I am an IFOF Ambassador for our “Affordable Food Tips For Your Family, From Our Family Series”. This is a sponsored post in cooperation with IFOF (Indiana Family of Farmers).
Are you struggling to stick to your grocery budget?
Kids are back in school. This one has soccer practice {and he’s hungry}, that one has cheer {and she’s hungry}….oh, and this one just remembered to tell you you have to bake 5,211 cupcakes for the classroom by tomorrow!!! Gahhhh! Does this sound like you? Grocery budget is all out of whack?!
It’s hard to save on groceries at times…but we need a plan, man!
Convenience is expensive. That’s why we spend twice as much for milk in a “convenient” store than you do at the grocery store, people!!! Americans (well, me!) love convenience but I love my money more. I was actually surprised to find out that Americans spend less of their income on food than other countries?! I had no idea until I read about it through my IFOF (Indiana Family of Farmers) ambassadorship. With the grocery affordability series I’m part of, I’ve been learning some wonderful things! I wrote a post about it, and also included a 7-day meal plan, which all together was just under $50. Just goes to show that we can spend less on groceries than we think!
Plan your Grocery Budget…and stick to it!
I’ve learned that planning – or at least STARTING a plan can and does save so much money, and TIME! Don’t forget about time!! I wanted to share some tips to help you SAVE some time and money and how to stick to your grocery budget, especially during this crazy and hectic time of year. Put your grocery budget back to work for YOU! Then save that exra money you would have spent for datenight!! Or donuts…Yeah, go with donuts! And coffee. And maybe a mani/pedi. Just kiidddding!
Okay, so here are some tips to help you stick to your grocery budget when life is just crazy and hectic! Also, remember that you can still eat healthy on a budget!
13 Guaranteed Ways to Stick to your Grocery Budget
- Prepare a weekly menu. (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Make your shopping list according to your menu(s), and stick to it.*
- Make only ONE trip to the grocery store through the week (so don’t forget the coffee, bread and milk!).
- Never go to the grocery store hungry. EVER.
- Cook dinners that are freezer friendly.
- Make double or triple batches of freezer friendly meals to heat up for busy weeks.
- Slow cooker meals save so much time and you always have leftovers for the week.
- Pack snacks/drinks into the kids’ backpacks or gym bags for quick after school/before practice or games.
- Buy snacks like chips, crackers, nuts, in bulk and portion out in snack bags vs. buying pre-packaged.
- Buy meat in bulk or family size packages. Separate and freeze. Usually the more you buy, the less it costs per lb.
- Use your store loyalty programs or savings apps, and coupons.
- Make coffee at home in the mornings vs. hitting Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts.
- If you or your family members make waves about the drive-thru spending, give each member an allowance weekly and once it’s gone, it’s gone! This includes your “running late” coffee stop in the mornings.
* When making your shopping list, be sure to include the extras like snacks, condiments, bread, milk, and other food staples.
Do you have other ways to save on your grocery budget during the busy times of the year? We’d love to hear them, make sure to leave a comment below!!
the chick behind this blog! I'm your ordinary, everyday wife and mom to an incredible pair of stinky guys! I am a self diagnosed coffee addict with a ginormous sweet tooth, preferably baked goods!! My hope is to help you, teach you, and entertain you on your way to a more thrifty and frugal lifestyle! Along the way, you'll find awesome recipes, great tips, and tons of randomness! We have loads of fun, so ya'll come back now, ya hear?!