💵 Budget Shopping Guide

Plan Meals & Make Lists

• Plan weekly meals before shopping
• Check what you already have at home
• Create organized shopping list
• Stick to your list (avoid impulse buys)
• Plan meals around sales
• Use leftovers in next day's meals

Potential savings: 15-25%

Compare Unit Prices

• Look at price per ounce/gram, not total price
• Bigger isn't always cheaper
• Use calculator if needed
• Store brand often best value
• Shelf tags usually show unit price
• Compare across brands and sizes

Potential savings: 10-20%

Buy Store Brands

• Same quality, lower price (often 20-30% less)
• Many made by name-brand manufacturers
• Compare ingredients - often identical
• Especially good for: flour, sugar, spices, canned goods
• Try one item at a time

Potential savings: 20-30%

Use Coupons & Apps

• Download store apps for digital coupons
• Stack manufacturer and store coupons
• Use cashback apps (Ibotta, Checkout 51)
• Sign up for loyalty programs
• Check weekly circulars
• Only use for items you actually need

Potential savings: 10-30%

Buy in Bulk Wisely

• Only for items you use regularly
• Check expiration dates
• Best for: rice, pasta, beans, oats
• Split bulk purchases with friends
• Calculate cost per unit
• Ensure proper storage

Potential savings: 15-40%

Buy Seasonal Produce

• In-season = cheaper and fresher
• Learn what's in season each month
• Frozen vegetables year-round value
• Canned tomatoes, beans also nutritious
• Visit farmers markets for deals
• Buy extra and freeze or preserve

Potential savings: 30-50%

Smart Meat Shopping

• Buy family packs and portion at home
• Look for manager's specials/markdowns
• Use less expensive cuts (slow cook)
• Have meatless meals 1-2 times weekly
• Buy whole chicken vs. parts
• Ground meat: cheaper protein source

Potential savings: 20-40%

Cook From Scratch

• Pre-made foods cost 2-3x more
• Batch cook and freeze portions
• Make your own: bread, snacks, sauces
• Pack lunches instead of buying
• Brew coffee at home
• Cook dried beans vs. canned

Potential savings: 30-60%

Embrace Frozen & Canned

• Frozen vegetables as nutritious as fresh
• No waste from spoilage
• Often cheaper than fresh
• Canned tomatoes, beans excellent value
• Watch sodium in canned goods
• Frozen fruit perfect for smoothies

Potential savings: 25-35%

Shop at Right Times

• Morning for fresh bakery markdowns
• Evening for meat/produce clearance
• Wednesday for new sale cycles
• Avoid weekends (less crowded = faster)
• Never shop hungry!
• End of month for manager specials

Potential savings: 10-30%

Reduce Food Waste

• Use "first in, first out" method
• Store food properly (extends life)
• Freeze what you won't use in time
• Use vegetable scraps for broth
• Plan "use it up" meals weekly
• Learn to love leftovers

Potential savings: 15-25%

Build Meals Around Staples

• Rice, pasta, beans, potatoes = cheap base
• Add smaller amounts of protein
• Bulk up with vegetables
• Eggs: versatile, inexpensive protein
• Oats for breakfast (vs. cereal)
• Lentils: nutritious and filling

Potential savings: 20-35%

Grains ($0.10-$0.30/serving)

• Rice (white, brown, wild)
• Oats (quick or rolled)
• Pasta (whole wheat or regular)
• Quinoa (buy in bulk)
• Barley
• Bread (buy on sale, freeze extra)

Proteins ($0.15-$0.75/serving)

• Dried beans (kidney, black, pinto)
• Lentils (red, green, brown)
• Eggs (often under $0.25 each)
• Peanut butter
• Canned tuna/salmon
• Chicken thighs (cheaper than breasts)

Vegetables ($0.20-$0.60/serving)

• Potatoes (white, sweet)
• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Onions
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Canned tomatoes

Fruits ($0.15-$0.50/serving)

• Bananas
• Apples (in season)
• Oranges
• Frozen berries
• Canned fruit (in juice, not syrup)
• Seasonal melons

Monday: Pasta Night

Pasta with marinara sauce and vegetables. Add beans or ground meat if budget allows. Serve with garlic bread.

Cost per serving: $1.50-$2.00

Tuesday: Breakfast for Dinner

Scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit. Easy, cheap, and nutritious. Kids love it too!

Cost per serving: $1.00-$1.50

Wednesday: Bean Burrito Bowls

Rice, beans, salsa, cheese, lettuce. Top with sour cream or avocado if desired.

Cost per serving: $1.25-$2.00

Thursday: Slow Cooker Chicken

Whole chicken or thighs with potatoes and carrots. Makes great leftovers.

Cost per serving: $2.00-$3.00

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Use store-bought dough or make your own. Top with sauce, cheese, and vegetables.

Cost per serving: $1.50-$2.50

Weekend: Use Leftovers

Soup or stir-fry using week's leftover vegetables and proteins. Serve over rice or noodles.

Cost per serving: $1.00-$2.00