TIPS TO STRETCH YOUR GROCERY DOLLAR

Have you ever walked into a grocery store with the intent of picking up just one or two items only to find yourself shelling out close to $100 at the til?  Truthfully, it happens to more people more often than anyone would like to admit but it doesn't have to be.  By identifying the triggers that cause impulse buying, you can keep your weekly shopping on plan and on budget.  Here's a few tips to get you started saving on your next grocery day.

Tip #1 - Have a running list.  Rather than waiting until grocery day, keep an ongoing list available on your fridge and jot down those necessities as they run out.  This will also help limit the number of treats that come home when you let the family know you'll consider picking up only those special items written on the list.  This puts the onus on others to actually make a concerted effort to think about and write down any treats or special items.  If your teenager goes to the trouble of remembering to write down a bag of chips once in a while and that replaces the bags you were bringing home weekly, it's a winning trade.

Tip #2 - Check the fridge before you go.  Giving your fridge a quick once over, removing any items that have started to go bad allows you to know which items you should not purchase again or perhaps purchase in smaller quantities to avoid wasting food. 

Tip #3 - Shop after a meal.  Skipping lunch and trying to squeeze in a grocery shop on an empty stomach will cause you to spend more.  When your body is hungry, blood sugar is low and our brain tells us it wants something now.  That urgency causes people to impulse buy, most often packaged and processed foods, as those are the ones that get into the blood stream the fastest, bringing up blood sugar as a quick fix.  Even though you may not be eating these foods as your roam the aisles (or perhaps you are...) you are more likely to stray from the list and grab random items as you walk buy, subconsciously satisfying that craving rather than thinking about what you and your family really need for the week.

Tip #4 - Kids.  Leaving the kids at home may make it easier to get the job done, but at the same time it doesn't teach them to be a smart shopper.  Kids manage any situation best when they know what to expect.  As parents, talk to your kids in the car on the way to the store, and let them know what to expect in the way of what you are prepared to buy when they ask for something (and let's face it, we know they're going to ask!).  Ask your child what made him choose a particular item.  If your child answers "I don't know", you'll know it's an impulse choice and not something he really desires.  Encouraging your child to really think about his/her choices will help them determine at a young age the difference between what he/she truly want, and what was an impulse. In addition, allowing your kids to choose a different fruit or veggie each week is another way to get them involved not only in the shopping, but their health as well.  Kids are more likely to try new things that they themselves have chosen than something that just one day shows up on their dinner plates.

Tip #5 - Compare pricing.  Although it sounds simple and the price is the price, sometimes the lesser sticker  price is not really the best deal.  Along with the price, the size (number of grams, ounces, pounds, items etc.) should also be considered.  An 800g container of grapes priced at $8.98 has a higher price tag than the same grapes in bulk at $1.49/100g but if you do the math, the container actually works out to $1.12/100g. A small savings in this case, but add that up over multiple products and multiple shopping trips and it now becomes a significant savings.

Tip #6 - Buy your staples in bulk. Buying the healthy, beneficial things your family uses on a regular basis in bulk and limiting the rest saves in a big way.  Meat is one of the most expensive items rung through at the til so why not consider visiting your local meat shop and inquiring about a freezer pack.  Chances are you will get better quality, local meats at a discount because you are willing to buy in bulk.  Portion it out at home according to your family's needs and freeze.  Loading up on fresh fruits and veggies is always a good idea, and many grocery stores now carry "imperfects" - produce sold at a lower price that would otherwise be thrown out because it's maybe not a perfect shape or colour.   Do however, remember to think back to Tip #2 and what the fridge check told you to avoid unnecessary waste.  Washing and chopping up those fruits and veggies to have available as healthy snack options makes it more likely your family will reach for them when they go hunting in the fridge.  Combine the readiness with the fact they had some say in choosing those fruits and veggies (Tip #4) and you'll have them choosing health a bit more often.

Shopping for a family is challenging and more often than not can be a thankless task. Why not try a few of these tips this week and see if you can't make your next grocery trip more fun, more efficient and save a little money in the process.