Budgeting at the Supermarket(Article)

The local grocery store - we cannot do without. Well, that's of course if you have to be a multi-millionaire and can afford to eat out every day. For those of us relegated to the throes of Middle America, we find ourselves at the grocery store once a week or more. But, the grocery store can be really damaging to those of us who have decided that it is time to get serious about money and need arrive at the store on a budget. Here are few simple guidelines you can follow after you've geared up with your grocery list.

Know What to Buy Before You Buy
If you're one of those people that stops at the grocery store once a week, make sure to have a itemized list of the things you need. Rummage through your pantry to make sure you have essentials like cooking oils and spices, but also snack foods for the kids. You'll also need to make a menu of the week's meals so that you know exactly what you need and how much to buy. And, don't forget to make sure you've checked the laundry room and bathroom for items you need before you set out.

Check Weekly Deals
We're not going to tell you to look out for double or triple coupon days. In this floundering economy more and more grocery stores just aren't doing that. Instead, look to stores that will honor competitor prices and shop there. If you can shop in one place, you can cut down on the gas you spend. Also, go online to places like www.couponmom.com or coupons.com to find coupons for your local area.

Leave the Kids Behind
This one sounds harsh, and sometimes might not be doable, but do it when you can. Here's why - Your grocery store is there for one purpose and one purpose only - to make money! And, what's the best way to make money? Kids. From cereal to soda, from candy to chips, it's the reason why all the brightly colored, sugar filled packages are positioned in the middle to the bottom of the shelves. Having them there makes it easier for kids to reach out and grab the items and before you know it, you're at the register with things you didn't need, but seemed a little obligated to purchase. Not only that, marketers know that kids have the biggest influence on parents for food and entertainment. Leaving your kids with parents, a trusted friend or neighbor for just an hour while you go shopping will save you an enormous amount of money and, in some cases, tantrums. If you're kids do come along, let them experience the joy of hunting for bargains and saving money.

Buy Generic
You wouldn't pay $200, out of pocket, for a high end prescription drug when the generic version does the exact same thing at a fraction of the cost. The same applies to generic labels at the grocery store. They may not have the beautifully elaborate package or the cute little mascots like the brand names, but they have the exact same ingredients. Brand name products spend a lot of money on actors, advertising budgets and building their brand. But, who do you think is paying for it? That's right, you are. Generic products don't have actors, advertising budgets or brands, so you don't spend on money on that. Instead you get a high quality product at a cost efficient price.

Traversing the grocery store is just a part of life, but with these little tips and any of your own you may have, shopping on a budget can be and in time will be much easier.