Grocery list: Your weapon against impulse buys.

What would you say about the average American spending about $4,000 a year on impulse buys? According to a survey conducted by Slickdeals, a subreddit for consumer spending and saving, Americans splurge on impulsive purchases from groceries, clothes, electronics, among other things. Having a grocery list can help you identify what you need, prioritize what you want, and avoid unnecessary expenses. This article outlines how a grocery list can become your weapon against impulse buys.

Why do People Fall for Impulse Buys?

One of the reasons people fall for impulse buys is that they are easy prey to sales or promotions. For example, buy-one-get-one-frees, limited-time offers, or flashy packaging can lure you into buying a product you don’t need or hadn’t planned to buy in the first place. Grocery stores place such products strategically at the end of aisles, near the checkouts, and even in the line leading to the tills to increase their visibility to shoppers, hence encouraging them to buy.

Another reason is the psychology behind impulse buying. Impulse purchases give us a feeling of excitement, pleasure, and instant gratification that makes us feel good about ourselves. Impulsive shoppers are not concerned about the cost or usefulness of the product but more focused on the thrilling feeling of making a surprise purchase.

So, how can you break free from falling into the trap of impulse buying?

Grocery List Benefits

Creating a grocery list is not rocket science, but it has so many benefits in the long run. With a grocery list, you can budget better, reduce food waste, plan meals, and even reduce the number of times you visit the grocery store.

Let’s have a closer look at some of the benefits of having a grocery list:

Better Budgeting

Imagine you enter a grocery store with $100 intending to buy groceries for the week, but you realize after spending $50 that you still need some household necessities like laundry detergent or some toiletries. Seeing some leftover cash in your wallet, you get tempted to buy things that you don’t necessarily need, leading to impulse shopping.

With a grocery list, you can have a clear estimate of how much you are likely to spend, leaving no room for impulsive purchases. A grocery list helps you allocate your budget for essential items, and you won’t spend on anything not on the list. Thus, you can save the remaining cash or put it aside for other bills.

Less Food Waste

Have you ever gone grocery shopping without a list and ended up buying too much food or fresh produce? Sometimes, you start seeing deals and offers and end up buying more than you can consume before the expiry date.

Having a grocery list helps you buy only what you need, not what you want. You can check your pantry or fridge before heading to the store to reduce food waste. Also, a grocery list can help you plan meals according to what you have and what you are about to buy, ensuring that you use it before it expires.

Meal Planning

A grocery list can help you plan your meals for the week or even the month, making it easier to manage your diet. Meal planning can help you:

• Save time: Meal planning reduces the time you spend wondering what to cook, giving you more time to do other things or even relax.
• Cut down food expenses: Meal planning can help you buy ingredients in bulk, reducing your daily or weekly costs.
• Have a balanced diet: With meal planning, you can ensure that you have a balanced diet without missing out on essential nutrients.

Fewer Trips to the Store

Have you ever forgotten something on your grocery list and had to go back to the store? Such a mistake can be time-consuming, costly, and frustrating, especially if you have to drive a long distance. Having a grocery list helps you make fewer trips to the store, saving money on transportation and time.

How to Make a Grocery List

Making a grocery list is not just scribbling a few items on a piece of paper. You need to be intentional, detailed, and plan for the short and long term. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Check your fridge, pantry, and freezer inventory

The first step in making a grocery list is checking what you already have. Check your pantry, fridge, and freezer, and note what is about to finish or expire soon. In doing so, you will avoid buying more than you need and reduce food waste.

2. Check your weekly schedule

Checking your weekly schedule can help you plan your meals in advance and avoid impulsive eating. If you have evening plans, you can opt for easy-to-cook meals, reducing the time you spend in the kitchen.

3. Plan your meals

Planning your meals for the week or month can help you avoid eating the same thing repeatedly or falling for impulsive eating. Writing down your meals also helps you know what ingredients to buy, making it easier to budget and shop.

4. Write down the items you need

Once you have a clear picture of what you already have, planned meals, and weekly schedule, it’s time to write down the grocery list. Be specific, and write down the brand, quantity, and price if possible.

5. Categorize the items

Categorize your items according to sections in the store, making it easier to navigate, and save time. You can have categories such as fresh produce, dairy products, pantry staples, etc.

6. Add some fun items

While your grocery list is all about the essentials, it’s okay to include some fun items. For example, if you’ve been craving ice cream, add it to your list as a treat. It’s not every day you get to treat yourself.

7. Stick to the list

Lastly, and most importantly, stick to the list as much as possible. Avoid impulse buying as much as possible, and if you have to buy anything not on the list, ensure it’s something necessary, and it won’t break the bank.

Conclusion

The grocery list is not a new concept, but its benefits are worth noting. With a grocery list, you can budget better, reduce food waste, plan meals, and even reduce the number of times you visit the grocery store. Making a grocery list is not complicated, but it requires intentionality, attention to detail, and planning. Therefore, next time you go grocery shopping, arm yourself with your grocery list and resist the urge to make impulsive purchases.

Sources:

Slickdeals Consumer Spending Survey.