I’ve basically whittled down all my spending categorizes and I now realize that because of that, I have began to spend more money on groceries. And 2023 the prices at the grocery store have been, insane.
In the past months I can definitely say that I literally don’t buy anything much for myself…unless it’s an edible treat. So I tried several things. To reduce the grocery spending. Here’s what worked…
1. Inventory
Make an inventory of EVERYTHING in the fridge, pantry and cabinets!
Look for recipes that you can fit these ingredients in. Essentially your grocery shop starts at home and therefore you need to buy less items when you’re at the store.
2. MAke a List of meals you’d look forward to eating
Pick out recipes that look interesting and keep them in mind when going to the grocery store. I do this because I honestly live to try new food.
It helps me to crave eating out less AND gives me a (hopefully) not-so-expensive activity to do! And I can say that now, it helps to keep my toddler occupied.
Setting my toddler on the counter doesn’t always work. So I got a step up ladder that has been perfect to keep her contained but still part of the action!
3. Cook from Scratch
Cooking from scratch really simplifies a grocery list and will also help you use up ingredients by following recipes that call for them.
For instance, the week I buy a tub of plain yogurt, we’ll plan to make naan, gyros, and parfaits as a snack to use it up that week. Planning like this almost totally eliminates food waste!
4. Always cook more so you can freeze the extra
Speaking of which, in the past I have been unable to enjoy the benefits of meal planning. Because I have found meal planning, limiting, boring, and I change my mind about what I actually want to eat all the time.
If you can relate, do this. Give yourself as many options as you please by keeping your freezer stocked with food that is already cooked or needs minimal preparation to eat.
This will get rid of the feeling that having to eat at home is a chore than just grabbing something while you’re out.
5. Have only a few days of the week assigned for cooking
In order to have this supply of food in the freezer, I cook 2-3 days out of the week. I quite enjoy cooking, but I honestly don’t have the time to do it everyday and this method still works.
Always make enough food to have some that can be portioned and placed away in the freezer to keep the supply evergreen.
6. Limit your trips to the grocery store
For me, it has been only going to the grocery store only once a week. Period.
The more trips to the grocery store, the more you will end up spending. And the more you spend the more likelihood for food waste.
7. Eat adventurously
Different cuts of meat than you normally would not eat could be cheaper protein. A lot of international foods and spices also tend to run at a steep discount!
8. Stick to your Budget
Your budget needs to be realistic. How do you know it’s realistic? You need to record what you spend overtime. Give yourself a few months to figure it out.
It should be within your means and make you financially comfortable and excited to help you attain your financial goals.
What else would you add to the list?