When i go grocery shopping I dont know what to get.?

Question

Im terrible at it. My cart is half empty and my total is like $160 and the woman in frount of me has a cart full and hers is like $140. Whats up with that?

Answer 1

Ok. this use to happen to me.

I started making a list before I went shopping. I even left a piece of paper on the firdge to keep an on going list. this helped to prevent buying things I dont need.

Next I looked for deals. Then I got Kroger's card and used it at the check out...

dont be afraid to clip coupons. there is nothing wrong with saving money.

also. if you feel like you are paying too much for something at one store... try another and to see if its cheeper .

or go to a specialty store for certain things. go to a butcher for lunch meat. or a bakery for your bread. or a fruit and veggie market .
then when you got to the grocery store - all you need is cereal - milk and eggs... or what ever.

Answer 2

I go by the store ad every time. And pick up any extras I absolutely need. I make a list looking at the store ad. Then I go. My bill is usually around 150. or 160. Sometimes that has to last 2 weeks depending.

Answer 3

You have to do meal planning before you make your list. I buy a lot that I can use for more than one recipe.

Quick example: If I am going to make Taco's one day..I buy Burger in a 3 lb bulk (divide and freeze when you get home). I then know I will have extra, burger, shredded cheese, lettuce etc. I may also use soft wraps instead of hard taco shell, because the extra's are great for sandwiches.

I plan what I could make with the extra's .... with the shredded cheese, lettuce and wraps, I could make sandwiches, so i buy turkey lunchmeat.

I still have extra cheese and turkey now, so I buy eggs for turkey and cheese omlets.

Still have extra lettuce so I buy Salad fixings. I like chicken on my salads, it then becomes a meal. Buy frozen boneless skinless chicken breast in a 5lb bag. Its cheaper per pound and you will have enough to make a few meals. Etc.

Buying your paper towel in a 3 pk is cheaper per roll than buying 1, then you won't have to buy the next time. Etc.

Try to limit your convenience foods, they cost more per serving. I used to do that for my lunches, I now use leftovers for lunch. After taco's I will make taco salad. If I made tortellini's with pasta sauce I put some aside and made tortelini salad with some of my veggies for lunch.

Instead of planning seperate complete meals, start with one or two that you can plan other meals around.

And remember name brands are not always better. I now buy the no-brand spagetti sauce and add my own italian seasonings, I save up to $1.50 a jar and can't tell the difference..seriously.

Answer 4

It might have something to do with WHERE you shop. Even $140 for groceries seems a lot.

Try to go for generic brands or store brands which often taste the same as name brands. That way you can buy the foods you like for less.

I am also sorry to say that fresh foods are often more expensive, so you might try to go for frozens :(

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

That's why it's best to make a list. You can also buy what is on sale and use coupons. I have saved over $100 using coupons on double and triple coupon days. You could also try meal planning where you know what you'll be cooking for the week before you shop, that way you will know exactly what to buy. Make a list and stick to it.

Answer 6

Do you use a list? I find that I tend to spend less and get more when I make a list before I go and stick to it. Most of my impulse purchases tend to be processed foods, which are more expensive. Also, don't go shopping hungry. Everything looks good then!!

Answer 7

You can't just wing it! You have to make a list of what you want before you go. Try looking in some recipe books before going and cutting coupons out too! Buy what is on sale

Answer 8

When I go to the store I end up getting everything but he things I need . And if I'm hungry I buy all junk food.Then have to go back 2 days later because I have nothing for supper. Bummer!

Answer 9

Stop buying so much name brand crap when the store brand is just as good. All you're paying for with Glad trash bags over Target trash bags is the name. If you're stuffing so much crap in your trash bags that you need the "no-rip" bags, maybe you should be taking it out more often to begin with, yech.

The only name brand I buy is soda, that's the ONLY place I've found any difference in quality.

Answer 10

Make a list