If sticking to a budget is one of your resolutions than we're here for you because, guess what, it's one of our resolutions too. One way you can save big is to cut down that grocery bill. It seems impossible because it's so easy to drop a couple hundred dollars at the grocery store, but with a bit of planning, you'd be surprised how much you can save. With these steps, you could spend as little as $300 a month on a family of five.
Waste Not Want Not Meal Planning
The day before you usually shop, plan out your dinners for the rest of the week. But instead of picking a brand new meal for each night, try recycling. For example: on Sunday night go with roast chicken with some veggies and potatoes. Then slice the rest of the meat off of that bird and use it for chicken tacos on Monday and chicken noodle casserole on Tuesday. The trick is to make the meat from that first meal last. When you only have one or two meats to buy for the entire week, you'll save money and none of your food will go to waste.
Use Coupons Wisely
The trick with couponing is not to cut coupons for items you don't actually want. Just because there's a coupon for it, doesn't mean you have to buy it. Chances are, if it's not something you would normally eat, it's going to sit in your fridge or pantry until it goes bad. Clip or print coupons for items you are planning to use for the week or items that you know you will buy in the near future. Krazy Coupon Lady has a running, updated list of all online coupons that are free to print.
Shop the Sales
Always check the flyer for your grocery store before you plan your meals for the week. If chicken is on sale, it's a chicken week. If ground turkey is on sale than pasta with meat sauce or tacos are good contenders for your meals.
Plan for Lunch
Save cash by not buying lunch at work. Instead, take your leftovers that can't be reused as a new meal. Or stick to the basics like sandwiches, salads, and soups for an easy and affordable lunch.
Stick to the Basics at Breakfast
Cereal is pricey, especially once you go organic with it. Instead, stick to affordable and protein-packed eggs and toast for a filling and healthy meal. Scramble the eggs with veggies for an extra boost of a nutrition filled, money saving breakfast.
If you want to spend less on your groceries, just follow these simple rules. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how much money is left in your account after you leave the store.
