When you start tracking your budget, one thing that will probably shock you is the amount of your family’s money you’re spending at the grocery store every month. At least that was true for me when my husband and I decided to get serious about finances. I nearly fainted when I realized that I was spending anywhere between $800 and $1000 at the grocery - and we still ate out a couple of times a week!
Your grocery bill is one of the easiest things to change in your budget. Sure, there are some things you’re going to have to buy, but unlike a mortgage payment, a car loan, or your cell phone bill, there is no contract. You have some power on how much you’re dishing out every month, and I knew I had to take more control of my grocery spending. Here’s how I did it.
1. Do you realize that Americans throw away around 25% of the food they buy every year? Crazy, right? Avoid adding to the waste by shopping at your house first. Look in your pantry, look in your fridge, and look way to the back of your freezer. As long as it’s still good, what you find is going to be on this week’s menu.
2. Try to consolidate your trips. If you can manage to only go grocery shopping every other week, or once a month, you’re going to be much more accountable to your list and your checking account. You’ll need to make a few quick trips for things like milk, and in that case, take in cash and just enough to pay for your intended purchase.
3. Cut back on the meat. It’s the most expensive item we buy at the grocery. No, you don’t have to become a vegetarian, but check out recipes that use beans or tofu instead of meat and put them into your weekly meal rotation. You might be surprised.
4. Veggies are excellent, fresh and frozen. If you’re able to buy what you’re looking for frozen, you’ll still enjoy it, it will last longer, and all those vitamins and minerals? Yes, they’re still there.
5. Speaking of veggies, grow your own. Herbs, tomatoes, peppers, corn - these are all great options to grow in your backyard garden.
6. Coupons. Yes, I said it. You can save a ton of money with coupons. Sign up for a free online service and it will send you printable coupons.
7. Buy generic for most of your items. There are some things you’re going to show brand loyalty for, and that’s okay.
8. Cook in bulk. I love doing this. I’ll make twice the food and put half in the freezer. Suddenly I have a future meal that I don’t have to cook and I’ve saved money in the bargain.
9. Buy in bulk. Most items go on sale in 8 - 12 week cycles, so if you can get a great deal, go ahead and buy more than you need right away.
10. The budget. You have to have one, for your life and for your groceries. Make a list, make a budget, and stay accountable to it.
Happy shopping this week! I’m Claire, the Afena blog mom. Thanks for reading.