Most parents can agree that it’s expensive having kids. Every little cost can add up, and groceries are no exception. Many parents claim that groceries are one of their biggest expenses, as not only do kids eat a lot as they grow, but the cost of groceries is significantly on the rise. You older loved ones living in an assisted living facility can tell you it was a lot cheaper to feed a family back in the day!
Sometimes modern day parents feel forced to choose between nutritious items and stretching their dollar for cheaper yet less nutritious food. The good news is that with the right tips, you can fill your cabinets and refrigerator without sacrificing quality, nutrition, or flavor. Here are some practical tips for saving money on groceries that you should know.
Make a Meal Plan
One of the simplest ways to avoid overspending is by making a specific list. Having a list of every meal you plan on eating, will help you avoid buying unnecessary extra items you don’t actually need. Meal planning will help not only reduce impulse purchases, but also food waste.
More often than not, buying extra things that aren’t on our actual meal lists can ultimately lead to things wasting away in unseen corners of our fridge. When creating your list, try to plan your meals around the latest deals. For example, if you see there’s a deal on ground meat, why not have a taco night?
Once you’ve written out your list, it’s important that you stay as strict as possible. Make it a rule that you absolutely can’t buy anything that’s not on this list. While you’re at it, consider making an extra one or two meals, and using the leftovers for our left overnight two other days of the week. This can mean less to think about unless planning to do.
Buy In Bulk
There’s a reason why people pay big bucks to get a Costco membership. This is because, despite the initial fee of paying a subscription, the savings are significant when you add up how much cheaper things can be to purchase in bulk rather than individually. Buying in bulk whether it’s rice, pasta or even frozen vegetables can save you a significant amount of money over time.
However, not everything is cheaper when purchased in larger quantities. Make sure that you are smart about checking the per unit cost. Believe it or not, some merchants will trick you into buying bulk when actually it’s more expensive per unit. It’s up to you to be a wise shopper and always read the fine print carefully.
Buy Generic
There are some things which are significantly cheaper when purchased from a generic brand. Remember, just because something has a certain brand associated with it, doesn’t always mean it’s a superior product or tastes any better. Buy generic whenever possible, and you’ll see significant savings over the course of the month.
