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What do we do when grocery shopping?

Updated: Apr 4, 2024

Grocery shopping is a necessary task that families undertake weekly or monthly. It's a convenient way to get food and daily essentials in our busy schedules. However, it's interesting to think that there was a time in history when humans didn't need grocery stores to survive. Some people in the 21st century still follow these practices, and I find it awe-inspiring. I aspire to be like them someday.


But for most of us, grocery stores are a necessity. Big grocery companies cater to our needs, and we are grateful for their services. We have our own shopping habits and tips, and we would like to share them with you.


Set a designated day for grocery shopping


On a typical day, our family schedules grocery shopping every two weeks, usually after we receive our salary and during our days off. This day is crucial as it allows us to clean out the pantry and fridge of expired food and make room for new supplies.


Make a budget for weekly or monthly groceries.


Creating and following a family budget for grocery shopping can have long-term benefits. Our family's budget is $200 per fortnight for a household of two.

Create a shopping list


Remembering what we need to buy at the grocery store can be difficult, which is why creating a list is crucial. To assist with this, we use a list pad on the fridge and our phone to keep track of what we need to purchase.



Buying in large quantities or bulk


Buying in bulk is important because it's more cost-effective. This is especially true for consumable products that don't have expiration dates, such as shampoo, rice, and cleaning materials.


Bring your shopping bags.


Save your money by avoiding the purchase of shopping bags. My family has a box of reusable shopping bags that we use every time we go grocery shopping. However, having too many shopping bags to store is not ideal. Our goal is to achieve zero waste by reusing shopping bags.


Lookout for lower prices and sale


Most grocery stores offer promos, low prices, and sale corners. Shopping during these special events guarantees that you can purchase more items within your grocery budget.


Respect others at the grocery store.


The grocery store can get busy at times. It's important to follow the store protocols while shopping to ensure smooth transactions. This includes maintaining a 1.5-meter distance from other people, especially during a pandemic.

When operating a trolley, it is important to pay attention to your surroundings to prevent accidents. Additionally, it is recommended to be patient and wait your turn during checkout. However, if someone politely requests to go ahead of you, it may be kind to offer them the opportunity.


Keep your receipts


I always make sure to hold onto my receipts because I can earn reward points with Receipt Jar, an online app. By simply scanning my receipts and completing other missions, I can accumulate points that can be redeemed for gift cards from various stores. Personally, I prefer to redeem my points for Apple gift cards which I use for my subscriptions. If you're interested in trying it out, feel free to use my code BMADP4R4F to receive 200 points on your first receipt upload.


Only buy something you need


Lastly, there are times when we may feel compelled to purchase something unnecessary or simply something we like. The trick is to create a level of inconvenience for yourself while shopping, such as covering one eye or locking one hand. Of course, this is a joke. In reality, discipline is the key to avoiding impulse purchases. Ask yourself repeatedly if the item is something you need or want.


Going grocery shopping can be an enjoyable experience requiring some planning. However, it can also be daunting for individuals who struggle with carrying heavy items. In the past, my late brother always accompanied me and helped with the heavier items. Despite this, I still enjoyed shopping for groceries with my family.








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