Once a Month Shopping Tips & Tricks
Do you despise shopping and try to knock the task out once a month? While shopping just once a month for groceries and toiletries is completely possible, it does take some work and organization. So where do you begin? Take a look below at once a month shopping tips and tricks so you can get the job knocked out easily!
1. Create a monthly meal menu.
Try to create a monthly meal menu where you lay out at least your dinner idea for each night. This will help you plan a practical grocery list. If you are more ambitious, you can also figure in breakfast and lunch ideas too.
You can download our Weekly Menu Plan Here. I like to keep in mind what I’m buying and plan meals that have ingredients that will expire towards the beginning of the month (Think Tacos with Sour Cream) and things that Freeze Well or last a long time towards the end of the month (Frozen Lasagna).
2. Base your shopping around sales.
Keep your eyes on sale ads so you can plan your shopping trip when prices are at their best. You might find this to be at the end of the month, however selection may not always be as good. Planning your shopping around sale times can help make the trip more budget friendly. I also like to Stockpile groceries when I find a great deal so remember that your shopping trip is often to complete what you need for that month, not always for every item on your menu. Pull from what you have on hand first to save money!
3. Organize your coupons.
Chances are you will be shopping with coupons, so organizing them for this one big haul is important. Be sure all are current, organized by department, and easy to find so you can have them ready at checkout as needed.
4. Limit the Number of Stores.
Try to shop at a store that price matches so you don’t have to run from store to store and can knock everything out in one swoop. This is a great way to save money, time, and even gas! It really is a win/win all around. When I’m doing Once a Month Shopping I tend to hit up a Wholesale Club and a Discount Store, so for example Sam’s and Aldi’s. I know I can grab almost everything I need between these 2 stores.
5. Get familiar with freezing/drying food.
When shopping once a month, you need to keep your perishables fresh until the next trip. Be sure you know how to properly freeze and dry food so it can last you longer and be available when you need it. You will find all sorts of tutorials online!
6. Shop with a list.
Keep a month long list running that you can consult when it comes time to shop. This way you can be sure nothing is overlooked and everything you need is in your cart. A great place to keep this running list is a common area such as a home office.
7. Give yourself time to learn.
Shopping once a month and getting everything you need does take time. Give yourself a learning curve so you can figure out which methods work best for you and your budget. Don’t beat yourself up if it takes a few months to get a routine down.
Are you ready to shop once a month and save time and money? Give these strategies a try and see if they don’t help you out!
I usually don’t use coupons as they are not on the products I want or use. I do buy store brand products as they are not as pricy. I buy bulk on some things I use regular, like flour peanut butter. Here in my small town they have weekly sales and it is not wise to buy 1 month at a time also for milk, lettuce, spinach and other produce weekly is best.