Buy Only What You Need

It requires a great deal of discipline to resist impulse buying. And never is that truer than when shopping for food. It is one of the most costly items in a family’s budget.

At the same time, what you pay for food can usually be reduced a great deal by careful planning. With this in mind, observe a cardinal rule: Never shop for food when you are hungry. Never. You will invariably buy things (usually sweets) that you would not ordinarily buy. Have you not found that to be true?

Making a shopping list and sticking to it is another must for keeping within a budget. Unless you do, each time you enter the store, you will come out with more than you had planned to buy. According to surveys, a woman planning to buy 3 items in a supermarket, without a list, will end up with 8 to 10 items; a man with nearly 20! Of course, the stores contribute to this. How?

Necessities, such as dairy products, meats, and vegetables, are usually stocked far from checkout counters. Therefore, you must pass many products to get to these items. And before you have what you came in for, your basket may be half full. Obviously, a list in hand is essential in cutting down unneeded purchases.

Before shopping, it is also wise to check the store’s fliers for sales. Thus, if your budget allows, you can stock up on staples and plan the next week’s menus accordingly. Knowing the items and their usual prices will help you to avoid marketing gimmicks where an item is promoted but really not at a savings. Shopping in the middle of the week is another aid. The store will be less crowded, you will be less hurried, and you can still benefit from the sales. And remember to take advantage of fruits and vegetables in season. They are much more economical then and can often be canned for future use. Obviously, careful planning beforehand is necessary.

You may find it wise not to take the children shopping with you. Why? Because not only will they distract you but they have been conditioned to force you to buy what they see on television. Many mothers have been manipulated by their children at checkout counters to buy unnecessary toys and junk food that have been conveniently placed where the child can grab them.

Comparison Shopping

Considerable savings can be achieved by comparing store prices. Also, when buying in quantity, check to see which store gives the greatest discount. Some paint stores, for instance, give a 10-percent discount for four or more gallons of the same color. Often you can team up with others and share the products as well as the savings.

When buying food, the same procedure can be followed. Check your local paper to learn when each store has its sales and shop accordingly. Do not be a slave to brand names. A popular brand may lead in sales but not necessarily in nutrition. Popular brands are usually higher priced to cover advertising and packaging. Store brands may be just as good.

The “no frills” items of recent years are a boost to any budget. They are often packaged in plain black and white containers (hence their name). But do not judge them before trying them. Many are comparable in quality and taste to brand names, yet much less expensive. The same holds true with prescription drugs. A generic drug is identified by its chemical name rather than by a registered brand name. Its composition is the same, but it costs much less.

Of course, care must be used when doing comparison shopping. If one dashes all over town for just an item or two on sale, the amount saved will quickly be used up in transportation costs. So be sensible. You can even save by shopping in one store regularly. You get to know when sales are run. You also learn where the products are, and thus you save time. For those on a very busy schedule, that can be as important as saving money.

Resist Shopping Traps

Most supermarkets endeavor to promote impulse buying. Since their methods are often subliminal, you need to counteract their moves with knowledge, diligence, and discipline.

Clever packaging is one device used. Have you noticed how many products have colorful pictures of the food on them? Many are red in color or have red lettering on them. That is why the “no frills” items seem dull by comparison​—the appetite has not been whetted!

Be alert to the way that products are priced. Remember, pricing items at 99¢, $1.99, $2.99, and so forth, is a psychological trick that works on many. Also, do not feel compelled to buy items you may not need simply because they are advertised at three for 99 cents.

Another way customers may be influenced to buy is by where the food is positioned in the store. End-of-aisle displays, where the shopper has to slow down, often stock high-profit items or junk foods. The most expensive items are usually positioned at eye level. Compare them with the prices of items on the top and bottom shelves.

Coupons save money, but they also promote sales. In the United States, over 90 billion were issued in 1980 alone. Many persons buy the products just because they have the coupons. So remember: Coupons will be a savings only if you redeem them for products you need and regularly use. No item​—regardless of cost—​is a bargain if you really do not need it.

Do not let your guard down as you approach the checkout counter. You may have avoided many traps, but now you are captive​—you have to wait in line. And what is there to entice you? Why, candies, magazines, and those toys the children can grab and ease into your cart. When you do see them, it is often too late. Either you have already paid for them or you have to confront your determined child. The store has won!

But you can be the winner. Skillful shoppers can not only stay within their budgets but also save money while shopping. Could your shopping skills be improved? Why not make it a point each week to seek new ways to shop and save. Your family will benefit and so will you.

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Do You Know

Why necessities usually are far from checkout counters?

How stores help children manipulate their parents to buy things?

How you can save on prescription drugs?

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The most expensive items are often found at eye level, so compare items above and below