Do you have expired items in your pantry, freezer or refrigerator? Each time you toss those expired items in the trash you are throwing your money in the trash along with it. When you are grocery shopping are you buying too much?  Perhaps the larger size may be more
economical, but is it really worth the savings when you are throwing away portions of it because you cannot use it all and it has expired. If you shop with coupons, you can afford to buy the smaller size and cut the waste.

Before you go to the grocery store, check to see what you already have that you could use for the week.  How many breakfast options do you have in your refrigerator, pantry or freezer? Can you get by another week without buying breakfast foods? Apply the same principle with lunch and dinner. Plan your meals for the week before going to the store, so that you know exactly what you already have and what you need. Don’t go to the grocery store without a list.  Those that shop with a list are more apt to spend less than those that go without one.  When you have a list to concentrate on you are more focused.  Make sure to clip your coupons and match them to your list.  Do not buy items just because you have a coupon unless you know you will use them.

While at the grocery store, shop the perimeter of the store.  The perimeters (outer sides) have the fresh items such as fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, meats, etc.  The outer perimeter is the healthiest part of the grocery store.  You want to eat fresh to keep you and your family healthy.
Also, by buying fresh fruits and vegetables you control how much you buy thereby limiting the amount of waste for the week. Take a good look around your grocery store and make note of what is in the middle isles versus the outer perimeter.  You will notice that the middle isles contain the more “fattening” or “junk” foods.  These are the items that you want to limit.

You will also want to limit those items that you spray.  Have you ever considered the amount of money you are throwing away with spray items such as sunscreen sprays? You are spraying the contents while the wind is blowing, thereby spraying yourself, others, and out to sea!  I’m not saying not to buy these items I just want you to be aware of the other options out there for you that will save you money in the long run. For spray cleaners, it is best to spray them onto a cloth and then clean the surface.  Many spray cleaners will irritate the lungs especially for those suffering from Asthma, so just be cautious when spraying cleaners.

Remember, don’t over shop, use coupons and stay healthy, wealthy and debt free!