Today's topic is on how to stretch your grocery budget.
Recently, I have been a part of a small group of ladies that are trying to control portion sizes to lose weight. I have battled the same 10 pounds for a few years now, and since I am now over 55, something has got to change! Thus, I am a part of that small group.
Often I hear people say that it is expensive to eat healthy.
Groceries are getting more expensive, that's true. Also, shows like Extreme Couponing, have made it more difficult for consumers to get good deals, because they have been "extreme"!
Here are some practical tips that ANYONE and everyone can use. Some, you will have heard, and already use.
1. Don't be an impulse shopper. It causes money waste. When you wastefully spend "over here", you won't have money for things you need "over there".
2. You don't have to shop at 15 stores to get good deals, but make the most of wherever you go! For example: My church is close to Trader Joes, and Sam's Club. I keep a running list....and if there is sufficient reason to go, we make those stops after church.
3. Don't assume generic is the cheapest! Also, don't assume Walmart is the cheapest. I do a good portion of my shopping at Publix. Our new ad comes out on Wednesdays. I try to look online at their ad and see what is buy one get one free. If I need those items, I look to see if there are also coupons I could match up with that. For example: this week, Angel Soft toilet tissue is buy one get one free. That is an amazing deal! I seldom see tissue for that good of a price. I would be foolish to just get one. I will stock up as much as my budget will allow. This will save me money in the long run because I won't have to purchase it for a while. The more you do this, the more money it will "free up" in the long run, and you can make the products last until the next cycle of sales (which is about 3 months).
4. I set goals for myself. My main goal is to NEVER, EVER pay full price! Another goal I have is to have my overall result to be a savings of 50% or more on my receipt. This can be accomplished through items being on sale, buy one get one free, items that have coupons: both store and manufacturer, etc.
5. I'm not brand loyal. Hence the title of this post: Colgate or Crest! If I have a coupon for Colgate that will give me a free toothpaste or almost free toothbrush...that is what I will use. My husband likes Colgate best, and that is good because mostly, the coupons are for Colgate. If a coupon will give me the smallest size free, that is what I get because then I can use the savings for fresh fruits and vegetables.
6. Buy what is in season! Right now, there are farmer's markets everywhere! I see people selling produce on the side of the road! Know you prices, and cash in on the savings! That said, keep some CASH in your pocket! Roadside stands won't take credit or debit most of the time. I usually spend about $20 at a time when I hit a farmer's market. Often I will have 5 or 6 plastic bags with produce! I buy a basket of tomatoes for $3.00, a cabbage for $1.00, cucumbers are often 3-5 for $1.00, sometimes I can get fresh farm eggs for as little as $2.50/doz., etc. Take advantage of your local farmer's market.
7. Don't wait until you run out to get items you use all of the time. I know you must make this fit within your budget, but you MUST buy when items are on sale, NOT wait until you run out. The toilet paper I told you about in #3 is a perfect example. Also, I love Vanity Fair napkins. I ONLY buy them when they are buy one get one free and I also have a manufacturer's coupon. Thus, I don't get to buy them very often. When I do, I get as many as my coupons and budget allow. Same with Bounty napkins. I like them too!
8. Be willing to try making some of your own products with recipes from Pinterest. Recently, I tried making liquid hand soap with a recipe from Pinterest. The recipe I chose was the easiest one! I took a brand of bar soap that had some glycerin in it, and I grated it with my grater. (the whole bar) Then, I took a gallon of water and put it in my largest pot and set the burner on medium high. I added the soap shavings and kept stirring until it was all melted and bubbly. I turned off the burner and stirred every once in a while as it cooled. Then I took my hand held emersion blender and whipped it a bit. I poured the cooled mixture in hand soap bottles, water bottles and whatever else I had to use, as it makes a gallon +. I had a whole gallon of hand soap!! Every 8-10 oz bottle can cost $1-$3, so that saves me at least $13. (I got the bar soap with coupons and paid about .25cents for it!)
9. The more you save on non food items, the more you have to spend on the healthy foods you want. Homemade granola is a great option for your family! Right now, Quaker Oats is buy one get one free at Publix! Pick up some nuts or seeds at Trader Joes, or wherever you see a good price. Get some raisins, and you will need some oil and honey. I buy local honey at the farmer's market. Recipes abound on Pinterest. It doesn't take very much time to make your granola homemade. It is delicious, you know what is in it, and it is healthier than store bought. Plus, ounce for ounce....it is less expensive.
10. Distinguish need from want. Examine your last few grocery store receipts. If you really want to spend more on fresh fruits and vegetables, where can you "trim" your expenses so that you can do that? Did you pick up a magazine or two at the check out? Did you buy that bag of chips that was calling your name....and not on sale? Did you just grab a jug of Tide, when another brand was buy one get one free? Take a look. Plan before you shop. I know it takes a bit of time. But hey, you work hard for your money. Shouldn't you want to make it go as far as you can?
I hope these tips will help you be able to get the most from your shopping trips. My youngest daughter has become quite good at saving money, and yet stocking up on things she needs and uses most. She can stretch a dollar about as far as it can go! Here is the link to her money saving, frugal living blog. www.frugalfitmomma.com
My other daughter has discovered the love of cooking and trying to keep her dinner meal at 500 calories, while pleasing her children's tastes, and her son's extreme food allergies. She is also an amazing photographer. Her food blog address is: www.dancinandcookininthekitchen.com
I'm a mom, so I can "promote" my girls, can't I??? :-)
Have a blessed day! I hope you have read something here that will inspire you and help your family eat healthier, and stretch a dollar farther! Perhaps you can even start a vacation "jar"!! Maybe money saving vacations will be my next post....?????!!!
That's all for now,
Pam
