Most consumers visit the grocery store weekly to buy the food they need. While shopping schedules tend to vary depending on the person buying the items, most try to avoid traveling back and forth to pick up ingredients they forgot. For the most efficient grocery shopping trip, follow the following tips.

7 Tips to Save Time & Money at the Grocery Store

1. Plan a Menu

To limit the chance you’ll have to run to the store midweek for a missing grocery item or resort to fast food when the pantry is bare, plan meals for the week. Don’t forget to include items to pack in lunches and ingredients for quick and easy breakfasts.

2. Create a List Before You Leave

Once your menu is planned, make sure all the ingredients are on your list; don’t try to shop from memory. If you always go to the same store, list your grocery items by aisle. It will save you a lot of walking back and forth across the store and shorten the time you spend shopping.

3. Keep a Running List at Home

As soon as you run out of something or notice it is low, record it on a running list. When you’re ready to make your list for the food market, you’ll already have a head start and will be less likely to forget something.

4. Eat a Snack Before You Shop

For many people, being at the grocery store while hungry leads to a higher bill. If you think you will be tempted to buy food items not on your list when you’re hungry, eat a snack or meal first.

5. Know Your Budget

Even with a list, it can be easy to overspend if you don’t keep a running tally. Know how much you can afford to spend, and keep an estimate of your current total as you shop to avoid going over.

6. Shop During Non-Peak Hours

Grocery shopping late at night or during regular office hours will save you time and the frustration of dealing with crowds. Avoid shopping during rush hour, when many people stop by after work. Traditional paydays like the first or the fifteenth of the month tend to be busy, too, as do the days right before major holidays.

7. Use Coupons With Caution

While clipping coupons and scouring store specials will save you money on items you need, avoid falling into the trap of buying something just because you have a coupon. You will save more in the long run if you stick to your list.

 

You’ll find all the grocery store items you need and more at Schmitz’s Economart in Spooner, WI. A family-owned business since 1937, they are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Check out their restaurant-style deli, too, serving lunch and dinner. Call them at (715) 635-2836 for more information, or visit them online or on Facebook for updates and specials.