Even though our current household size is only the two of us, I am always looking for ways to save on our grocery bill. Twice a year I go through our budget and see where we stand and examine if there are any other ways we can save money. There are many areas in which the budget is fixed and we can’t really do anything to change it. However, one area which you can change, is your grocery budget. One thing that has really helped me over the years is to make a weekly menu plan.
By planning ahead I don’t have to think about have we’re going to be eating for dinner. Even if I don’t follow my menu plan exactly I know that I have shopped for these meals and have what I need on hand to make them. After I have planned my weekly menu I write a grocery list. When I go to the store I stick to the list. Using my list I know I will have the ingredients on hand to make the meals I have planned for. By having an inventory for my freezers I can also plan my meals around what I have on hand.
Buying in bulk is another way you can save money on your grocery bill. You can buy in bulk through a food warehouse or a local co-op or just be aware of when certain items go on sale. It is important that you know your prices. If you can’t keep them all in your head make a price book. This is a little notebook where you keep track of the prices of items you purchase all the time.
Try to stay away from processed foods. Whole food is much better for you and often processed foods and convenience packaged foods are more expensive.
Eat one vegetarian meal a week. There are many options for meatless meals. This is also a great way to make sure your family is getting in those extra vegetables. One of my favorite cookbooks is called Eating Well In Season, it’s full of vegetarian recipes all of which look delicious!
Plan on eating leftovers for dinner once a week. Have fun and combine leftovers to make a nutritious dinner. Some of my best soups were made from leftovers!
Learn to bake! Making your own bread, cookies, granola is so much healthier for you and will save you money! A favorite in our house is homemade pizza, when you make everything from scratch this is a very frugal meal which everyone enjoys.
Plan a garden! By growing your own fruits and vegetables you can save a lot of money and enjoy fresh tasty food that you’ve grown yourself.
Make your own cleaners and laundry detergent. It is so easy and the products you can make yourself work just as well as store bought products. Check out my blogs about making household cleaners and laundry soap. You’ll be amazed at what you can make at home!
What methods do you use at home to help save money on your grocery bill?
Linked To: PennyPinchingParty, WFMW, FabulouslyFrugalThursday, ThinkTankThursday
Nancy on the Home Front 