There are three things that are essential for living, air, food and water. Unfortunately for us, one of those things takes up a rather large chunk of the average family’s budget. Food can account for up to 25% of some families’ monthly bills. If you find you groceries are taking a toll on your wallet, read on for some tips on how to save money on food and groceries.
- Shop alone. Kids and spouses can add to your food bill with their constant “I want, I want, I want” at the grocery store. If they don’t see it, they won’t want it, so don’t take them.
- Eat more vegetables. Meat makes up a large portion of most families food bills. There are plenty of tasty and nutritious vegetarian meals out there. You don’t need to become vegetarian, just have a few meals a week that don’t have meat.
- Cook around sales. The old adage was plan ahead before you go shopping, but the new thing is plan while you shop. Plan your week’s meals around what you find on sale at the store.
- Skip the shortcuts. We are all busy people, so shortcuts are sometimes a necessity, but when possible, skip buying the shortcuts. For example, do you really need to buy the more expensive pre shredded lettuce?
- Use coupons wisely. Coupons are great, they can save you money but only if you use them to buy groceries that you were going to get anyway and if the brand you are going to buy is cheaper with the coupon discount than another like item.
- Go generic. Now you might want to sit down for this but, most generic and store brands are either just as good as or the same as name brands. Literally just the same as, since many generic and store brands buy the overstock from the name brands and repackage it as the generic food brand.
- Shop at discount grocery stores. I know, they look scary and they don’t have a pharmacy, cappuccino bar and a bakery, but discount grocery stores can save you a bundle on your food and groceries.
- Don’t go shopping hungry. If you are hungry, you will buy more food. Eat a snack before you hit the grocery store.
- Cut out the junk food. Chips, soda, candy and other junk foods should only be bought as special treats, not every day foods. They not only add empty calories to what you eat, they can empty your wallet of money as well.
- Buy in bulk. Joining a bulk buying club can help cut your budget, BUT make sure to visit the club before you buy a membership. Buying in bulk may not save you money on food and groceries if you are already shopping wisely.
Hopefully these tips will help you to save a little money on your food and grocery bill. Keep on top of your food spending, and you will find that you will save money and calories.
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