You know your grocery store inside out. You know your route and everything you need. However, you keep adding those extra items into your cart, racking up the bill. It’s yet another bill to consider part of your consumer debt. So, can you even think about ways to stretch your dollar at the grocery store? Our debt counselors have ideas.
To avoid adding to debt, try to stretch your dollar.
How to Stretch Your Dollar at the Grocery Store:
Multiple Trips vs One Trip to the store:
If you are attempting to stretch your dollar at the grocery store, making multiple trips is the way to go. Buying everything you buy in a single trip can arguably cost you more. This is mostly because you keep adding things thinking you will need them in the future. On the other hand, frequent trips to the store most often make you buy what you really need. Either way, the way to go is a grocery list. The list in your mind never works!
Buying bulk vs Pre-packaged:
Items such as nuts, grains, and sometimes even spices are cheaper if you take the time to buy them from the bulk section. This way you will only buy what you need. Whichever way you choose to shop, don’t ignore the price tags. A quick calculation on the grocery store aisle will give you the best choice to work towards making debt management progress.
Eating in Season:
It is not often that you take note of the differences in the price of the fruits and vegetables. However, if you take notice carefully, you will see that seasonal fruits and vegetables cost less. Buying frozen might help stretch your dollar a little bit more if you are buying out of season.
Switch up your protein portions:
The meats and seafood you buy are most likely the most expensive food items on your grocery list. Keeping in mind to eat healthy and fresh, it is always a good idea to go the organic route when it comes to meats. However, it can get notably expensive. How about switching things up a little. Mix up some plant-based proteins in your diet. Beans, lentils, etc are good choices!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
