Making a budget is one thing, but sticking to it is a whole other game. No matter what your budget is, here are a few shopping strategies that everyone can try.
5 Shopping Strategies
Buy The Essentials First
Think of what type of meals your family eats the most. What components are those meals made up of? When your budget resets, buy these first. But, don’t over-stock, unless you can afford it. Our family’s monthly essentials are rice, beans, flours, frozen fruits, almond butter, almond milk, cows milk, and eggs. I try to buy enough to last until our next budget window (If they don’t go bad quickly).
Shop The Sales
Don’t sleep on the sales! Instead of shopping based on what you want to eat, try eating based on what is on sale! This can prompt you to try some new recipes! But remember, just because something is on sale, doesn’t mean you should buy it. Keep your budget in mind, and think about if you will actually eat what you buy.
Say No to Individually Packages Snacks
Are you still buying applesauce pouches that are basically $2 each? … Yeah, us too… But, they are definitely not economically wise! Instead of buying individually packaged snacks, buy the large containers and portion them out whenever you serve them. Of course individually packaged items are more convenient, but they come at a cost. So, if you are having trouble sticking to your budget, you may want to start buying in bulk.
Buy Produce Weekly or Bi-Weekly
Everyone hates finding untouched, rotting celery in the back of their freezer. One way to avoid produce waste, is to only buy enough for the week! That way you don’t overbuy, and waste unused produce. Also, put your produce on an eye-level refrigerator shelf, so you don’t forget about it.
Shop The Pantry First
Instead of searching for recipes and doing additional shopping to get all the ingredients, try to look for recipes that can use foods you already have! Just type what ingredients you already have into Google, and recipes should populate. You’ll spend less of your budget on things that you might not even need!
Have Fun!
It can be difficult to stick to a budget, but it gets easier with practice! Continue to look for different ways to be frugal and stretch your dollar, and soon it will become effortless!
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