2 Easy ways to save on groceries

[EEinNJ]

I was frustrated for a long time over the grocery bill- just 2 of us, though we like to cook, and entertain family & friends fairly often. Why were we averaging $5-600 a month?

Last spring, I set a target budget of $100/week, shopping once a week.

1) Use a list, it avoids impulse purchases, buying too much, or running out of something. Just like a diet, portion control

2) Use a calculator. I enter the prices of things as I go through the store. It helps keep track of where the money goes, and keeps me from going over budget. If I'm under budget, I can stock up on something on sale, if I'm over, maybe the ice cream goes back in the freezer.

When I'm done, it's never a surprise at the checkout counter!

[sweeps]

Great suggestions. The only exception to your rules I would suggest is that if you find a good sale on something that you know you'll need in the future, it pays in the long run to stock up on it even though you may go over that week's budget.

[workingmamma]

I am horrible and deciding ahead of time what I want to cook but agree that a list would help. Also never going to the store hungry otherwise I buy junk food!!

[Aleta]

I have found that buying the loss leaders in stores really saves money. I also buy items that are buy one get one free and usually with a coupon. I normally stack up on sales. I also will use store coupons with manufacturers coupons. If I only went once a week, I would miss certain sales.

[EEinNJ]

That reminds me of a couple more tips- check your store's circular ahead of time, see what's on sale. Many stores have a price club card, where you get a discount on certain items.
And sometimes I go to Taco Bell before shopping so I don't go hungry

[workingmamma]

Yes not going hungry is a big thing! If I do that we come home with all snacks and no healthy food!

[loulou]

It's also good to have the calculator to figure unit costs. Sometimes buying the smaller package is actually a better deal than buying the larger one.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Yesterday I bought $58 worth of vegetables, fruit, yoghurt, and cheese for just 2 people. Today I have to process some of it for freezer. Some of it is long keeping anyway-- carrots, onions, and apples. Had to eat that delicious asparagus right away. Good prices on everything, except the English cucumber. Why are those so expensive year round?

[MamaBird06]

I am aiming for 150$ a month for groceries/eating out/toiletries etc. So far for feb. I am at 103$ for me, husband and toddler. I coupon a lot, stock up on the stuff that is cheap/free w/coupon and we are trying not to eat out, we haven't so far this month! We also try to eat primarily vegetarian, with the exception of eggs/dairy and occasional seafood and poultry. This helps keep the budget low too. Meatless meals (bean dishes) are very inexpensive and quite filling! We are going to give gardening a try again this year, last year we started late but did manage to get some tomatoes, green peppers and serrano peppers out of it, and a few apples and peaches from our dwarf trees in the front. Gardening is also a great way to lower the grocery budget too!

[rob62521]

Besides not going to the store hungry and making a list and buying the stuff advertised, plan a menu for the week. Use what you have in your pantry when you stock up on stuff and buy things to supplement it. Went to Kroger's today for the ten for ten sale on pasta. I bought 4 different kinds so when we have something, I have it on hand and do not have to buy it. I do the same with canned vegetables and fruit. Planning ahead does save money. Plus, buy and use things that can double up. For example I had a chicken in the Crockpot yesterday and last night after it was done, I made two casseroles and put them in the fridge. After getting home from work most nights, it's a pain to think about and then cook something. If you have it planned it is easier and if you can just pop it in the oven and then add to the meal with fruit or vegetables and you have dinner. Cheaper than eating out and probably a whole lot more healthier too! :-)

[workingmamma]

I agree that throwing something together at home is cheaper! My family is up to 5 of us now and even McDonalds is getting expensive! Plus the food we cook at home is healthier and normally tastes better! But I do love the convenience of eating out so I try to eat at home and save so we can atleast eat out once every 2 weeks to give mommy a break!

[Goldy1]

I have had the problems before of going to the grocery store once or twice a week, stocking up on loss leaders mainly only due to no meal planning, coming home, and realizing I have 20 cans of canned fruit etc but missing ingredients to prepare a meal. lol
In other words, a slew of loss leaders doesn't equal meals.

I have had days where I am browning meat and realize I have no taco seasoning so my goal is more planning.

[Goldy1]

ps
I don't eat red meat but when shopping for dh I noticed beef went up in price.

[TheDude80]

Tips:
-Stock up on dry pasta and canned foods when they are on sale.
-Sometimes buying a smaller bottle will save you more money if you have a coupon.
-Buy frozen veggies because they are cheaper than fresh but healthier than canned.
-Substitute ingredients with something cheaper in recipes. For example instead of ground beef use beans or ground turkey, instead of arugula use spinach, use vanilla extract/flavor instead of the whole bean.
-cut out soda, juices, alcohol and drink more water, it's better for you.

Word about fast food:
McDonalds $1 menu is cheaper than buying the ingredients and cooking it yourself. There is no way you can make a hamburger for a buck at home. It is really sad and unhealthy and the trend keeps getting worse, in fact, so many people are eating McDonalds that they are going to open hundreds more stores this year.
But yes, try to cook your own healthy meals if possible. I probably have fast food once a month tops.

[Angio333]

We plan our meals so we use just about everythig we buy. For example if we by feta cheese, we'll make sure it gets used for more than one meal that week.

[rob62521]

Originally Posted by Angio333

We plan our meals so we use just about everythig we buy. For example if we by feta cheese, we'll make sure it gets used for more than one meal that week.

That's a good point -- use what you buy so it doesn't go to waste.

[workingmamma]

Dude I agree. It is easier and cheaper to eat fast food and so unhealthy. Good fruit and veggies cost more then just a hamburger at McDonalds or anywhere fast like that.

[melcar.group]

Good point, making a list is really important. If you have guidelines you are less likely to impulse shop. Also use coupons, and some stores offer price matching.

Pay attention to the brand name; the no name product can be just as high quality as their competitors at much lesser price.

[workingmamma]

I always look at the generics to see the difference and you will find many are the same thing. I have been told that some are even made at the same places but I can not verify that. I use Claritan for allergies and I never buy regular claritan but the generic because it saves me a few dollars a week.

[Johansen8]

Plan your meals, then your list from there.
Never shop when you're hungry ^__^