The family grocery bill is one of the few flexible items in the monthly budget. You can’t change the mortgage or car payment, but you can save money on groceries. Getting control of your food bill will take some planning and organization, but it can be done. Here are a few easy tips to get you started.
See what you are spending
See what your monthly or weekly grocery bill is compared to others with your same family size. USDA Cost of Food puts out a monthly report on the cost of food at four levels from thrifty to liberal. Keep in mind that these costs are averages across the nation, but this can give you an idea of where you are spending compared to other families.
Base meals on what’s on sale
Sit down with your partner and figure out what will be for dinner each night for the coming week. Check your local store’s flyer for sales. Basing your meals on what is on sale will help cut costs.
Make a list
It seems so basic, but planning your weekly meals and making a list for your weekly shop can really keep you on track. You have to remember to bring the list with you, though!
Use what you have on hand
We all know that running to the store for “just one thing” for a recipe often ends up becoming an expensive shopping trip. Find recipes by ingredient to make the most of what you have on hand, without a grocery store run. Using apps like Allrecipes Dinner Spinner, or Supercook can help.
Use up leftovers
If you end up with a portion or two left over from evening meals, consider having a “leftover buffet” once a week. Kids will love seeing spaghetti side by side on a plate with roasted chicken. Add a big salad to round out the meal. Other ideas for leftovers: send to school or work in a thermos for lunch.
Sign up for grocery store apps
To find the best deals, get store specials, e coupons and rebates, be sure to sign up for your favorite grocery store’s app. Other helpful apps are Ibotta.com and Checkout 51. Ibotta and Checkout 51 give you money back when you buy items on their list. Instead of the money being taken off of a food item at the cash register, you get the credit on the app. When you have $20 you can cash out for a gift card or via PayPal, or physical check. If you buy groceries at Target, the Target Cartwheel app can save dollars. Try thecouponproject.com/ for weekly matchups between sales and coupons.
Curb impulse buying by having groceries delivered
If you routinely end up coming home with way more than what was on your grocery list because of impulse buys, having groceries delivered with Instacart or using a service from your favorite grocery store might be helpful. There is a fee for these services but it curbs impulse buys because they only deliver what is on your list.
Consider freezer cooking
Freezer cooking can really help save both money and time. Some ambitious folks cook for a whole month in one weekend and store those meals in the freezer. But even doubling a casserole recipe and freezing just one will get you ahead of the game. onceamonthmeals.com/ and Pinterest (search freezer meals) are two good resources for recipes that freeze well. For those days when you’re so busy you forget to defrost a meal, you can even freeze the meal in a round container so the dinner can be put in an Instant Pot — completely frozen — and be cooked in less than an hour!
It will take time to build new habits, but using even a few of these strategies will help you save money on groceries.
Excerpted with permission from Save Money on Groceries by Going Back to Basics by Tiffany Doerr Guerzon
Posted in: Frugal Families, Health & Nutrition
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