessing it and establishing a more achievable budget. Your primary budget priorities should include housing costs (rent or mortgage), utilities, food, and transportation. Reduce spending in other areas to allocate more funds to your food budget.

7. Lastly, restrict the number of shopping trips you make each month. By reducing your grocery shopping to twice a month or less, you'll save a significant amount of money and find it easier to adhere to your budget. Of course, you might need to quickly grab some fresh fruits between those main shopping trips. The key is to be quick. In and out!

Grocery shopping done Smart

#costefficiency #returns