One Thing Not To Do As a Family

They say it’s important to spend quality time together as a family. But there is one thing not to do as a family especially when you are trying to save money. When it comes to saving money, one activity you may want to avoid doing together is grocery shopping.

To save money on groceries or cut costs in general, avoid shopping as a family. It’s more effective for one parent, ideally the one who knows how to spot bargains and is aware of price fluctuations to handle the shopping. The family member who stays informed about grocery price changes and can distinguish between genuine discounts and mere promotions.

Why Not

Shopping with your family can cause distractions and spur-of-the-moment purchases. There are several reasons why grocery trips are best handled solo.

The supermarket is like a giant candy store for children. Their eyes light up as you pass through each aisle. Especially snack and candy sections and they often want everything they spot. It’s quite rare to leave the store without picking up something for each of your kids.
The shopping list you brought with you is likely to grow with additional items, often added by the family members who came along. You might not realize this until you see the extra items on the conveyor belt at checkout. Unless you act quickly to remove them, they will end up on your grocery bill, whether you intended to buy them or not.
When shopping with the family, your usual budget often goes out the window. The total bill is likely to double or even triple what you planned. While extra family members may seem to help, they often add items they want, not just what you need.
With the added requests and distractions from your family, you may forget to pick up some items as you lose focus while grocery shopping.
Grocery shopping with the family can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when trying to stick to a budget. Constant requests and demands for extra items can make it even more challenging.

What To Do

To stay within your budget on grocery trips, avoid bringing your family along. Shopping solo is the most effective approach. Here are some hacks to help you save time and money.:

Make A List – Always plan your shopping list before going to the store. This prevents impulse buying and ensures you only get what you need.
Set A Budget – Decide how much you want to spend and stick to it. This helps avoid overspending.
Shop Sales – Plan your meals around what’s on sale. Stock up on non-perishables when they are on sale.
Compare Prices – Check unit prices (price per gram) to get the best deal. Sometimes larger sizes are cheaper per unit.
Buy Generic Brands – Often, generic or store brands are cheaper than name brands and the quality is comparable.
Plan Meals In Advance – Knowing what you need ahead of time helps you avoid last-minute purchases.
Shop Seasonal – Seasonal produce is usually cheaper and fresher. Plan meals around what’s in season.
Avoid Shopping Hungry – Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buying and overspending. Eat before you go.
Check Expiry Dates – Always check the expiry dates on perishable items to ensure they are fresh and will last until you need them.
Utilize Frozen Foods – Frozen fruits, vegetables and meats can be cheaper than fresh and they often last longer.
Use Coupons and Loyalty Programs – Take advantage of coupons, discounts and loyalty programs offered by the store. Many stores have apps that offer digital coupons.
Shop at Off-Peak Times – Avoid weekends and evenings if possible. As stores tend to be less crowded and you can move through quicker.
Consider Online Shopping – Some grocery stores offer online ordering with pickup or delivery options. This can save time and prevent impulse buying. You know what you are spending before you checkout. Items can also be removed to stay within budget when checking out.

Summary

Shopping alone and using these tips can streamline the process, helping you stay focused, stick to your budget and avoid overspending. This approach will improve your grocery shopping experience and save money, benefiting your entire family.