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!