When it comes to your household budget, food is likely one of your top expenses – and the cost of groceries can add up quickly.  Whether you’re feeding an entire family or just yourself, you may occasionally find yourself wandering the aisles of the supermarket with no idea how to get everything on the list while also sticking to your budget.  Most people know the cardinal rule of grocery shopping is to never shop on an empty stomach.  And to help ease some of your grocery shopping apprehension, we’ve come up with a few additional tips to make sure groceries don’t eat up your budget.

Plan your Trip
Your shopping experience should start long before you step foot in the store – with a plan.  One way to cut costs is to plan your meals out for the week ahead of time.  That way, you can make a list of exactly what you’ll need and can plan your trip accordingly.  Bonus tip:  Check out the weekly circular of your chosen supermarket or grocery store and plan your shopping trip around what’s on sale.

Stick to your List
It can be tempting to pick up extra items as your roam the aisles, but purchasing items not on your list can quickly increase your costs.  If you stick to your list, you’re less likely to be surprised by the final number on the receipt after checking out.  Bonus Tip: Most grocery stores and supermarkets offer order-ahead options and curbside pickup for your items.  Ordering online will prevent you from making unplanned purchases in the store. 

Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk can be an easy way to save money in the long run.  Buying items like toilet paper, paper towels, and other paper products in bulk makes sense to most consumers, but purchasing your groceries and pantry items in bulk may also be beneficial.  If you have a large family, purchasing in bulk may be a good idea because items are typically less expensive per unit when bought in bulk.  Bonus Tip:  Prepare extra portions when making meals for a surplus of leftovers or even repurpose them for lunches and snacks!

Feeding your family (or just yourself!) while sticking to a budget may seem a little intimidating or difficult, but groceries don’t have to break the bank.  Planning your meals, sticking to your list, and buying in bulk could help you save money at the grocery store. 

This article is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.