Grocery Store Budgeting Tips – Part One

Hey Chicks!

Can you believe it’s Monday again? Time flies! This week I wanted to talk to you about saving money at the grocery store.

Now we all know people (maybe you are one of them!) who say it’s much more expensive to eat healthy. I don’t agree at all.  For example, a “healthy” cereal like Kashi is more expensive than some sugary crap – but they are both processed junk food. Whole oats are cheaper than both of them, minimally processed and way better for you.  So, I agree, changing a packaged food to a “healthy” brand of packaged food is more expensive. But that is not the healthy eating I am talking about.

My version of healthy foods are vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats and a few whole grains thrown in there. Simple, delish and doesn’t have to break the bank.  I only work part time and have a very limited income – I do everything “on the cheap” and am very proud of that! I will say that I don’t buy organic. My grocery budget is about 600 a month for a family of 4 – and we eat at least 8 servings of produce each a day, and lean protein at every meal. One day I would love to be able to buy all organics – especially meat, but at this point it is out of my price range.

I started to write out tips yesterday, but I had so many of them that I will give you half this week, and half next Monday.

my girls are healthy and happy – all on a budget!

Tip 1 – Check the flyers

This may be a no-brainer to some, but lots of people don’t shop around. Each week, every major grocery store has a couple of fabulously priced items to lure you in. I check the flyers online – and if you are in Ontario this is a great resource that lists all the grocery deals (it is a Toronto site, but the flyers are the same in Ottawa). Going to one store may be more convenient, but for an extra hour of your tie you can save a ton of cash. I just make a list for each store and when I am in the area I just pop in for an item or two.

Tip 2 – Don’t get stuck on an item

I love zucchini, it’s one of our fave veggies. I love it at 79 cents a pound, don’t love it quite so much at 1.49 a pound. When it goes up in price, I don’t buy it. I choose cheaper veggies. I prefer orange peppers, but if they are 3 times the price then green peppers are what we get. Same goes for meat. I am flexible and plan my meals with whatever is on sale. A stir fry will taste great with chicken breast, sirloin or pork tenderloin, so get the best bargain!

Tip 3 – Skip the prepared food

I used to always buy pre-washed salads. Then I realized that it was 5 dollars for a tub of spinach that was only 1 dollar for the same amount in a bunch! The five minutes it takes me to wash, spin and store it in a container to use for the week is definitely worth the 4 dollar savings. I am also always shocked at the prices of prepared salads at the deli – plus they are filled with sketchy sauces, oils and preservatives. It’s super easy to make a bean salad or chicken salad that will last a few days in the fridge and cost a fraction of the price. Maintain your health with https://www.eastportdental.com/.

Tip 4 – Bulk isn’t always best

I love Costco, but not everything is a good deal there. Their meat and veggies for instance, since they never go on sale, and I am all about buying on sale. You need to know your prices so you can know if that huge packages is a good deal. Bulk stores aren’t always a good deal either. Many items there I notice are more expensive per 100 grams than at grocery stores – and you are more likely to buy too much because it never looks like you are scooping that much into the bag.

If you are buying in bulk, make sure it’s a great price and something you use regularly. It’s not a great deal if it sits on your shelf for months on end, collecting dust. Also, make sure it’s not something that you will overconsume because it’s there. In our family, we will eat twice as much yogurt if I buy the big container, so the smaller one actually is a savings even if it is more expensive per 100 grams.

Tip 5 – Stick to the food

Avoid buying clothes, make up and toys when grocery shopping. These impulse purchases really drive up your grocery bill – and they aren’t even food items! Keep to the food section and your receipts should decrease.

I have a ton more tips, but I will save those til next time.

Tell me – what’s your best money saving tip at the grocery store?

Have a fab week!

Sarah