Let’s be real, momshie — grocery shopping these days feels like isang swipe lang, ubos na agad ang budget. 😅 With rising prices and kids na parang laging gutom, sticking to a grocery budget can be challenging… but not impossible!
Through the years (and many talbos ng kamote dinners), I’ve learned a few simple but practical tips that help stretch our budget while still putting masarap, healthy food on the table.
Let me share what works for me — tried and tested, from one Filipino mom to another.
1. Make a Weekly Meal Plan
Before heading to the grocery, I plan our meals for the week — ulam for lunch and dinner, plus baon and meryenda.
It helps me:
- Buy only what I need (walang extra gastos!)
- Avoid food waste
- Save time thinking “Anong ulam?”
Mommy tip: Include 1–2 leftover makeover meals para tipid at less effort.
2. Make a Grocery List — And Stick to It
I bring a list based on my meal plan and pantry check. If it’s not on the list, hindi ko bibilhin (unless it’s a super good deal 😅).
Bonus: No more forgetting the suka or sibuyas!
3. Shop with Cash or Set a Limit
It’s easy to overspend with a card. Sometimes I withdraw the exact amount and bring it in sobre — para alam ko hanggan saan lang talaga.
Or, if using card or GCash, I still set a firm spending limit and keep track with my phone’s calculator.
4. Buy in Bulk — But Be Smart About It
Buying bigas, canned goods, or snacks in bulk can save money kung gamit talaga sa bahay. But be careful not to hoard — baka mag-expire lang.
I also buy family-size shampoo, dishwashing liquid, or soy sauce para mas tipid.
5. Go for Budget-Friendly Ulam
Hindi kailangan laging steak or shrimp, momsh. Sa bahay namin, favorite ang:
- Adobong sitaw with ground pork
- Tinolang manok with lots of sayote
- Tofu and egg recipes
- Sinabawang gulay with rice
Masarap na, healthy pa, at hindi masakit sa bulsa!
6. Check for Promos and Compare Prices
Before going to the store, I check online apps like Lazada, Shopee, or grocery delivery apps for discounts and vouchers.
Also, I compare prices between supermarkets and wet markets — minsan mas mura ang gulay at karne sa palengke.
7. Cook Once, Eat Twice
I cook big batches and use leftovers creatively:
- Adobo today, adobo pasta tomorrow
- Roast chicken today, chicken sopas the next day
It saves money and energy, especially for busy weekdays!
Mommies, budgeting isn’t about depriving — it’s about making wais choices for our families. With a little planning and discipline, you’ll be surprised how much you can save.
Kaya natin ‘to! Kahit mahal ang bilihin, basta’t may diskarte si mommy
