Two of the top New Year goals revolve around spending less and eating more healthfully. These aims usually intersect in the aisles while grocery shopping. If you want to completely transform the ways you spend money on the foods you eat, I’m here to help. This year, cut down on unnecessary spending and use what you have all while making wiser nutritional choices.
1. Start at Home
I know I’m guilty of heading to the store based on what I’m craving. This is a horrible habit to let fester because food we already have in the cabinets, fridge, and freezer go to waste. So before you head to the store at all, take an inventory of what foods you already have.
2. It’s All About the List
Effective list building cuts down on what behavioral economists refer to as choice distraction. Knowing what you need to buy before you head to the store helps you say “no” to 100s of impulse buys before you hit the aisles. We began using the app Cozi to manage lists for multiple stores during 2019. It’s especially helpful if you have older kids and/or multiple people to shop for. Set up lists for stores you frequent (mine include ALDI, Meijer, Menards, Costco, and Target). Then whenever someone needs something from one of those stores, they can add them. I typically rearrange the lists once I’m ready to shop so that they’re in order by approximate location in the store.
3. Know Your Weak Times
Most of us probably know better than to shop when hungry, but we all have weak moments when it comes to the grocery store. Don’t go when you’re tired or angry, either. And you really shouldn’t go when you have all the time in the world. The more time you spend in the store, the more money you waste. Every second of your shopping experience has been contemplated by store marketers. Be smart about the time you spend in the store to reduce the amount of cash you spend there. It’s not even a bad idea to set a timer and get out of the store before it goes off.
4. Eliminate Browsing
If you don’t need something, you shouldn’t be looking at it. This year, remain in only the areas of the store where you actually need to make a purchase. This is especially important when it comes to big box retailers. There’s no need for you to walk every single aisle.
5. Shop the Perimeter
This is such an easy switch to make! The most affordable and healthiest foods typically reside around the perimeter of the store. Some essentials for us like coffee, oats, and peanut butter are in center aisles, but I can easily zip down and locate them quickly. Linger on the perimeter, making wise choices on fresh produce, meats, and dairy and minimize the amount of time you spend looking at processed foods. Both your wallet and waist will thank you.
6. Use Grocery Store Apps & Rewards
If your preferred grocery store has a coupon app or a rewards program, sign up for it yesterday. Not using these is like leaving cash sprinkled through the aisles of the store. I have a number of favorites but Target’s Circle and Meijer’s mPerks rank as the most user friendly and effective. Spend a few minutes signing up for an account and acquainting yourself with the platform.
7. Abide by the 3-5 Rule
If you’re like me, odds are good you picked up a few items not on your list. The 3-5 rule can be your best friend in the new year and cut down on unnecessary spending. Scan your cart before you check out and remove 3 to 5 items. You’ll save $5-10 without clipping a single coupons.
8. Use Cash
Spending with cash in the grocery store is the most effective way to stay on budget. Using plastic – even a debit card hooked to your checking account – always results in higher totals. Cash insures you only spend what you’ve planned on spending. You’ll be more effective at totaling items as you put them in your cart. And you can make difficult choices between needs and wants when you only have a limited number of funds tot spend.
9. Scan Receipts Into Fetch Rewards
A fantastic third party app to use no matter where you shop is Fetch Rewards. Fetch Rewards you with points for scanning receipts and referring friends (My referral code is XP4EV if you want to share the love!). I started using in 2019 and LOVED how gift cards I was able to score (and then use on practical items).
10. Put Items Away & Food Prep
How you place your newly purchased groceries in your home is as important as the way you shop. When you get home, organize your food in a way that forces you to use what will expire earliest first. Freeze items you won’t use immediately. Order foods that need used first in front of others that will last longer. Chop veggies and do some basic food prep so you’re more likely to make use of those nutritious foods before they go bad.
Make a difference in your finances this year by being more intentional each time you shop. For more ideas on saving at the grocery store, check out the following posts:
- The Grocery Store Apps You NEED on Your Phone!
- 7 Grocery Store Secrets to Save More Money
- 7 Mistakes You Are Making at the Grocery Store
- How to Teach Your Kids About Money Grocery Shopping
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
