5 Tips to Maximize Grocery Haul

Let's get right into it!

#1: Memberships

Have you ever considered getting a Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's membership or any local one similar to that in your area?

Since the time I got my Costco membership as a single woman, people have always said "why do you have one when you are single?" And I've responded with "well, I can get more bang for my buck and my groceries will stretch a lot further because it's only me that I have to cook for." Most people don't consider getting one of these memberships as a single person but I am here to tell you that it is worth it! I am not saying you should get everything from there, but i am encouraging you to get some of your items especially your staple items there. For example, eggs, oatmeal, toilet paper, paper towels, etc. When I was single and I did my shopping haul there, I would get a pack of toilet paper for $20 and it would last for like 6 months - NO LIE! Even though it sounds crazy, it will save you money in the long term. Spending $12-$15 on 8 rolls of toilet paper every month or spending $20 on Costco's 24+ rolls that will last you potentially 6 months... you pick which one works best for you?

#2 Plan, plan, plan

Curate your shopping list and stick to it! I know some of us go to the store without a list prepared in advance. Let me tell you something: every time you decide to go to the store without a list, you run the risk of spending more money, more time, and more energy. I don't know about you but I don't want that. Initially, you intend to get 10 items but instead, you purchase 25 items and those items don't create a full meal. Even though I am a health coach, I have definitely done this a few times so you are not alone. The key is to make a plan in advance. Look at your weekly schedule and decide which day you will curate a shopping list. It should take 20mins tops. Look through your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry, and identify which items you can use to curate a meal. Then create your grocery list from there. Don't forget to add the items you've found in your home.

#3 DO NOT pay extra for convenience

Yes, thats right, I said it! The truth is you always pay a little more for convenience. Have you ever considered the difference in cost for chopped onions vs. regular degular (my own lingo haha) whole onions? Yes it is tempting to buy the chopped onions but keep in mind that it will be more expensive. Now if you are someone who is often strapped on time and paying extra for convenience doesn't break the bank, then GO FOR IT! I also think you should consider getting generic items

#4 Skip the Prepared Foods Aisle

I have to drive this point home. Paying for convenience is not always the best option. Although it is more convenient to buy foods that are already prepared, it is often more expensive. You can buy a pre-made chicken salad from Costco for $15 OR you can buy all the ingredients - canned chicken, celery, red onions, mayo - for under $8. That is a significant difference in the grand scheme of things. So consider buying all the ingredients instead of buying it pre-made.

#5 Pay with cash

Have you ever heard of the envelope method? It is definitely a challenging method especially when we live in this digital world of Apple Pay. If you have never heard of the envelope method, let me give you a quick rundown. The envelope method is one of the most efficient ways to stick to your budget. The idea is that you would divvy up cash in separate envelopes for different spending categories. The key is that you must limit your spending to what is allotted in the envelope. You also can't take form other envelopes. I know you were thinking it LOL. So if you have $150 in your grocery budget for a two week period, you would put $150 in cash in that envelope. I know you may be thinking that its not an even number so you want to go to the ATM and withdrawal $160, but if your grocery budget is $150, go inside the bank and get the exact change so you can stay within your budget. Don't try to play around y'all. Let's stick to it!

Those are my top 5 tips to maximize your grocery haul. Try it this week and let me know how it goes! It will definitely be an adjustment if you haven't already tried these 5 tips, but I believe you can do it. Be intentional. Make a plan. Stay committed. Hola at me if you need me! You can do this!