grocery budget Archives — Beating Broke

The Ultimate Frugal Shopping List for People Who Always Forget The Essentials

April 22, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

frugal shopping list ideas — Image Source: Pexels

Today, it’s even harder to be frugal when grocery shopping, especially with inflation. According to the Economic Research Service, grocery prices have risen by more than 23% from 2020 to 2024. If you want to save on groceries, you have to be strategic. You’ll also need to go to the grocery store armed with a shopping list. Here we’ll discuss how to save on all the essentials, even if you always forget them.

Pantry Staples

The best way to save money on groceries is to start stocking up your pantry stash. Wait until essentials like rice, beans, and pasta go on sale. Then, you’ll save even more money by buying these items in bulk. You’ll continue to save money if you utilize your pantry when cooking meals. Many pantry staples add affordable bulk to meals that help you keep the overall cost per serving down.

Vegetables

For frugal shopping list ideas, pick up vegetables that don’t spoil quickly. You’ll definitely want to grab a bag of potatoes, onions, and carrots. Each of these has multiple uses and doesn’t cost a lot. You may want to consider canned or frozen vegetables as opposed to fresh.

Fruits

Buying fruit, especially cut fruit, can drive up the cost of your groceries. Instead, you’ll want to buy staples like bananas and apples. Usually, there is at least one variety of apples on sale per week. Additionally, canned fruits are usually the cheapest option.

Bread

Some breads go bad more quickly than others. Sometimes, cheap white bread like Wonder Bread is the best choice. If you prefer other varieties like sourdough, you may want to consider making your own to save the most money.

Dairy

With the average price of eggs high right now, substitutes may save you the most money. You can substitute applesauce or mashed bananas for eggs if you’re baking or silken tofu for savory dishes. Cheese can also be expensive if you purchase it from the deli counter. Instead, look for store brands or sale items.

Meats

To save the most money, you don’t need the best cuts of meat. Look for manager’s specials or things like country-style ribs, ground turkey, thin-cut steaks, or sausages. You usually can get a good deal on any of these items. With the right recipe, you won’t have to sacrifice taste either.

Paper Products

Toilet paper and paper towels can cost you a pretty penny if you buy an expensive brand. Instead, you may want to buy items on Amazon and utilize a subscribe & save deal or apply a coupon. You can find the best Amazon deals on Jungle Deals.

Frugal Shopping List Ideas

Don’t wait to purchase the essentials if you want to save money. If you truly want to be frugal and save on your groceries, you’ll have to look for the best deals and buy essentials during sales. Then, you can start to build recipes around these items.

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Teri Monroe

Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.

13 Strategies for Avoiding Impulse Buys and Sticking to Your Grocery List

May 20, 2024 By Catherine Reed Leave a Comment

Impulse buying can wreak havoc on your budget and lead to unnecessary purchases. Sticking to your grocery list not only saves money but also helps maintain healthy eating habits. Here are 13 effective strategies for avoiding impulse buys and sticking to your grocery list.

1. Plan Your Meals in Advance

Planning your meals for the week helps you create a focused grocery list. Knowing exactly what you need for each meal makes you less likely to stray into unnecessary purchases. A well-thought-out meal plan keeps you on track and ensures you only buy ingredients that you’ll use, reducing food waste and saving money.

2. Make a Detailed Grocery List

A detailed grocery list is your best defense against impulse buys. List all the ingredients you need for your planned meals, including quantities. Having a specific list to follow reduces the temptation to buy items that aren’t on it. Stick to the list, and you’ll find it easier to avoid unnecessary purchases.

3. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Before heading to the store, set a budget for your groceries. Knowing your spending limit helps you prioritize essential items over impulse buys. Keep track of your spending as you shop, and if you reach your budget limit, return non-essential items. This practice helps you become more mindful of your purchases.

4. Shop on a Full Stomach

Shopping while hungry is a recipe for impulse buys. Hunger makes everything look more appealing, leading you to purchase snacks and other items that you don’t need. Eat a meal or a substantial snack before you go grocery shopping to help you stick to your list and avoid unnecessary temptations.

5. Avoid Aisles with Tempting Items

Stay away from aisles that contain items you don’t need. If you frequently buy snacks or sweets on impulse, avoid those sections of the store altogether. Stick to the outer perimeter of the store where the essential items like produce, dairy, and meat are typically located.

6. Use a Basket Instead of a Cart

Using a basket instead of a cart can help you avoid impulse buys. When you have limited space, you’re more likely to prioritize essential items and skip the unnecessary ones. A basket also makes you more conscious of how much you’re buying, helping you stick to your list.

7. Take Advantage of Online Shopping

Online grocery shopping allows you to avoid the temptations of in-store displays and promotions. With online shopping, you can easily stick to your list without distractions. Many online platforms also offer features like saved lists and automatic reorder options, making buying only what you need easier.

8. Set a Time Limit for Shopping

Setting a time limit for your grocery shopping can help you avoid lingering in the store and making impulse buys. A focused and quick shopping trip leaves less room for distractions and unnecessary purchases. Aim to complete your shopping within a specific timeframe to keep yourself on track.

9. Pay with Cash

Paying with cash instead of a card can help you stick to your budget and avoid impulse buys. You’re more conscious of your spending when you have a limited amount of cash. This method forces you to prioritize your purchases and avoid adding unnecessary items to your cart.

10. Avoid Shopping with Children

Children can often influence impulse buys with their requests for snacks and toys. If possible, shop alone or leave your children at home. You can focus on sticking to your list and making mindful purchases without the added pressure of fulfilling their requests.

11. Stick to Your Shopping Routine

Developing a consistent shopping routine helps you become more efficient and focused. Shop at the same store, on the same day, and at the same time each week. Familiarity with the store layout and having a routine reduces the likelihood of wandering into sections with tempting impulse buys.

12. Be Wary of Sales and Promotions

Sales and promotions can be a major trigger for impulse buys. While taking advantage of discounts is tempting, only buy items on sale if they are on your list and you genuinely need them. Avoid the mindset of buying something just because it’s on sale, as it can lead to unnecessary purchases.

13. Practice Mindfulness While Shopping

Being mindful while shopping involves being aware of your thoughts and actions. Before adding an item to your cart, ask yourself if it’s on your list and if you really need it. Take a moment to reflect on your choices and stay committed to avoiding impulse buys. Mindfulness helps you make more intentional and thoughtful purchasing decisions.

Avoiding Impulse Buys and Sticking to Your Grocery List Is Possible!

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively avoid impulse buys and stick to your grocery list. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also make healthier choices and reduce food waste. Remember, the key to successful grocery shopping lies in planning, discipline, and mindful decision-making.

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Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

5 Steps I’m Taking to Lower My Grocery Budget in 2024

January 15, 2024 By MelissaB Leave a Comment

Grocery prices soared last year, and my budget took a hit. However, I paid more for groceries not just because of inflation but also because I got lax with my spending. When I added up how much our family of four spent on groceries in 2023, I was shocked. My laziness and lack of awareness had cost our family thousands of extra dollars! I decided to lower my grocery budget by 20 percent this year. Here are the steps I’m taking to do that:

5 Steps I’m Taking to Lower My Grocery Budget in 2024

Meal Prep

I used to meal prep, but in the last few years, I thought I was too busy to do it. Wow, was that a mistake! Starting on January 1, 2024, I began meal prepping again. This time, I invested in cute lunch containers. On Sundays, I make three meals that serve 4 to 6 people. I separate those meals into the containers, and for the next five days, my daughters and I reheat the meals when we’re ready to eat.

By meal prepping, I only have to buy ingredients for three meals, so we’re buying less. Plus, we only eat the same meal twice a week, so the food doesn’t get boring.

Shopping Different Stores

We have food intolerances and can’t eat gluten or dairy, so I shop weekly at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods for groceries. This year, I’m going to those stores once a month to buy the foods I can’t find anywhere else. The rest of the time, I shop at Walmart or Aldi for our produce.

Joining a CSA

I spent $750 this month to join a CSA. Beginning in early summer and running through 20 weeks, I will get my vegetables from the CSA each week. Most CSAs give you a certain amount of produce and choose what you get. However, this CSA lets you pick which veggies you want, and you can take as much as you and your family can use in a week, so I won’t have to supplement.

Expanding Our Garden

Last year, we had a small garden that gave us fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and beets. This year, we plan to expand it to store some for the winter to reduce our produce costs when the CSA ends.

Ordering ½ Side of Beef

Finally, we ordered a half side of beef at a discount. We will get the meat sent to us every three months, so we don’t need to have room to store the entire ½ side. Instead, we get a quarter of it every three months. This will be our primary meat supply, but we’ll still buy chicken and fish.

Final Thoughts

I’m hoping these steps will help to lower my grocery bill significantly. I plan to keep you updated as the months go on. If I’m successful, our family could save hundreds of dollars to allocate to other needs, such as our college fund for our children.

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MelissaB

Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in New York, where she loves the natural beauty of the area.