As far as expenses go, groceries will always be one of your family’s biggest costs, but there is such a thing as spending too much on food. According to the Credit Counselling Society, you should spend no more than 20 percent of your income on filling your fridge and cupboards.
Of course, you have some leeway following this rule, depending on your family size, diet, and location. So, how can you tell if you paying too much? Here are four red flags.
Red Flag #1: You’re at Your Financial Limit
The biggest sign you’re spending too much on groceries is if you’re constantly moving cash from other parts of your budget and maxing out credit cards to put food on the table.
While you might be able to juggle it all now, this bad habit could spell trouble down the road. Suppose you need to rush your son to the emergency room after he hurts himself playing soccer. How will you afford his visit if you can’t put this expense on plastic?
If you’re currently dealing with unexpected clinic visits and lab fees, research how you can apply for an online loan. Getting a loan online rather than a storefront is a convenient way to boost your budget in an unexpected emergency. You may be able to get quick cash online because many online lenders provide simple and fast applications available 24/7.
If you aren’t fielding an emergency, sit down with your budget to see how you can set aside cash into a medical fund.
Red Flag #2: You’re Throwing Away Food
Every family buys more than they can eat occasionally — even ones with teenagers.
You’re busy, so you toss random things into your cart, thinking you’ll figure how out how you’ll use them later. Perhaps there was a 3-for-1 sale on something, and now you’re stuck with three times as much broccoli as you need. Or maybe you just forgot about that salad until it’s green liquid sloshing in the bag.
Food waste happens sometimes, but it could be a problem if you’re constantly tossing veggies and condiments before you can eat them. The average American family of four throws out $1,600 each year in produce alone. That would be a considerable contribution to your medical fund!
Red Flag #3: You Aren’t Shopping with Your Phone
Believing you only need to bring your wallet with you is another big sign of overspending. By leaving your cell phone at home, or tucked away in your purse, you can’t use it as the money-saving tool that it is.
There’s a long list of grocery apps that track down sales, locate coupons, and even provide rebates on select items. You stand to save a lot of money if you combine them.
- Checkout 51: You can earn money back on a range of grocery store items, including cereal, dairy products, and snacks.
- Coupons.com: If getting paid to shop from your list doesn’t promise enough cost-savings, you can print coupon from your phone or add them to your store loyalty card.
- SnipSnap: If you don’t have loyalty cards, this couponing app lets you carry your coupons on your phone.
Groceries might seem like one of those expenses that will always take a good bite out of your paycheck, but there are ways to trim it down to a nibble. Heed these warning signs and make changes to the way you shop — they’ll help you fill your fridge without packing on costs.
