Note: Please be aware that this post is about my reality in PR, and it may be different where you live. I really hope that it can inspire you to better get control of your grocery shopping reality.

There is a time in life where you can go wherever you want, buy whatever you need, and not have any sense of remorse about it. And then… reality hits. Life happens, and you have to learn to live on what you have, and manage it the best way possible.

My LIFE moment was when my husband resign one of his jobs. He had 2 jobs in PR, and due to the economical crisis on the island, his medical insurance got dramatically cut. Mind you, he had full medical in his employment, which was a huge plus in our pockets. We weren’t 100% o.k., but we did have pizza weekends on occasions, or takeout Sunday. But right now, LIFE has changed, and we have to adjust accordingly.

Now, with a 11.5% sales tax rate, we are one of (if not the) highest tax rate between the US and its territories, so saving every penny matters. And in my case, it begins with grocery shopping. We are a family of 4, which have a very busy schedule between, work/school, therapies, after school activities, stop at “abuela’s” house for dinner (WE ARE GRATEFUL), and return home about 7:30 pm. I needed to find a way to manage my groceries, because let’s face it, we are out a lot, and we need to have a sense of control.

STEP 1: Establish a amount of money to spend

In order to know what to spend, you first need to budget. (OH, NO! I SAID THE “B” WORD!) But seriously, if you don’t know how much you are willing to spend a month, you will most likely spend more than what you would like. In my case, since we are not at home a lot, and we are usually at home Saturdays and Sundays, I established a monthly grocery budget of $200. I know it isn’t much, but like I said, we aren’t usually here, so while I continue experimenting with this budgeting experience, this number should go higher.

On the plus side, knowing what you are willing to spend each month gives you a sense of control. You become conscious on what is it that you need, rather on the impulse of a want disguised as a need. Because let’s face it, sometimes you need the dark chocolate for your sanity, or you need the new Tupperware because its on sale. Having an established, controlled amount to spend a month, gives you the opportunity to study what is actually a priority to spend. But for now, let’s stick to groceries.

STEP 2: Make a list and look for offers

This may seem like a “duh” step, but believe me, I did not shop with a list at hand. And actually, when you see people grocery shopping, they don’t either. So it is important to assess what you have in your fridge or pantry, and write down what you need. Keep in mind for quick and easy lunches that you can make beforehand, so you don’t spend at a fast-food restaurant, because it takes a toll (True Story).

After you find what you need, (which in my case its usually juices and snacks for school, quick lunches like pasta, cereals and other breakfast foods) search for offers. Many people search for coupons, others use Ibotta, or other money saving apps, but in my personal experience, I was buying for more brand name items, which with the discount, was more expensive than the generic brands.

What has worked for me is to “do my homework” and search though supermarket ads for deals. In PR, there is a website called shop.pr, where you have electronic access to different shopping ads on the island, and can search for deals. You can register for free, and create your own shopping list with these deals. If you would like to try it out, check it out here. I usually use it on my phone, but the website version is much cleaner and has more features.

STEP 3: Be a smart shopper!

You have your list, found your offers, now its time to shop. Now, shopping can be tricky and even time consuming. Mind you, there have been times that I have used supermarkets with delivery apps, so I wouldn’t leave my home. Other times, where I literally store hopped to shop my offers. But lately, I price match my groceries at my local Walmart (No, there is no Aldy’s in PR).

Now, even if you decide not to shop at a Walmart (because it is chaotic), be mindful of what you buy. Have a good breakfast or lunch before shopping. Take your time, and check prices. Bring a calculator or use your calculator app on your phone. Keep in mind that usually store brands are just as flavorful and work just as well as brand-named items, for a more cheaper price.

Check the offers and what it is offered. For example, was thinking of using a Lipton soup offer, where it was 4 for $5 (or $1.25 each), and saw the family pack of soup for $2.50. Same 4 packets I was planning to buy, but less packaging. Toilet paper rolls in an offer was actually more expensive than the same product in the Walmart I shopped. But if you don’t take your time, you may override these simple details when you shop.

If you prefer to store hop, do your fair share of comparing prices. It can be tricky and frustrating, getting a product in one place and then finding it cheaper in another.

STEP 4: Patience, Patience, Patience…

Realize that your purpose is to save money, not to come in and out of the store quickly. Self checkouts (at least in PR) won’t work for this process either. So make sure you have the time and patience to wait in line. Seems quite a simple step, right?

Make sure your offers are at hand at all times, pay attention to the register, and be ready to speak up, “I have a coupon/offer for that”. It may be a bit bothersome for the cashier, but it is with your money in mind. Coupons and offers take time to void the current offer, and enter codes, in order for the price change to go into effect. Other people behind you, may be bothered by that as well (at least in PR anyway).

Remember that prices do not include sales tax, so your budgeted amount must add up with this included. Try not to get carried away by using the total budgeted amount, so you won’t be short. Use the calculator app, to add the taxed amount before you get in line at the register to avoid any misunderstandings or returning items.

So… how much did you save?

During this past errand, I was able to save $11.70 in groceries by using this method. No, it isn’t over $30 in savings, but it does equal a meal in any restaurant back in my pocket. And by doing this consistently, I can continue to save and give those extra dollars and cents other uses within my budget.

The important part is that we become conscious of our spending, and be mindful that every dollar that is spent in one area, is one that is missing elsewhere. Be wise about what you earn and spend; besides, you worked hard for it.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!