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Feeding your family on a restricted budget: Part 4

In Part 3, you learned the steps to creating a complete shopping list. In the conclusion to this series, I will tell you how to avoid common financial pitfalls at the grocery store.

 

The most important thing you can do in the grocery store to keep your costs down is to stick to your shopping list. If you followed the steps that were outlined in the first three parts, then you already have an economically sound list. Impulse buying at the store will only inflate your grocery bill. There are three factors to store layouts that are designed to promote impulse buying.

 

 

 

 

While you may think that you have impulse buying under control, you are probably not factoring in one small detail – your kids. Children are notoriously impulsive and will likely tempt you, quite loudly and obnoxiously, to purchase items that they want. If this is a problem for you, then try to do your shopping sans the kiddies. If necessary, try to organize a babysitting co-op with a friend so that you can both accomplish your shopping peacefully.

 

Even if you are sticking to your shopping list, you may not be aware of areas where you are spending more money than necessary. All sizes are not created equally. Pay attention to “per ounce” or “per unit” prices. This information is usually listed in very small print on the shelf pricing label. Usually, larger items are the better value, but not always. For example, it is the second largest bottle of Heinz ketchup at my local Winn-Dixie that has the best value per ounce. This can change from week to week depending on sales, so check every time. You should even check when using coupons, since many coupons just require a minimum size purchase instead of a specific size. For example, I recently redeemed a cereal coupon that required a purchase of a 12-oounce box or larger. I applied the coupon to a larger box because it gave me a better value than the 12-ounce box.

 

Many stores also offer reward or membership cards that provide savings to its members. Take advantage of these offers at all stores in which you shop.

 

Finally, watch for special savings events. Some stores frequently offer double or triple coupon days. If you live near a store that offers these, then try to save your coupons for those events. Also, Winn-Dixie offers a Baby Club that will give you a point per every dollar you spend on baby items. You will get a $10 off reward for every 200 points earned. They will sometimes offer double or triple point days. Stock up on baby items during one of these events.

 

I hope you have learned some valuable tips to implement into your food budget. If you make these changes one step at a time, you will soon be amazed at the amount of money that is being put back into your budget.