How to Save Money on Groceries for Your Family
Abbie Clark
Are you looking to save money on groceries for your family? If so, you’re not alone. With the rising cost of living, many families are struggling to make ends meet. But there are ways to cut corners on your grocery bill without sacrificing quality or quantity. Here are a few tips to help you get started!
1. Compare prices between stores before you buy
Anyone who has ever done their grocery shopping knows that prices can vary significantly from one store to the next. This is why it’s so important to compare prices before making any purchase. Even small differences can add up over time, so it pays to take the time to find the best deal.
There are a few different ways to compare prices between stores. One option is to use a price book, which is a handy tool that allows you to track prices for specific items over time. Another option is to use an online price comparison site, which can be a great way to compare prices for specific items.
Whichever method you choose, taking the time to compare prices can definitely help you save money on your grocery bill!
2. Use a grocery list to avoid buying unnecessary items
Making a grocery list is one of the easiest things you can do to save money on groceries for your family! This list should include all of the items that are needed for the week or month, as well as any specific ingredients for recipes.
Personally speaking, going to the grocery store without my grocery list always results in me spending way more money than I should. Seriously mama, do yourself a favor and make a list!
3. Stick to your list when you’re shopping – don’t get tempted by sale items
It can be tempting, when you’re at the grocery store, to buy things that are on sale or that you weren’t originally planning on buying. However, it’s important to try to stick to your grocery list as much as possible.
First of all, buying items that you weren’t planning on buying can throw off your budget.
Secondly, if you’re constantly buying different items every time you go to the store, it’ll be difficult to meal plan and you’ll end up wasting food. Wasted food is wasted money!
Next time you’re at the store, try to exercise self-control and stick to your list. You (and your wallet) will be glad that you did!
4. Order your groceries online
It is so EASY to blow your budget when you’re standing in the grocery store, faced with rows and rows of tempting products. One way to help stick to your budget is to order your groceries online.
Thank the Lord for Walmart pickups! You would not believe how much ordering my groceries online has helped me to save money. Apparently, I just don’t have much self-control when I walk the aisles of grocery stores -especially if I’m already hungry.
By shopping from the comfort of your own home, you can take the time to compare prices and find the best deals on the items that you need. Plus, online grocery stores often offer special deals and discounts that can help you save even more.
5. Plan your meals ahead of time
Planning your meals ahead of time can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. By taking the time to map out what you’ll be eating for the week, you can make sure that you’re only buying the groceries that you need. This can help you to avoid impulse purchases, as well as reduce food waste.
Meal planning can also save you time in the kitchen, as you can batch cook or prepare ingredients in advance.
And if you’re trying to eat healthier, meal planning can be a great way to make sure that you’re getting the nutrients that you need.
6. Use leftovers for lunches or dinners later in the week
One easy way to save money and time is to use leftovers for lunches or dinners later in the week. This can be a great solution for busy moms who don’t have a lot of time to cook. Simply make a little extra of your favorite dish, and then pack it up for lunch the next day. You can also save time by cooking once and eating twice.
For example, if you’re making chicken for dinner, cook an extra chicken breast and save it for a future meal. With a little bit of planning, you can easily turn leftovers into delicious and healthy meals.
My husband takes a lunch to work every day and 9 times out of 10, he usually takes leftovers. That means we don’t have to worry about spending extra time making him a lunch. It also means we don’t have to buy extra groceries.
7. Buy in bulk whenever possible, but only if you know you’ll use everything before it expires
Buying groceries in bulk can be a great way to save money and time! Just make sure you’ll be able to use everything before it expires. Plan ahead by meals so that you know exactly what you need, and try to buy items that have a long shelf life.
For example, non-perishable items like canned goods, rice, and pasta can last for months, while fresh produce should be consumed within a week or two. It’s also important to check the expiration dates before you buy anything in bulk and to rotate your stockpile so that the oldest items are used first.
8. Cook at home instead of eating out – you’ll save money AND calories!
When Joshua and I first got married, we ate out pretty often. It took us a bit longer than I would like to admit for us to realize we were spending way too much money doing so.
The average restaurant meal costs significantly more than the same meal prepared at home. Seriously, do you know how cheap it is to make alfredo? Way cheaper than it is to go and eat it at Olive Garden.
While it’s tempting to save money by eating fast food, this is often not the healthiest option. Cooking at home allows you to control both the cost and the calories of your meals. It’s also a great way to spend time with family and it usually tastes way better than a meal from a restaurant.
So, what are you waiting for? Start using these tips to help slash your grocery bill and put more money back in your pocket.
Alright mamas, do you have any favorite tips that I didn’t mention? Help us out and share them with us in the comments below!
