Hi classicalsaver,
I have been on a quest to reduce my food spending this year too. Here are the strategies that I am currently using to cut back:
1. Track spending on a whiteboard that is centrally located at home. This helps my husband and I to know exactly how much we have spent on restaurants, coffee, liquor and groceries each month and it's easy to take a quick look before going shopping or ordering pizza. Also, seeing what we have already spent that month makes me feel less deprived since I can see all the good treats we have gotten so far.
2. Understand decision fatigue and prepare for it. Limit the number of decisions you have to make by pledging to only buy the items on your list. Try to do your shopping earlier in the day when you have more mental and physical energy.
3. Map it out. I write my shopping list in the order of the isles at the store so I don't have to run back and forth. I do the same path around the store each time (hygiene stuff, baking, canned goods, bread, dairy, meat and then produce).
4. Don't go shopping when you are tired or hungry. It's unpleasant and results in overspending.
5. Experiment with generic brands. Some are good and some aren't (Walmart's twist and shouts are better than Oreo's). Most of the time generic brands are actually healthier and cheaper. Use the label to compare and buy the cheaper if the ingredients and nutritional facts are the same. It can take a little while to get used to different versions but it can be worth it.
6. Cut down on food waste. This is a big one for me. I am trying to check my fridge drawers every morning to make sure produce is getting eaten before it goes bad.
7. Skip aisles that test your willpower. I often fly past the chips, soda, beer and cookies all together. If I go down there... I know I won't be able to resist their temptations.
What kind of tricks/hacks do you use? I love learning new creative ways to save too!
Anne E.
Tue Sep 26, 2017 9:42 pm
kathypereg First Time Poster
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