If you feel panic every time you step into a grocery store due to the soaring prices, or simply want greater control over your food budget, then grocery budgeting strategies are a must.

What Grocery Budgeting Strategies Have the Biggest Impact?

The key with grocery shopping and budgeting is getting realistic about how much your household needs for a week and then creating a plan before going shopping.  A little planning helps reduce impulse purchases and minimize food waste, while keeping your grocery bill under control (and staying out of panic mode).

• Plan your meals for the week before making a shopping list

• Check your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer before you head to the store so you don't buy items you already have

• Set a grocery budget and stick to it by using a calculator as you add items to your cart

• Buy store brands when possible (they're often just as good as national brands)

• Build meals around weekly sales and seasonal produce

• Purchase pantry staples in bulk if you'll use them before they expire

• Limit convenience foods, which often cost significantly more than preparing meals at home

• Use digital coupons and store loyalty programs to maximize savings

• If possible, shop two or three local stores (ALDI and Nina’s Mexican Market are good examples), so you take advantage of the sale prices at each one

Strategies like these can help minimize the impact of the rising food prices we see each day. It can also free up more funds in your budget for you to allocate to your Eureka Savings Bank savings account.