It’s one of the times that it’s inevitable that we will pay more than we should have to- the unplanned grocery store trip.
For some of us they happen often and others it’s a rarity- but they happen. That Sunday evening when you realize there is nothing that the kids can really take for lunch (cold Beefaroni anyone?), the produce drawer is empty and the milk in the freezer is too frozen for cereal.
No time to print coupons- we have 10 minutes until bed time and we’re going to have to just wing it.
My family tries to limit these types of trips- because they are pricey! We can easily spend our entire grocery budget on half a cart of stuff without a single good deal in it!
Taking an unexpected (i.e unplanned ) trip can be expensive.
Here are a few tips to avoid overspending & overpaying on these unplanned trips:
If possible, go alone. When offered an apple at home- my kids are fine with red or green. In fact, they don’t even have a preference but for some reason when shown the different varieties in a store- suddenly only the ones NOT on sale are good enough. Whenever I have to make these “emergency runs” I do my best to leave them at home (or in the car with Daddy!)
Have a list. It might not be the type of list I recommend with items, prices, coupons, total out of pocket cost- but it will be better than nothing! It will keep you on track to get only what you NEED and not just what looks or smells good!
Add up your cart as you go. The #1 tip for not overpaying or overspending is to know your total before you get to the register. It saves so much frustration when you are walking to the car to realize that you were charged for two packages of strawberries but only got one. Use your cell phone calculator to add as items are put into your basket. You might be less likely to put that pricey package of fancy crackers in the cart if you realize you already have $47 in your cart!
Look up, down, all around. Manufacturers pay a price for premium shelf space- and that often means that the more expensive ones are right at eye level. So if you are looking for graham crackers- look up and down and around the ones right in your face. You might see that the store brand is less expensive or there is a hidden Buy One Get One Free Sale.
Run the numbers: Bigger isn’t always better and small things don’t always come in the most cost effective package. Check the unit prices of any items you are planning to buy. All the different sizes and prices can get confusing so get a common denominator with the price per ounce or pound or item.
Look for coupons in the store: Look for rebate forms that can help you get a little money back, look for digital coupons ( like Savingstar or Ibotta or Checkout51 ) and in-store tear pads, hang tags and peelies. Even if it is only 50¢- that’s savings you were not expecting! Be sure to calculate these savings into the final price when comparing different brands. Coupons don’t always make the best deal!
Do you have any tips for saving on these unplanned trips?
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