I get my budgeting passed down from my loving mom. My mom was always finding cheaper ways to feed four children. One thing she taught me growing up sticks out the most. She always told us, never buy anything you can make yourself, and never pay full price for something you can find on clearance.
Out of necessity came my love for thrifting and garage sales. It's like a treasure hunt and challenge all rolled up into one. If you have five dollars, you see what you can find and how far you can stretch it!
I have never been a fan of clipping coupons, so I would like to share my method of saving money on groceries. Make sure to follow my blog and Instagram @BrunetteBudgets for all of my budget tips and finds. Here are my ten tips, in no particular order:
1. Don't throw out those grocery store sale papers. Watch which stores have your most frequently purchased foods on sale. I take this a step further by making my meal plan according to what meats are on sale that week.
2. Don't buy from store displays at the ends of the aisles or on the outsides of the aisles. Stores usually display the higher priced brands. These are often items that are prepackaged and not so good for you as well. Shop down the actual aisle for the cheaper items, or if the item is not on your list, avoid all together!
3. Look below eye level. Store brands are often stored on the bottom shelves. Stores know that most people grab what they see at eye level, and all your higher priced brands will be looking at you in the eyes.
4. Keep track of what fruits and veggies are on season or on sale. Working your meals around produce that is in season will greatly reduce your grocery bill.
5. Also, if you can, purchase produce from local farmers markets. The grocery store often stocks produce that had to ship from far away. Cut out the middle man and buy directly from your locals. Plus you will be helping out your community!
6. Stay away from prepackaged foods and food kits. That taco kit or pizza kit you bought is not a healthy option and ounce per ounce, it is cheaper to make it from scratch. Have you ever looked at the price of those pre made and frozen lasagnas? Super expensive, and full of preservatives and salt. Yes, pre made foods are quick and easy, so see the tip below to help with this.
7. Plan your meals around your busy schedule. Don't have time to make a complicated meal? Plan on using the crock pot that day or throw together a casserole the night before. Even chop your veggies on a day when you have more time or pre cook those baked potatoes the night before. This will keep you from buying those more expensive meal kits or going out to eat when you have groceries at home. Salads can even be pre made if you leave off the dressing until ready to serve. Save those more complicated meals for the weekends or days off.
8. After seeing what is on sale an planning your meals to your busy schedule, stick to your grocery list and bring a calculator. Often times we don't add up how much we are putting into our cart. Go into the grocery store with your budget in mind. Sticking to your list and being prepared with your budget, You will know what you can and can't afford. After you find out how well you did, and if you are under budget, then go ahead and reach for that extra item you were wanting, you deserve it!
9. Do not go to the store hungry. You cannot beat the temptation of snack foods! I have tried, this never works. Throw a granola bar in your purse or pocket if you have to. I know you have heard this before, but this one is so tried and true. If you go into the store hungry, everything will look so delicious you will throw it into that shopping cart.
10. Go beyond meal planning.
- Plan out not only your meals but your snacks. You will not only save money buy not throwing extra junk food in your cart, but you will snack smarter too!
- Take inventory of your fridge and pantry. See items that need used up? Plan your meals accordingly. Nothing hurts a budget more than wasted food. Plus you won't buy something you already have on hand.
- Stock your pantry with that extra check. You know how every so often, there are five weeks in a month? Plan ahead and stock your pantry with grains, pastas, canned/bagged beans, frozen fruits/vegetables, and spices. If you have a deep freeze you can even buy extra meat. When it comes time to buy groceries for the other four week months, you will only need to buy the parish-able necessities. This will slim down your budget for those rougher weeks ahead.
I would love to hear about your budgeting tips! Just comment and subscribe. I may feature your tip in a future post, with credit of course!
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