Update: I finally got a handle on my grocery budget after six months of failing

I was always going over my $400 monthly food budget for just me, sometimes by $100. Last month, I started planning five dinners a week and making a strict list based on that plan, nothing else. I also switched to shopping on Saturday mornings instead of after work when I'm tired. It sounds so simple, but I stuck to it and only spent $380. I didn't buy a single random snack. Has anyone else found a specific shopping time that helps them stick to a list?

3 comments

3 Comments

elliot_gibson2723d agoTop Commenter

Used to shop tired, now mornings save me.

victorh8123d ago

Nice! My trick is hitting the store right when they open on Sunday. The shelves are fully stocked from the night crew, and the place is dead quiet. No crowds to make me rush past my list or get tempted by sample stations. It feels like I have the whole place to myself to just focus.

dakotab9322d ago

Victor's Sunday morning plan is solid, but the night crew doesn't always finish. I've shown up at opening to find empty spots waiting for the day shift. Early is still best, just don't expect every shelf to be perfect.