Simplified grocery shopping

As we head into the end of the month, and you are noticing that, once again, you have exceeded your grocery budget, I have a method for you to implement starting next month that will make it so much easier to know exactly how much you should be spending on each grocery trip and how to prioritize purchases to hit your goal.

First, start by being honest with yourself about your budgeted amount. If you never seem to hit that number, it might be time to give it a bump. Consider not only that food costs in the United States are increasing, but also the psychology behind setting unattainable goals. When our budget numbers are not realistic, it is much harder to find the motivation stay on track. Start November with a higher number (that you can still afford) and see how it goes!

Now, that you have your new budget number. I have a formula you will calculate every time you are about to go to the grocery store: (([Your Grocery Budget]/[# of Days In the Month])*(The Current Day In the Month))-[What You’ve Already Spent on Groceries That Month) = Your Budget For That Specific Trip!

Example: ($1000 budget/30 days in Nov)*(the 3rd day in Nov)-($15 spent already) = $85 can be spent on groceries that day

The next step is bust our your calculator app at the grocery store and add every item that enters your cart as you go. If you live in an area that taxes unprepared foods, you can use an app like ‘Total Plus’ which automatically adds sales tax to each item. On a grocery trip where I am purchasing 30+ items, this process adds maybe a minute to my trip. If you have older kids, they could do this part for you.

If you still notice it is incredibly difficult to hit your target number, try shopping by priority, not location. Fresh produce is first on the list. Pantry staples like rice, beans, and oatmeal are next. Specialty drinks, snacks, and desserts are the last in the cart, and that’s only if there is enough left in that specific trip’s budget.