(Part two of two parts)
Last week’s column was titled, “Etiquette in the grocery store”. I hope you have been practicing. Today’s column will address the high cost of groceries and what to do about it.
It’s no secret that the price of groceries has gone up. Diet ice cream sandwiches, $4.62; a package of breakfast burritos, $13.28; a half-gallon of milk, $3.27; one generic jar of peanut butter, $3.64; one small tub of lite butter, $2.48; one bag of almonds, $8.84; a small carton of blueberries, $3.48. I’m already at $39.61 and I really haven’t purchased much of anything. No meat, no cheese, no bread, no vegetables, no potatoes, no pop, no water, no alcohol, no condiments, no pies, no cakes, no cookies, no candy, no coffee, no cereal, no eggs. Well, you get the point.
In my family, we have decided to play a little game with ourselves to see if we can keep our grocery bill under $100. It’s possible. Sometimes it’s not always easy. But it is possible.
Many people are experiencing the high cost of groceries. You might be trying to stay on a budget. And you might like to keep your grocery bill to a minimum.
The people at “Investopedia” have some suggestions that might help you to budget, save, and beat the high cost of groceries. Try a few.
• Eat at home. Restaurants are expensive. Fast food is not as healthy.
• Shop with a plan. Bring a shopping list. And only buy items on the list.
• Put on blinders. Ignore impulse purchases. Shop along the outside aisles.
• Eat at home before you shop. Avoid buildings full of food when you are hungry. Shop on a full stomach.
• Avoid prepared foods. Prepare meals yourself. Eat nutritious meals.
• Skip the bottled water. Buy a water filter. It’s less expensive in the long run.
• Shop without the kids. Get in and get out quickly. No toys, no snacks, no distractions.
• Buy in bulk. Only if you have the room to store the items. Only if you will use the items.
• Use coupons. Clip and save. Only for items already on your list.
• Buy locally. Don’t pay for long transportation costs. Local grocery stores have tasty and fresh food.
• Look down. More expensive items are at eye-level. Buy generic whenever possible.
• Avoid end caps and checkout extras. Stick to your list. Choose a less expensive option.
• Compare prices and stores. Shop each item according to the “unit price”. Watch for store sales.
• Shop for sales. Switch stores for the best sale. Get the most significant discount.
• Watch for expiration discounts. Stock your freezer. Thaw and cook as needed.
• Substitute recipe items. Use a lower-priced alternative. Shake up your taste buds.
• Keep your kitchen stocked. Don’t run out of staples. Purchase items when on sale.
• Shop infrequently. Shop local. Save on gas and transportation costs.
• Pay attention to time. Watch for mid-week sales. Shop during evening or early morning hours.
• Pay in cash, or pay off your credit card in full each month. Avoid paying interest on your purchase.
• Check your grocery bill. Electronic scanners aren’t perfect. Make sure coupons and discounts are accounted for.
Rising food costs can lead to other significant problems and challenges. Shelter, clothing, transportation, and education costs can all be affected. Along with the cost of healthcare, medications and medical bills.
Be a careful grocery shopper. Only buy what you really need. Eat the food you already have. And minimize the amount you spend on the necessary purchases.
