Planning is key to cutting your grocery bill

Q: We noticed that our household budget has become a little tighter. We went through all of our expenses and receipts and the only thing we see that’s different is that we’re spending $100 more on groceries each month than we did last year. I know food prices keep going up, but do you have any suggestions how we can cut our grocery bill without sacrificing healthy food choices? A: Food in general has become more expensive, largely due to the effects of increased production and transportation costs. Also, as families grow and change, so do their needs. These factors are often painfully evident when you look at your grocery shopping receipts and squeezed bank account.

However, grocery stores also offer a greater variety of products and many people have started buying a lot more than groceries at the supermarket.

Here are some tips to help with your grocery store spending:

Plan your meals in advance, around what you already have at home and what’s on sale that week. Then make a list and stick to it.

Stick to one large shopping trip each week. Running to the grocery store every day on your way home leads to impulse spending and wasted leftovers.

Avoid shopping on an empty stomach. People tend to buy more snacks and convenience foods when they are hungry.

Shop in familiar stores when you’re tired, stressed or in a hurry. You’ll find what you need more easily and be able to get going faster.

Decide what you want to buy and where you want to buy it ahead of time. Fresh produce may be more affordable at the market and personal care and cleaning products are often less expensive at discount stores. Then organize your shopping list by the stores you plan to shop at and what you need to buy.

Watch for coupons and specials and plan to stock up on things you know you’ll use.

Skip one big shop every other month and use up what you’ve already got.

Cook meals instead of relying on processed or ready-to-serve meals; you’ll save money and can make a little extra for leftovers the next day.

It’s definitely possible to make healthy choices at the grocery store while being cost conscious.

For more great tips, check out www.mymoneycoach.ca.