My Grocery Shopping Strategy

Back in the day, after I would make up a meal plan for the month ahead based on what I already had on hand, I would shop my cupboards and then draw up a list of items I needed or would need to replace.  As time went on I’d take any extra money I had to stock up on items I used on a regular basis whenever they were on sale.  Bit by bit I was able to fill up a pantry and over time amass a fair sized stockpile.  Now that I’m challenging myself with an extremely low grocery budget I find myself looking back and utilizing that same strategy once again to map out and acquire my groceries with what little money I have.

 

I have a working two month grocery list going and as I use or need something I add it to the list.  Then during the next eight weeks or so I will be perusing the ads each week to buy those items at the best possible price.  Often I know certain stores offer the best price so I don’t need to necessarily wait for a sale.  As in the past, I shop at a lot of different stores to get what I need.  I am not store loyal at all.  Nor, am I brand loyal.  In most cases I find store brand options are every bit as good.

 

I printed off my pantry list and highlight all of
the items I do not need to purchase this year.

Regardless of what is claimed as the current rate of inflation, especially as it pertains to groceries, I know what the truth is and the reason I know is because I have been diligently tracking my grocery expenses for years and years.  I am really good at doing math and figuring percentages.  I know what I’ve paid in years past and what I am willing to pay so if an item on my list isn’t available at a good price I will pass on it and just do something else in the meantime.  That item then gets placed on the next two month grocery list in hopes that I can get it later.  I usually have no trouble finding what I want at a price I am willing to pay.  Overpaying for something is just not an option for me.  I have worked too hard for my money so I’m more than willing to say NO.  Usually followed by “Are they crazy!  I’m not paying that!” 😄

 

I wrote down additional notes and ideas

My goal with my grocery shopping as I make my way through the year is to work through some items I no longer wish to stock, such as commercial canned soup and other items that have a lot of preservatives and/or additives, and purchase REAL food.  I want do some more home canning and keep my LTFS (long term food storage) well stocked, all of which needs to be paid for out of my $50 a month grocery budget.  By the end of the year my hope is to be at least 90% real food and only 10% processed which will likely just be in the form of some breads and condiments.  As time goes on I plan to tighten that up even more.

 

Writing it down and testing it is a surefire way to be successful

It is important to me to be successful with this particular budget challenge.  I want to test myself and my personal food plan to make sure that I am prepared no matter what life may throw my way.  I need to feed myself healthy and nutritious meals without depleting my resources.  The only way to know if a plan will work is to test it.  That is what I need to do this year and I’m really glad you are here to cheer me on.