Even though my blog is about frugality in general I spend a very large percentage of it talking about food and lowering costs there. The reason being that we all need to eat and we do it regularly and whether we spend a little or a lot on groceries can make a bigger impact on our monthly budget than conserving electricity and its effects can be seen immediately. Here are some tips from a reader on how to lower your family's grocery bills.
Running a household often feels like your list of expenses is never-ending. From after-school activities to holidays and shopping for back-to-school, balancing your family’s budget isn’t easy. In many cases, your grocery bill is likely accounting for a significant portion of your monthly expenses, which means you may be utilizing fast and easy payday loans to help curb temporary cash shortages. If that’s the case, there are several creative ways to streamline your grocery budget without sacrificing delicious home-cooked meals.
Before you make your weekly trip to the supermarket, take a look at these tips and tricks and learn how to save some easy money.
Build Your Menu Based On What You Already Have
Before you plan your weekly or bi-weekly menu from scratch, go through your cupboards and freezer and identify the staples that you could build meals around. Instead of spending unnecessarily on new spices or expensive, out-of-season produce, use what you already have to spark some ideas — the fewer items you pick up at the store, the more money you can save.
Shop at a Variety of Locations
In many cases, sticking to one store is an easy way to spend more than you usually would if you took the time to look for sales at neighboring stores. If you live close to a discounted supermarket, that may be the prime location to scoop up pantry items like spices, rice, or cans of vegetables instead of paying the premium prices at higher-end stores.
Don’t Shy Away From Coupons
There’s a reason couponing is popular among families across generations. It’s a simple way to find everyday savings. The benefits of coupons are significant, even if it may not seem like it at first. The reality is that a dollar here and there can add up, especially if you’re making weekly trips for your family. Set aside time during the week to comb through the stores in your area — whether online with grocery shopping apps or in a physical flyer — and identify where the best deals are.
Coupons are a helpful tool for families looking to buy certain items in bulk, and they offer incentives to try new products. Once you’re able to see the savings, you’ll never go back to paying full price.
Shop For Seasonal Produce
If you buy fruits or vegetables when they’re not in season, you’re likely paying a premium for that produce. Instead, do some research and identify which items are in season. Seasonal produce is often sizable and has travelled a shorter distance to stores, which means the price will be lower. If you know what to look for at specific times of the year, you can craft a menu for your family that’s equally flavorful and inexpensive.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Frozen Aisle
Frozen fruits and vegetables can get a bad reputation, but in reality, they offer as much nutrition as fresh produce and are often less expensive. Plus, they’ll last longer, which means you run less of a risk of spoiled food in your home. Frozen items can be easily cooked on the stove or the oven, so you and your family can enjoy a delicious meal and know you saved money in the process.