Like many of you, I have decided that I need to do better when it comes to spending money on groceries. I try my best…I coupon, watch the sales, yada, yada, yada.
But the fact is this….my life has gotten so incredibly busy that I have let things slip. Like good meal planning, couponing on a regular basis (no time!), eating out too much, and even budgeting for my groceries. So a few months ago when I noticed that our grocery bill was $600 for our family of 6, I literally almost FREAKED out on the spot. And I knew things needed to change!! I just need to take the time to sit down, make a plan, and go.
And I will be accountable because I will be sharing my plan and experiences with YOU…and you can go along for the ride!
I have a good food storage built up. Most basic items I have on hand and try to keep at least 3-4 months worth at all times. Items like flour, rice, oats, spaghetti sauce, pasta, etc. So I figure I am going to plan my meals around what I have in my pantry at the beginning and only buy the fresh items.
I do make several thing from scratch…like muffins, desserts, etc. so that helps with costs. I need to do better about making bread again. I have gotten out of the habit.
Soooooooooooo…..
CRACK-DOWN PLAN
1. I would like to spend no more than $300 per month for my family of 6. We are starting to eat more fresh foods so I am leaving my budget flexible at the beginning until I see how much we eat and how much things will cost. I will adjust if necessary.
2. We will eat out no more than once per month. That includes Little Ceaser’s Hot N Ready Pizza (which has become too much of a friend to us).
3. I will plan my menus out a month at a time. I would like to get 6 months at a time if possible. Meal planning always helps me spend less at the store and takes the headache out of the end of the day.
4. Cook from scratch as much as possible.
5. Start couponing again as much as possible for the foods we eat.
6. Use supplies from my food storage and stockpile to fuel my meals. This will get us used to the food I store as well as rotate what I have.
Anyone else want to join me? Here is what I will be posting about the next few months:
*My menu planning: ideas, organization and recipes (this to come soon!)
*Why cooking from scratch is worth it
*Budgeting issues, helps, and ideas
*The ups and downs of my experience and how I am doing
*Why simplicity is best
*The pros and cons of couponing
*Keeping up a good, usable food storage supply
Let’s pinch those pennies!
michi830
I’m so in!
amybird0019
Also my plan for the year! I used to be so good at planning far ahead. I even made a “my” recipe book to reflect what we ate so it was easy to plan from. I have old menus from years ago, I think I keep them for sentimentality. My only negative is that I live in Hawaii and I don’t see how I could possibly do it on even only $600/month but any reduction to my current spending will be a HUGE plus! Let’s Pinch!
carolmello
I’m in. I’d love more ideas like this.
purplejenn
Count me in!!!
Shanae
I so need the help and inspiration for meal planning!! Can’t wait for it!
tinabaily
I had been planning to try to improve my grocery budget this year anyway, so I’m in, too.
Is there a Bountiful Baskets site near you? You can get great fresh fruits and veggies through them and save a lot over going to the grocery store. I pick up my baskets on Saturday mornings and plan my menu for the next week around what I got in my basket. My pantry and freezer are nicely stocked, too, so hopefully I can focus more on buying only what is needed and getting in on stock-up price type sales.
A lady called Mavis, who does a Monday blog on Fabulessly Frugal that she calls “Mondays with Mavis”, spent less than $100.00 a month last year on groceries. She feeds 2 adults and 2 teenagers. She has inspired me! I was feeding a family of 5 last year and spending an average of $420.00 a month. I know I can do better, especially since I am now feeding a family of 4, just like her.
lowderj
This is what I need. I’m in
blessedwith4
This is also my new year goal. I can’t wait to see more.
Does anyone know of a few good menu blogs?
Torhild
I’ve noticed that when cooking from scratch, there are not very many coupons to help with the cost – most of the coupons seems to be on processed food. But I guess every little bit helps….
marnec
True Torhild. But there are actually many coupons to use that are not on processed products. I live in Idaho and each month I can print two coupons each for $1/2 lbs of cheese and $.75/1 gallon on milk. I double them at Albertson’s for more savings! Same thing with Wholly Guacamole, sour cream, and other such things I always buy anyway.
Katiecat
The biggest problem I have with budgeting for my groceries is when I shop at walmart. I buy more then groceries and so it ends up being groceries and all the miscellaneous things I need. I talked to the guy who works at the meat section in the store and he said that in the last 3 weeks that chicken and beef have continuously gone up in price and so they have had to raise their prices. I feel like I’m trying to buy less but am still spending just as much because everything is going up in price. I’m overwhelmed with “couponing” and feel like I don’t have the time. I can’t wait to follow your blog. A little inspiration to help me cut back.