These tips for staying focused at the grocery store actual come from my passion for couponing. Before I had kids a few years ago, I joined the Extreme Couponing bandwagon.
I didn’t go buy 100 toothbrushes, but I did always have a stock of 5 or so in my closet. Buying multiple items when they are at their lowest cost is what Extreme Couponing and stockpiling is all about.
But I just don’t have time for that anymore!
Tips For Staying Focused At The Grocery Store
That’s one of the main reasons my favorite store is Target. I can still coupon and save money, but on a scaled down level – from Extreme Couponer to Mommy Couponer.
Extreme Couponer: Shop multiple stores for the best deals, and have a coupon for every item.
Mommy Couponer: Shop at one store, and have a few coupons you hopefully don’t forget at check out.
Staying focused at the grocery store doesn’t have to be hard. Use these three tips to stay on your game while shopping with kids. And at the bottom of the post, there is a free printable to help you with this.
Make a List
Make a list before you get to the store, even if it is in the car before you walk in. A list will keep you on track so you don’t overbuy AND overspend. Every time I shop without a list I come home with all kinds of things we don’t need and an almost empty bank account. Carry a simple notepad or grocery list in your bag so you always have it on hand.
I love this pad because everything is already written for you. Just check off what you need.
Easy Access to Coupons
Know what coupons you have and keep them in a spot that is easy to access. You never know what your kids will be doing when you are in the checkout lane. My kids choose that time to grab candy bars and try to fall out of the cart. I love using Target Cartwheel, and then putting my clipped or printed coupons into a small handheld coupon pouch or envelope.
Estimate Your Costs
Are you having trouble staying in your budget? Try this tip – On your grocery list, estimate how much you think each item will cost and subtract your coupons. If you have $50 to spend but your estimates say everything will cost $100, you know you need to cut back somewhere. It is so much easier to budget ahead of time, rather than after the groceries are rung up. This really does help you in staying focused on what you need to buy and what you need to leave at the store for next time.
Staying focused in the grocery store is vital to not only staying in budget but also helping you to remember everything on your list. These tips along with the printable below will make your next shopping trip focused and successful.
Free Printable Grocery List and Coupon Organizer
Use this free printable to follow the three tips above and stay focused at the grocery store. Just click on the link below to download the list. Print it out every time you head out to the store.
Instructions to print:
Enter your name and email below. You will be directed to the Practical Printables page. You now have access to all the free printables on Practical Mommy. Note: You will be subscribed to a mailing list. You can unsubscribe at any time, no hard feelings!
I hope this helps! You can also check out my Pinterest Board – Mommy Planners, Lists and Printables, for more great resources.
Looking to start couponing