Studies show more than 44% of people reduce their shopping costs just by using a shopping list. This article is a quick summary of the 20 items that everybody needs for their list.
Benefits of a Grocery Shopping List
Grocery shopping has been around for hundreds of years, and is the essential first step for meal preparation. This article is the foundation for how to set up a simple grocery list to always make great food.
Studies have found that people feel like for every one hour spent per month on shopping list planning there is a $490 decrease in shopping costs. Yet, most people use cluttered notes, text messages or rely on memory. A better solution? Download a shareable shopping list app such as Shop ‘n List.
Reduce Impulse Buys
Shopping Lists keep us accountable. Studies show that when people use a shopping list they reduce impulse buys by over 50%. That means buying less unhealthy food, and saving more money. Why does this work?
Firstly, with special shopping lists, like those that are shared, your partner or friends will keep seeing how you deviated from the list. So if you said you will spend a certain amount, generally your brain wants to please them and yourself by sticking to this plan and showing them you can be trusted.
You are walking around with a purpose, rather than strolling around looking out for the unhealthy or unneeded items that catch your eye. A double win.
Use the “Pantry Check”
Many times people will rely solely on their memory, which although a bit easier it can end up costing you $50 more depending on what you buy incorrectly. If you want to save this money to buy some new clothes or go out for a nice dinner this can add up to be a lot.
So how does it work? It’s actually very simple and takes almost no time, just use your shopping list, and check what you already have in your fridge and pantry. This “Pantry Check” will cut down on accidental buys, and cuts down on wasted food.
Price Comparing
Price Comparing takes a fairly simple concept of using coupons and sales and integrating it into your grocery shopping list. By checking ahead of time what things will be free or discounted at your store you can plan your meals and shopping list to save money.
This method will take a bit more time and research. Every week could take up to 10-15 minutes of planning to save money, but if you’re willing to put in a bit of time to get a rough idea of what to put on your grocery list you can save dozens of dollars.
Prevent Food Waste
Another great way to save money is not wasting food. If you can see that you are going to buy more food then you will be able to eat, maybe change around some items on your shopping list. Freezing leftovers, or saving bigger meals for when you’re hungrier will provide huge money saving costs in the long run.
If you’re cooking for one or two people, make sure to list and buy smaller quantities of food so that you don’t overbuy.
Selectively Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk selectively can also be an amazing method to save money. For items that don’t have a short expiration date, such as cleaning supplies, beans, rice and flour you should make sure to buy when there are sales or when buying larger quantities will reduce the price.
Many stores such as Costco will offer these deals allowing customers to save money the more of an item they buy. However you have to make sure you will use these items. As long as you are using them frequently you will save money.
Opt for Store Brands
Another problem that often costs customers lots of money is buying premium brands. For example sometimes water in the stores will be 2x more expensive if it’s from a more well known brand.
By purchasing store brands where the quality doesn’t matter you can save a lot of money. It’s important to note this down in your shopping list, which items you can and can’t do this for.
Plan Around Leftovers
Make the most of your leftovers by scheduling meals around them. For example if you buy a chicken breast, make sure you plan to eat multiple meals so that nothing goes to waste.
A pro tip here is to only buy foods that go bad very quickly when you are really craving them. This way you will have no problem eating all of it and you will not only save money, but enjoy the food you are eating.
Your Overall Shopping List
So, how to best put all of these tips into use?
Although we have read many studies and can write articles guiding you on how to save money, the best way at the end of the day is to start using a shopping list. Ideally you would use a shopping list that is shareable, and built around the idea of saving you money.
Start saving your money, for your life, download Shop ‘n List today for free.