We all lead busy lives. While we are racing from point A to point B, it can be easy to forget the simplest things that can help the shopping trip go smoothly.  Here are a few tips to remember to keep in the back of your mind for your weekly or bi-weekly shopping.


#1 –  Plan your week’s meals

When you plan your meals and create your shopping list based on that, your list will be more targeted. This makes it easier to avoid the random items you grab thinking you might need them.

#2  –  Make a Shopping List (see our post on Our Groceries)

We always have our Our Groceries list app ready to go.  Aside from the meal plan ingredients, I always take a look in our pantry, fridge and refrigerator for items we are low on. I may not buy them but if they are on our list AND they are on sale, I will get them.  Plus, I catch anything that I had forgotten to put on the list that IS needed.

#3  –  KNOW the Sales

Each supermarket has a weekly ad flyer that you can view online.  Aside from that, if you have created a loyalty  account (and rewards card for those markets that do this), the supermarket sites will usually show you the SALES on what you’ve ordered in the past.  If you haven’t created an account, what are you waiting for?  You get extra discounts and deals and some even offer Gas Rewards.  I am constantly getting, $.10 to $.90 off per gallon!

I am seeing a trend in recent articles recommending to NOT shop based on sales.  I disagree with this frame of mind.  Of course, you need to be shopping smart, comparing prices, checking per oz costs, etc..  BUT if something I regularly purchase is on sale, I’m getting it.  It may go in my freezer but I’ll have it.  I might need it in the next couple of weeks and it won’t be on sale…so I ALWAYS check the sales.

#4  –  HOW you shop can Matter

In the Our Groceries app, I can sort the categories in the order in which I like to shop the aisles.  My husband will get his beer or meat at the end so it doesn’t sit in the cart while shopping but I don’t have the patience for this.  I WILL put cold and frozen items on top of the meat. For that matter, I try to group the cold items together as well.

When I pick my produce, I usually pick in the back or under.  This is because Grocery stores use FIFO (first in, first out).  They restock the shelves by doing the older produce up front (or on top) and put the new stock in the back.

  • I like to bring our own bags. Some stores will give you a discount per bag, it is not much but it is the point.
  • I also TRY not to go to the store hungry, as I ALWAYS end up with items that lose their appeal once I eat something.
  • I always check the butcher counter for ground beef, chicken and items that you regularly pick up prepackaged.  The product tends to be fresher and often at a better price.

The bottom line to shopping smarter is to PLAN.  Taking off for the supermarket without a plan is a recipe for spending more than you need to.  I KNOW this.  I have lived it.  Being a busy mom, time for the supermarket wasn’t always something I had, I get it.  But if you take a breath from your busy life, have a cup of tea and make a plan…it all works out a little better.  🙂