groceries on a budget?
... is it possible? I have found that since Matt and I have returned from our honeymoon, we have spent an enormous amount on our grocery bill! How is it even possible?! We have tried to not eat out so much, which we have done surprisingly well at... however, the grocery bill is just too high!
So how do we cut that bill in half? How do I shop on a budget?
This is one of those things that the new year brings to me... I must learn how to take control of my finances... in this food area! So... if you have any tips... I need them!!!
Labels: my daily dance
posted by Carin | 09:16
7 Comments:
Well, the way we saved alot was by doing weekly shops instead of paydays (we seemed to waste more food shopping every two weeks). And menu plan first! This will save you SO much unnecessary purchases. So, go through your cupboards, see what you have, and plan meals around that. Also, shop the sales/coupons. That helps alot. Happy CHEAP groceries!!!!! :)
Here are some helpful links:
http://orgjunkie.com/menu-plan-monday
http://www.healthcastle.com/grocery_healthy_budget.shtml
http://www.familyresource.com/finance/home-budget/thirteen-easy-ways-to-reduce-your-food-budget
Ruth is totally right about meal planning, that way you can figure plan around the flyers. Something I read on another blog was to figure what your must have items are, and then do a little research and keep your items plus the place to purchase at the lowest price. (I know this would take a little work, but it will save in the long run) Also for inspiration I visit www.5dollardinners.com (she has amazing tips, and inexpensive meal ideas)
Also not buying prepackaged foods always saved me money. It takes more time to prepare something but it's usually healthier and cheaper.
:) Blessings on this journey.
Hi Carin: Every week I go over all the flyers (some places like Shoppers' Drug Mart have great savings, but people don't think of it as a food store). This takes me about an hour. According to what I am going to eat and other products that I will use (ie: toilet roll), I buy the best deals, using coupons, accumulating Air Miles etc. Sometimes, I have a preference, so I won't necessarily buy the lowest priced item. When I go in the store, I shop the perimeter first as the fresh and most nutritious foods are there. Avoid as many processed foods and "junk food" items as possible (plan the kinds you will eat and when) - as they cost more money and are usually (not always) as good for you. If you have left-overs, use up as much as you can instead of throwing it out (check a cookbook to see how long different foods can be kept in the fridge and used again). Add fresh food to those meals to increase nutient value. Hope this helps a little.
ooo thanks everyone! I am excited to try!!
I'm very much a 'come home from work and want to eat' person, so I like to have food on hand that is nutritious and fast. Hannah is better at planning in advance :). We tend to make big pots of stuff and then eat leftovers or put them in the freezer.
All that said...I'm going to be working on sticking to my grocery budget better this year as well - I hope it goes well for both of us!
Meal planning and planning according to what's on sale.
Plan on buying a bit bigger roast and it will give you two or more meals(beef dip as well as roast beef).
I always make more butter chicken and then do butter chicken wraps in the day or so. Same with tacos...taco salad the next day.
I agree with Shirley...Shoppers Drug Mart has amazing sales. I just stocked up on cheese, yops, and snacks, got bonus points plus a $10 off coupon for my next purchase.
Don't buy store bought cookies. Way cheaper to bake goodies...
Good luck!!
(potatoes are on sale for $3.00 at SOM right now...:)
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