Is your grocery budget quietly getting out of control? Here are seven common signs that could mean you’re overspending – and how to fix them.
1. You don’t know your grocery spend
Think you’ve got it under control? Double-check. Pull your last 3 months of bank statements, total every grocery transaction, and see how it stacks up. You can’t cut what you haven’t measured.
2. You throw away food every week
Leftover chicken. Half a pot of sour cream. If you’re binning food regularly, you’re binning money. Write down what you waste for one week. Seeing it in dollars might be all the motivation you need to stop.
3. Your pantry is more packets than produce
If your shelves are stacked with convenience foods and snacks, it’s time to shift. These items cost more per portion and lead to impulse buying. Set a 4-week goal to stock more staple ingredients—and less packaging.
4. The Uber Eats driver knows your name
If takeout is a regular fallback or you’re top-up shopping five times a week, it’s costing you. Less planning = more spending. Meal plan, buy in bulk, and reduce the visits.
5. No idea what’s for dinner at 5pm
That “what should we have?” conversation is usually code for “let’s get takeout.” A simple plan for just 3 dinners ahead will help you avoid last-minute (and expensive) decisions.
6. You shop without a list
Stats don’t lie: 1 in 3 people shop without a list. Most don’t stick to a budget. Without a plan, stores will tempt you into overspending. Fix it with a list, a budget, and a clear plan.
7. You treat yourself every shop
A cheeky $3 snack here and there doesn’t seem like much—until it adds up to $300+ a year. Be intentional. Budget for treats if they matter to you, but stay aware.
Do some of these sound familiar…? Follow the @GroceryDad YouTube channel for tips and advice on how to eat better for less.
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Stick to your grocery budget, and level up in the kitchen…
To help keep your grocery budget under control, take the mental load out of your weekly food planning, and use more of what you already have in your pantry, we recommend the Just Eat This app. Get the free trial today!