The subject matter of gas and grocery prices swelling up have now become a standard topic. This topic hits number one on the American nagging list (My honest opinion.) It's as if it has become its own specialized language. I call it babbling.I have no desire to sound like a lame-brained individual who isn't the least bit aware of what is going on in our world. But it stands to reason that you cannot control the economy you live in. You can, however, certainly control how you live in it. Despite the mental misery you deal with today, do not let it ban how wise you can be with your money. Particularly when you buy food. I did mention that I will share tips to save money when purchasing groceries. Here is a very wise suggestion that should administer financial therapy to your spirit, and allow more money to creep back into your bank account.
Create a Price Book
Grocery prices constantly change. Let me provide you with a recent example. One week I spotted jarred roasted red bell peppers (I love them) for $3.49 per jar. The next week after, the price plummeted down to $2.19. Okay, I admit the word "plummet" overstates the decrease in price but if you are a clever grocery shopper than you may have guessed my next sentence. Stock up. Indeed, I did purchase an excessive five jars of lovely red fire. You may be reading this and thinking, "Eh, okay Priyanka you're not a genius. I would have done the same thing." Fantastic! Kudos to you. I am not being sarcastic either. If this was you, you could either spend $17.45 or $10.95. I prefer to choose the latter price of $10.95. You need to respect your hard earned money here. You buy food to feed yourself, not the grocery store's revenue.
This is the point where creating a price book will come into your favor. I came across this tip on www.couponmom.com. I highly recommend paying it a visit. A lot of resources are available to you for free because of her dedication and hard work! I created a very lazy version of Coupon Mom's Price Book example, much of it was due to being at work for nine hours, I shamefully confess. Regardless, it will prove to be useful. It may look something like this:
Woodman's Fresh Market
| Common Items: |
Week 1
|
Week 2
|
Week 3
|
Week 4
|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast |
$1.99
|
$2.99
|
$2.99
|
$2.99
|
| Low-Fat Milk |
$2.65
|
$2.65
|
$1.99
|
$2.65
|
| Canned Tomatoes |
$1.99
|
$1.99
|
$1.79
|
$0.99
|
| Parsley |
$1.50
|
$1.50
|
$1.50
|
$0.99
|
| TOTAL per Week |
$8.13
|
$9.13
|
$8.27
|
$7.62
|
The highest total: $9.13 (Week 2 Total)
The lowest total: $7.62 (Week 4 Total)
Clever Shopper's Total Bill: $5.96 (buying each item at its lowest price)
CouponMom's description goes into more extensive detail, but my compressed version has highlighted all of her important points. Do remember that if you buy groceries from multiple stores, create a separate price book page for each grocery store. Take some time to transfer prices from your grocery bill and record them in your price book over the course of several weeks. By doing so, you have just created a beneficial yet personal amenity.
I hope this suggestion brings back some peace and tranquility to your grocery shopping ventures.
You are the reason I blog, so tell me what you think.