I've already divulged the fact that I have rekindled my love for cooking at home. And that one of the major reasons I'm doing this is to get a handle on my budget, and decrease my debt. At the end of 2013, I began the road to financial freedom by setting up a (new) spreadsheet so that I could catalog my spending. One of the things I learned to do is shop smarter. Since I am a huge fan of le Target, I decided I would share some of my tips and tricks.
Step 1- Have A Plan
One of the worst things you can do is scan the aisles of the grocery store and not know what you need to buy. Before you go to the store, decide on your menu for the week. Even if you're just getting some Lean Cuisines to take to work, have it all recorded somewhere. This will help you buy only what you need. And be sure to go through your pantry and note anything that needs to be refilled. I cannot tell you how many times I've decided to bake something and either bought flour and sugar, when I didn't need them, or forgot the eggs that were needed, forcing me to go back to the store.
Step 2- Couponing
I'm not saying you have to convert a room of your home to a pantry like the Extra Couponers, but it's very advantageous to find coupons for your items. I shop at SuperTarget so I can get everything I need at one place. I go through their website and search for grocery coupons that apply to my shopping list (I use an app called Out of Milk). I can record the prices for items and the amount they will be discounted. It's really cool!
I also have the Target app called Cartwheel. This app is great because I can find smaller discounts for nearly everything I purchase, usually 5-15% off. And while I'm only saving about 20 cents per item, that adds up, I've saved over $16 in the last month just with the app.
Step 3- Stick To The List
I'm serious! If you start to throw things in the basket that aren't on your list, then you will lose track of your grocery budget. And this leads right in to Step 4...
Step 4- Cash vs. Credit
I am a planner and a saver, I wasn't always, but what I found was that it is a lot better for me to have the cash in hand when purchasing groceries because I'm less likely to deviate from my list. Not everyone is willing to go to the bank on their lunch break on Fridays, and some people have more success using a card, but be sure that you're not overspending on your groceries.
Obviously, these same steps are applicable to most grocery stores, you can always check out their website, or call the store's manager, to find deals. Here's some other ways I save....
Aveda Services: Most Aveda salons will have Guest Appreciation events a few times a year. Products will usually be on sale, as will services. I go to the Aveda Institute, where services are already discounted, but when I book services while at the event, they are 20% off. So I will book 4 months out on some services.
Clothes: I stalk my favorite stores online. I recently bought a pair of jeans 1/2 off on Black Friday, not because I waited in line, but I ordered online.
Groupon: Anytime I want a nice manicure and pedicure, I find a groupon. I may have to drive a little further, but it's worth paying $17 for a $40-$50 service. *If you call and talk to the service provider BEFORE buying the groupon then they will give you the price without having to share the discounted price with Groupon*
Step 1- Have A Plan
One of the worst things you can do is scan the aisles of the grocery store and not know what you need to buy. Before you go to the store, decide on your menu for the week. Even if you're just getting some Lean Cuisines to take to work, have it all recorded somewhere. This will help you buy only what you need. And be sure to go through your pantry and note anything that needs to be refilled. I cannot tell you how many times I've decided to bake something and either bought flour and sugar, when I didn't need them, or forgot the eggs that were needed, forcing me to go back to the store.
Step 2- Couponing
I'm not saying you have to convert a room of your home to a pantry like the Extra Couponers, but it's very advantageous to find coupons for your items. I shop at SuperTarget so I can get everything I need at one place. I go through their website and search for grocery coupons that apply to my shopping list (I use an app called Out of Milk). I can record the prices for items and the amount they will be discounted. It's really cool!
I also have the Target app called Cartwheel. This app is great because I can find smaller discounts for nearly everything I purchase, usually 5-15% off. And while I'm only saving about 20 cents per item, that adds up, I've saved over $16 in the last month just with the app.
Step 3- Stick To The List
I'm serious! If you start to throw things in the basket that aren't on your list, then you will lose track of your grocery budget. And this leads right in to Step 4...
Step 4- Cash vs. Credit
I am a planner and a saver, I wasn't always, but what I found was that it is a lot better for me to have the cash in hand when purchasing groceries because I'm less likely to deviate from my list. Not everyone is willing to go to the bank on their lunch break on Fridays, and some people have more success using a card, but be sure that you're not overspending on your groceries.
Obviously, these same steps are applicable to most grocery stores, you can always check out their website, or call the store's manager, to find deals. Here's some other ways I save....
Aveda Services: Most Aveda salons will have Guest Appreciation events a few times a year. Products will usually be on sale, as will services. I go to the Aveda Institute, where services are already discounted, but when I book services while at the event, they are 20% off. So I will book 4 months out on some services.
Clothes: I stalk my favorite stores online. I recently bought a pair of jeans 1/2 off on Black Friday, not because I waited in line, but I ordered online.
Groupon: Anytime I want a nice manicure and pedicure, I find a groupon. I may have to drive a little further, but it's worth paying $17 for a $40-$50 service. *If you call and talk to the service provider BEFORE buying the groupon then they will give you the price without having to share the discounted price with Groupon*
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