Don't go shopping while you're hungry and other life lessons
DeAndre' Upshaw on Feb 11, 2009 My mother has forever cautioned me not to go shopping when I'm hungry. If you've never heard this maxim, it's because if you show up to the Wal-Mart thirsting for delicious food, you're going to buy a lot of stuff that you don't need.
Have you ever wondered why people impulse buy? It's a combination of a lot of different things, but if you follow a few tips, you can avoid the trap of spending too much moolah.
1. Always make a shopping list. It's best if you have one written down in your head or on your phone. If you know what you've come to the store to get, you'll be more direct in what you're going to purchase, and won't zigzag around the store, seeing things that you want but don't need.
2. Know where you shop. This is essential, because supermarkets bank on the fact that you will stray, because you don't have a shopping list (see #1). Just like rush hour traffic, its important to know your route. Even if you have to go to the store and scope out the best way to get to the prouce section without passing the Lil' Debbies, do it. Your wallet will thank you.
3. Don't be afraid of coupons. H-E-B looooooves coupons. Its how they get rid of food that's nearing the end of its shelf life. This doesn't mean the food is bad, it just means there are other things that need that shelf space. H-E-B and Kroger will do you a favor and post the coupons right next to the food that they are for. The other day I got some sausage, lil smokies, ranch dressing, chips, a 12 pack of soda and some shredded cheese just because I bought some hot wings on Super Bowl Sunday. Look for the coupons. They are your friend.
4. At the check out-line, if you find anything that you think, "Do I really need this?" take it out. I often get more than I need when shopping and find it nessecary to pull things out in the check-out line. And if you get side-eyes from the people around you, so what? You're saving money, yo.
Saving money starts and ends at your wallet. Be smart about how you spend your money. Got some supermarket savings tips? Oh you so know where to put those bad boys. (The comment section!)
DeAndre'
