Shopping on a Budget

How does one shop on a budget? I ask myself this everyday as I try to prepare delicious, healthy meals without putting a bigger dent in my wallet.  The first thing I suggest is to create a list.  My second suggestion is to STICK to the list.  Thirdly, never, ever go food shopping while hungry.  I have made this mistake many, many times.  Lastly, before recycling the coupons you receive in the mail, go through them for coupons on items you actually purchase. 

Let's start with the list.  I find it more efficient to categorize my list by each market.  Here is an example:

• Local Supermarket - i.e. Stop & Shop 
• Tuna
• Milk, etc...
  
• Costco or BJ's
• Olive oil 
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper, etc... 
• Local Fruit & Vegetable Market or Farmer's Market
• Tomatoes 
• Potatoes, etc...

Okay, so this may seem like a lot but if you are organized, you can be a quick and efficient shopper while saving.   Now my reasoning for shopping at different markets - savings!!  While creating your categorized list think about the prices and the purpose for each market.   Your local supermarket usually has an abundance of weekly specials and their prices sometimes beat those at bulk item markets, especially for everyday items with a short shelf life.  Being able to organize the weekly flyer specials with coupons and recipes before you head out to the store, will also save you time and money. Costco and BJ's are good places for bulk items such as paper towels, toilet paper, razors, and food items if and only if you have a large family. However, before buying food items in bulk, be sure to check expiration dates and decide whether your family will be able to consume the items before they expire otherwise you have just wasted money, in which case it may be best to purchase the items at your local market.  Now as for your local fruit and vegetable stand or farmer's market, I find that the prices are significantly lower as opposed to your local supermarket.  An alternative to buying fresh fruit and vegetables is purchasing them frozen in bulk or at your local market depending on your needs.  They cost slightly more but last much longer.  Studies also show that frozen fruit and vegetables are better for us as they have been frozen at their peak maintaining more nutrients.

So, next is time management.  Do you need to shop at all 3, only 2 or just 1 of those markets?  If you need to shop at all 3, think of the most efficient way to do this to save time and gas.  You may prefer to start at the furthest place, then continue on from there until you reach home or vice versa.    

Most people buy the same items over and over due to familiarities, tastes, and cultures, so why not create this list on a Word document that you can use as a running list that can easily be edited for future use?   You will notice that the list rarely strays.

Keep in mind that once you come up with a routine, this will seem like a piece of cake! Mmm.... cake.

Any suggestions or questions welcome! - Chasity D.