Ways to Save Series: How to Start a Stockpile
Putting out extra money to buy more groceries can be tough, especially for college students, but having peace of mind and some savings can really outweigh the stress. Especially if you are smart in planning the way you do it.
First of all, what’s the point of having a stockpile? It is an organized way to build a store of supplies for the household. If you run out of something you can just walk to the pantry or closet instead of having to go to the store where the item may not be on sale.
Best Use Tips:
- Stock up when things are on sale for their lowest price. This requires a little bit of paying attention or cataloging, but will help save the most money.
- Make a catalog book of item prices if you need to!
- Stock up with there is a Buy One, Get One or a free item.
- Focus on one household necessity per week- toilet paper, shampoo, etc.
- Shop the deals at multiple stores or online (Amazon Pantry for example)
- Stock up in coordination with cashback programs like Ibotta, Shopkick, or Rakuten.
- Write the expiration dates on things and put the newest items in the back.
- Keep in mind the space you have available and buy according to your habits (what you really use)
- Set financial limits each week for what you can stockpile!
- Freeze things to help it last longer.
Here is a PDF of good prices for certain items! This website segments things into 3-month and 6-month stock ups, but you don’t need to stick to that if you can’t afford it. The 6-month stock up price is about the lowest the item will go, so it’s a super good time to stock up! These might not be adjusted for inflation, so keep that in mind! This can just be used as a guide for when to stock up if an item hits this price and if it’s the lowest it can go. These are name brands, so if you find something in a generic brand that is normally lower in price than these, go with that!
http://prod-cdn.thekrazycouponlady.com/wp-content/uploads/Stock+Up+Price+Sheet.pdf
Items that are good for stockpiling:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Honey
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta
- Yeast
- Baking Powder and other baking products you use
- Oil
- Pasta Sauce
- Spices
- Cooking Stock
- Rice
- Canned beans
- Soup
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Meat (Freeze)
- Dairy (butter and creamers-Freeze)
- Cheese
- Frozen vegetables
- Toilet Paper
- Laundry Detergent
- Hand Soap
- Salt
- Dried snacks
- Condiments
- Health and Beauty Products
- Drinks
Happy saving!
