How I Grocery Shop Once a Month

You heard me correctly! I only go on one major grocery shopping trip in a 30-day period, and it saves us $200-$250 a month. That's money we can use for other things. It's how we got our car paid off 15 months early! Here's how I do it...


1. I keep a running list of items we need/have run out of on a notepad on the fridge. When we run out of something, either Brent or I will add the item to the list.

2. I keep a list of what I have on hand in my freezer. As an item is used, we mark it off the list. This helps me add to the notepad on the fridge more easily.

3. When it's time to shop, I look through the sales paper of the store I am going to shop at, keeping in mind what meals we will potentially have on the menu for the month. This helps me know what items are on sale. If I see an item on sale that we need, I'll add it to my list. I mark items that are on sale with an (*) on my list so I can do some comparison shopping when I get there.

4. I use coupons when I can if it's a good deal. If I have a good coupon for an item that we need, I'll add it to my list and put a ( . ) beside it. If an item is on sale and I have a coupon for it, then I can really save money. These are the items that I stock up on. (Cereals, Snack Crackers, Pasta Sauce, etc...).

5. When possible, I use cash for my purchases. This helps me stick to my list more easily. Any money I have left over goes to Chandler's piggy bank, which will eventually go into his savings account.

6.  I keep a calculator handy. This helps me do some quick comparisons while in the store, and it helps me stay in my budget.

7. I usually shop alone and I eat something before I go. Shopping alone allows me to take my time and really look for the good deals. Eating before going helps me not to splurge on things we don't really need.

8. I strive to stick to the list as much as possible. I do give myself a little room because sometimes I see a good deal that I just can't pass up, but sticking mostly with the list is a must in order to really save money.

9. I don't always buy name brand products.  In many food items, the store brand tastes just as good and is a lot cheaper. My theory is that we can try it at least once and see how we like it.

10/ Look at the size of the product.  If you are looking at two different brands of the same item and you are trying to decide which one is cheaper, take a look at the amount of product being sold in each package. Figure up the price per ounce or pound and you'll see which one is the better deal.


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