Family Matters

How to save money on groceries

When many families sit down to go through their budget and think about where they can cut costs, few rarely think about their monthly food bill. Saving money when doing your grocery shopping is easier than you may think. By preparing at home, following a few simple steps while at the store, and with a little planning ahead you can reduce your food budget without having to make any major changes.

The best place to start when trying to save money on groceries is right at home. Before you can start saving money you need to sit down and figure out what your budget allows you to spend. Most people go to the store and throw a bunch of items into their cart without seeing what is within their means financially. If you don’t know how much you can spend, you’ll overspend. Once you know what your allotted amount is, bring only that much cash to the store when you shop. If you only have that amount of money on you it will help you stay within your budget.

After you know your budget, plan a weekly menu. Figure out what you plan on eating for the week each day and stick to that menu; knowing what you’re going to eat for the week will help you keep your “eye on the prize” while shopping. The final step you should take is to make a list. Take a look in your cabinets and fridge to see what you need to make the “menu” you planned out for the week. Shop for what’s on the list and only on the list. Planning ahead before you go to the store is a great way to get prepared to sticking to a budget.

After you make all your preparations at home you’re ready to head to the store. One of the best things you can do before you go to the store is eat. Don’t go to the store hungry. Everything looks so good and all you want to do is buy more and more food. Having a full stomach will help you stick to that list you made. You should also try going alone; you’re more in charge of the list and the budget this way. When you go to the grocery store with other people they will ask for food not on the list, sneak items in the cart and throw your budget way off.

When you’re shopping alone you can also try the store brands. When you buy the name brand items you’re usually just paying for the name and the advertising. Give the generic brand a try. Usually you can’t tell the difference and you can save a lot of money this way. While you’re cutting back on name brands, try cutting back on meat. Meat is very expensive and planning a few meatless meals can save a bundle. Use less meat in your meals and use it almost like a seasoning instead of the main dish. Pasta, chili, Asian meals, and Indian dishes are delicious alternatives that don’t require a lot of meat.

Once you’re home the savings can continue. One of the most common problems families have is the wasting of food. Utilize your leftovers as dinner on a different night or even as lunch at work the next day. If you plan a “Leftover Night” you’ll save money on a meal for that night and it also saves you time in the kitchen.  When making a meal, make a little extra and freeze it. You might want to consider buying a deep freeze. You can buy food in bulk, such as meat and veggies, and freeze them for a later time. You may be spending more in the beginning but the savings will last in the long run.

Now more than ever it’s important for families to pay closer attention to their budgets. Many families can save a lot of money simply by sticking to a budget when grocery shopping. With a little planning before you leave, some self-discipline at the store, and a bit of resourcefulness once you’re home, you can get your family on a better food budget that will keep everyone happy and healthy.

What do you do to save money on groceries?