- Start with a good stockpile. You may need to shop at several stores for a few weeks or months, or simply going to Target or Costco to stock your pantry, but starting with a well-stocked pantry will make Tip #2 easier.
- Decide on which store to shop at depending on that week's sales. If you already have a stockpile of staples, then you can go to Ralphs for the produce and meat deals and not have to pay $3 for a box of pasta. (If you don't have a stockpile, don't want to go out of your way to start one, and don't want to pay full price for that box of pasta, explore the store and tinker with your weekly menu to come up with inexpensive meals based on what's on sale.)
- Know which store has the lowest price on things you eat that don't go on sale. For example, I would hit Trader Joe's once a month to stock up on things that I can stockpile but don't usually find cheaper than TJ's every day low price. For example, they have organic American cheese at $3.49, which I can't find at Ralphs or Vons, and which is more expensive at Whole Foods.
- Be willing to pass up some good deals. This is actually a key to maintaining your sanity and preventing burnout under any circumstances. (I've discussed it before in the context of The Drugstore Game.)
- Be willing to adapt your menu to what's available. Plan on planning your menu and your shopping list after you see what's on sale that week, and you should keep your eyes open as you go through the store and spot the unadvertised specials.
- Be willing to pay a (small) premium for your mental health. If hitting multiple grocery stores stresses you out, don't do it! Even if it means you have pay a little extra for food each week. Unless your family is watching every penny out of sheer necessity, in which case hitting multiple stores is probably necessary and therefore less stressful anyway, your mental health is worth a few extra dollars.
Jan 17, 2011
Tips for saving on only one grocery store trip per week
Back when I was working outside of the home full-time, I still made more than one trip to the grocery store, mostly because I shop at multiple stores to get the best deals at each store. But that doesn't work for everyone, so here are some tips for saving money while making only grocery store trip each week:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I have been just buying things on sale or that I have a coupon for now for many years. However, when it comes to having a cup of coffee from my keurig b31 coffee maker mini plus brewer it is hard to find coupons or sales on those K-Cups I need!
Penny
I've recently made the change to shopping just ONCE per week, at one store. It was hard to get used to after all my multi-store-trips, but I have a lot more time to do other things now, and I haven't seen a huge adjustment in my spending.
Very Helpful Article. Thanks! I heard about a new site at Church. www.mygroceryspy.com It compares prices at the top stores here in Atlanta. From what I’ve read, it updates twice a week and shows where the lowest prices are on a few hundred items. You can print out your shopping list or have it sent to your phone. (I’m not savvy enough for that though). I email them since their not up yet, and they told me they will be up on January 20th in Atlanta and Birmingham AL. then other cities.
Post a Comment