The first step in saving money on grocery shopping is to take some time a take into account what you actually have lurking in your pantry. We waste time and money buying what we already have.
I asked a client to do this, and she mentioned that she needs a stock of food for an emergency. I said, Ok, what do you have for your emergency?
When it gets down to it, the so called “emergency stock” is a can of red beets, some peas and a box of evaporated potatoes.
We get a sense of comfort when our pantry is full and “well stocked”. But really, what do we have in there. And if we need the food for an emergency, then what do we have to fall back on.
The government offers some ideas here: http://sema.dps.mo.gov/06EmergencyFood.pdf.
I also recommend putting true emergency stock someplace other than your pantry, or in a specific box. That way, you know it’s there and what it’s for.
Now, there is specific food and a specific spot for your emergency stash. The rest of the pantry is fair game. Know what is in there, and what you are going to use it for.
If you won’t use it, give it to a food bank. If it’s a bag of chips that have been open too long – throw them out. Getting your pantry in order is step one to grocery savings.
