If you’re like most people, food probably takes up a big chunk of your monthly budget. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or just yourself, there’s a good chance you’ve already fallen victim to the classic trap of overpaying for food, or buying food you don’t end up eating. It happens to all of us. But if you plan well and shop smartly, you can avoid wasting money on groceries and instead use that cash productively. Here’s how to do it: Always Check the CircularsOne of the easiest ways to avoid spending more than you have to on groceries is to check the circulars at your local stores before you head out shopping and see what’s on sale. If, for example, your family goes through 12 yogurts a week and a local store has your brand on sale for $0.50 less than another supermarket, you can save $6 right off the bat. Most grocery stores post their circulars online, so all you need to do is commit to giving them a weekly read at your convenience. Pay Attention to Expiration DatesSometimes we all have no choice but to shop for food when we’re in a hurry. How many times have you grabbed the first container of milk off the shelves only to get home later and realize it expires within a couple of days? To avoid wasting money on food, be sure to pay attention to when the products you’re buying are about to expire. If you can’t find the item you’re looking for with a decent date, ask a supermarket employee to check the stock room. The more time you have to consume your food before it goes bad, the less likely you are to waste money by having to throw it away. Avoid On-Sale Items You Don’t Tend to UseIt’s easy enough to fall into the trap of getting lured in by a good deal, but remember, on-sale items are only worth something if they’re things you use regularly. If, for example, you see gorgonzola cheese on sale for half-price but only eat it once a year, don’t buy a giant block. Similarly, if you see a certain type of fruit or vegetable on sale, only buy the amount you’re likely to consume within the week. Having extra produce on hand to spoil is definitely no bargain. Plan Your Meals in AdvanceOne of the best ways to avoid wasting money on food is to plan out your meals ahead of time. Take one night a week to write out your menus and make a list of the ingredients you’ll need to bring your dishes to life. This will help you avoid getting tripped up by missing ingredients once you’re already cooking, but just as importantly, it will help you avoid spending money on items you don’t need anytime soon. Keep a Solid InventoryBuying things you already have, especially perishables, is a good way to throw out your money. To avoid this, keep a detailed inventory of the items you have in your refrigerator and pantry, and update it every week before you head to the supermarket. In fact, you can, and should, use your inventory to build your weekly grocery list. Make a List, and Stick to It One final way to avoid throwing money away on groceries is to make a list before you shop and limit yourself to whatever’s on it. If you commit to skipping impulse purchases or sales that aren’t particularly relevant to you, you’re more likely to bring home items that’ll actually get eaten. Remember, you work hard for your money, so there’s no sense in wasting it on unnecessary food. Follow these tips, and before you know it, your grocery bills will be much more manageable, leaving extra cash in your budget for when you need it the most.
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