When I go to the supermarket I always start buying things that aren't in the list and spend far too much money. All the stuff seems needed but I want to save some money. How can I get all I need and a bit of that I want and also save money?
Just stick to the list!
That's a tough one. I do the same thing. I get ideas while in the store like, "Oh, that would be good for dinner tonight."
Try this: when you are finished filling your cart, go back and put a couple of things back – like 3 or 4 things before you go to the checkout. Ask, yourself, "What do I really not need to buy today that's in my cart?"
do you want to tell the person blocking the isle to move or do you need to push the trolley into them,
Needs:
Grocery – basic stuff for a healthy diet (supermarket brands if needs be)
Minimum number of batteries, toothpaste, washing up liquid, etc. to keep you going (if you already have it and it will last you until the next time you shop) don't buy it
Only have max of 2 bottles of wine in the house – buy only if you finish both: one red, one white
Clothes – understandably this is one of the areas women would need help on the most:
if you have 2 evening wear, 1 set of pj, one versatile coat to keep you warm, enough underwear for all days of the week, one set of clothes for work and 2 for staying at home then I'd say you got enough clothes.
keep in mind if you buy a new outfit, you tend to buy the rip off shoes as well.
Makeup (I'm not an expert): one of each type. nothing else.
Books and DVDs: these are not necessary. If you already have some at home to keep you going, go with those at home until you get bored or you have finished reading them.
Hope this helps
As far as the supermarket shop goes, I would suggest making sure that you eat before you set off. Sounds ridiculous but honestly, if you go shopping when you're feeling hungry you subconsciously find that you are filling your trolley with all sorts of things that aren't on your list. You basically eat them with your eyes before you even get to the till. If it's not really feasible to do this, then try chewing gum whilst you shop. Works wonders for me.
First and foremost – eat before you ever go to a supermarket.
Make a list of what you plan on serving for the week – yes, meatloaf on Monday, ravioli's on Tuesday, fishsticks on Wednesday, etc
Make a list of what you have available – always keep that list updated.
Clip as many coupons as possible – take what coupons you need for the items on your menu list to the store. That way, you can rationalize that if you don't have a coupon, you shouldn't buy the product.
Necessities should be bread, milk, eggs, butter, meat only for the week, vegetables for the week.
Check your inventory for snacks and extras that you already have but haven't used (packs of pudding that you could make, jello, cake mix, etc). Use up your current inventory.
A lot of supermarkets have their weekly flyer available online – look to see if yours is available. You can even use this to help decide what to buy – if something is on sale AND you can use it, think about it.
Make sure you include cleaning supplies and laundry in your list – maybe these items can be monthly items.
In your question, you don't state whether you are buying for a family or for yourself.
Set a budget – decide in advance what you PLAN on spending and make that your limit. If your total is less than your planned amount, you could put that into a 'savings' jar – build up that jar's amount and then have a party!
Just stick to the list. Go through the flyer before you go to the store and put down a couple of wants on there that are on sale.
Take a list that you know for sure covers everything that you need. If something else tempts you while you're shopping, write it on the back of the list. When you come to make next week's list, use the items as the basis for the meals. Then you get to eat the things that took your fancy plus you already have a few ideas of the next week's meals.
How can I know the difference between WANT and NEED when I do my weekly shopping in a supermarket ?
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