This month, I decided to try using cash only for groceries, with emphasis on trying.
With some health issues, bills, and less income, things are getting tight.
I’ve read so much about using cash only that I had to try this to see if it really works.
Going from using credit card to cash is challenging because I had to start planning out my grocery purchases more thoroughly.
I couldn’t just run out to the grocery store like I used to.
Instead, I had to put together my grocery list, the price of each item, and gather all of my relevant coupons. When I got to the store, I had to stick to my list as closely as possible.
What I wasn’t prepared for though, was the constant temptations at the store. I am always enticed to buy items not on my list! What an eye opener.
I drive 20 minutes to go to Whole Foods so if I’m there, I have to weigh out if I need that item now or if it can wait until my next trip. It’s a waste of gas to drive back if I only need one item.
So there’s a constant battle in my head. Can this wait or do I need this now?
It’s hard! Sometimes, I overbuy and other times I don’t buy enough. And if I run out and have to get it at a closer store, the item costs more!
But because I have a limited amount of cash with me, I always put stuff back. I do carry a little extra cash with me in case there’s an awesome sale on something I buy regularly. And I have seen a lot of great sales like buy one get one free deals, which I have advantage of.
What using cash only has done is helped me stick closer to our grocery budget and analyze buying habits.
This is only my first month of using cash for groceries so it will take some getting used to.
I only used my credit card for groceries 3 times this month, which is an improvement. And I enjoy seeing a lower credit card bill.
Do you use cash only to pay for groceries? What are your tips?
Photo Credit: JMR_Photography
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Tips:
1. Make a meal plan (for however many breakfasts/lunches/dinners you will need to provide before you get your hands on more cash).
2. Be flexible. Check out the meats that have been clearanced. If you are not cooking it that day, freeze it. You may find a cut of meat you would not normally be able to afford, or cheaper than usual allowing more room for other things – or better yet, buy more than you need to stock your freezer!
3. Things like rice, pasta, and breads are inexpensive ways to add more to meal.
4. Save leftovers. If you can’t tolerate eating things twice in a row, freeze them in small portions for later. Reuse dishes – for example leftover mashed potatoes can be a topping for shepherd’s pie.
5. Have breakfast for dinner one night! No one ever sits down to a nice big breakfast anymore, so who wouldn’t want to have homemade waffles, scrambled eggs, and sausage? Breakfast is a cheap meal, and a fun way to stretch your money!
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for the great tips!
Fanny
Breakfast for dinner? I’d like an omelette please! =)
We set aside cash from each paycheck and only spend what we have. We focus meals based on sale items (meat primarily) for each week. We check weekly ads for all nearby supermarkets and plan our shopping list/trip(s). We also freeze meats that we don’t use right away. Budgeting cash for groceries helps us control our spending because we physically see the money leave and the amount shrink (until the next paycheck).
Interestingly, we’ve found Trader Joe’s to be the best price for good peanut butter (their regular price is half what supermarkets charge!) and for other items. We also go to dollar stores sometimes. They actually have some brand name items in a smaller size but for only $1!
Tip: Calculate the per ounce or per unit cost to make sure you’re actually getting a good deal. We don’t shop at CostCo because supermarket sales are usually better. The nice thing about CostCo is they do have some quality produce, if you need that much.
Ivan,
Thanks for the tips. I will be using some of your tips for a future post.
Fanny
We do a lot of the same things from the post from Melissa.. I plan out at least 6 crockpot meals for the month that use similar meat and veggies and put it all together in one day in freezer bags. I also pre-make breakfast burritos, and a quick few snacks for the month. Planning out your meals by month can take some time, but the money you save is worth it!! (you also have a lot less ‘splurges’ at the store!)