Shop savvy - know where is best value for your groceries

Shop savvy - know where is best value for your groceries

If you want to stay healthy, eating well is essential. Unfortunately, nutritious food doesn’t always come cheap, but there are plenty of smart strategies to help you save money when you shop, and it begins before you even set foot inside the supermarket. A little planning can lead to big savings while ensuring your family is eating a healthy diet. Here’s how to shop smart.

PLANNING YOUR MEALS

Plan a weekly menu for your family and list out the ingredients you will need. This will enable you to know, ahead of time, what you need to buy for the week and ensure you’re not overspending. You can also ensure your main meals contain a healthy mix of food groups and a good variety.

BUDGET SETTING AND STICKING TO BUDGET

If you’re on top of your finances, you should know roughly what you can afford to spend on groceries. Make a weekly budget and, if you’re having trouble sticking to it, try the following:

• Keep your receipts to review. Simply designate a shoebox for receipts and throw them in there at the end of each day; at the end of the month, go over them. Check to see if items have risen in value, if you are buying items that aren’t getting used, if you can make any adjustments or substitutions, etc.