Grocery Shopping on a Shoestring Budget

A few of you asked me to post how I grocery shop and spend on average between $80-$100 a month on groceries to feed a family of 4. I will say there are some months that I end up spending $120 for the month, which is a lot to me. I figured I would share my secrets since some of you were interested.

Secret #1: Meat is a separate budget.

I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but we stock up on meat once every 2 months. Look at places like Albertson's. Lots of Buy 1, Get 2 Free, Buy 1, Get 1 Free, etc. Chicken, steak, pork. The staples. That is where we usually buy our meat. $40 can get you anywhere between $80-$100 worth of meat. James sets money aside every 2 months for that trip.

Secret #2: Know what you have on hand.

When I started out doing meal planning and extreme grocery budgeting, I spent an hour and a half going through cupboards and our fridge, freezer, and pantry, writing down everything I had on hand, right down to spices. This was a great wake-up call to see what we were wasting money on that was not being used. It also helped me with my meal planning.All my meals are planned around what I have on hand. Granted, I'll plan some where I need to buy several things to complete it, but knowing what you have on hand prevents you from buying excess.

Secret #3: Meal plan.

This one sounds simple, but I can attest that it takes some skill. It took me a good 2-3 months to really get the hang of this. When I sit down to meal plan, I plan for 2 weeks at a time. I factor in at least 2 nights for leftovers. We don't plan more since James and I both take leftovers (or try to) during the week for lunch. When you meal plan, write down every single item you need for each meal initially, especially if you aren't used to meal planning. It helps you see what you need at the store.

Secret #4: Don't shop hungry.

Yes, the age-old adage. I've had to train myself if I have to go to the store hungry to stick to my list. If you shop hungry, you overshop.

Secret #5: Buy generic.

Some things I will refuse to buy generic of (if you haven't bought generic green beans, I don't recommend it). Otherwise, I buy what I can generic: pasta, cheese, pasta sauce, etc. You do save money, and the generic items are usually made with the same ingredients as name-brand, you just are not paying for a fancy name.

Secret #6: Give yourself a time limit.

I usually spend about 30 minutes (not counting check out time) in the store. Having a specific shopping list aids in this. For me, spending as little time as possible in the store helps me stick to my list, as well as my budget.

Secret #7: Only buy what you need.

How many times have we gone to the store and picked up a bag of chips or a package of cookies? I'll admit, I still do this. Then, after walking an aisle or two, find myself thinking, "Do I really need this, or do I just want it?" There are times I will buy an item as a treat just because we want it. More often than not, junk food goes back to the shelf. Even with my kids. They already know better than to ask for cookies. In fact, when I tell Mady no, her response is a simple, "Ah man!" No whining or anything after that. The grocery bill racks up faster when you buy a bunch of stuff you do not need. Also, we buy the bags of Malt o' Meal brand cereal. The price per ounce is much cheaper, and the bag will end up lasting us the better part of a month or so.

Secret #8: Shop seasonally.

When I need to purchase produce, I stick with what's in season. You'll find lower prices then. For example, apples are lowest in price during the fall. Same with oranges (United has small navel oranges 5/$1 currently). I buy produce for the most part when it's in season or on sale. Bananas are always around at our house, as are apples usually. Berries tend to only be bought late Spring/early Summer. I keep frozen berries for the off-season. As tasty as fresh green beans are, I make do with canned when the fresh are not on sale. Same with fresh corn.

Secret #9: Skip as much processed as possible.

Yes, I still buy things like bread for convenience. However, I skip things like Kraft macaroni and cheese. For us, it's much cheaper to make our own. I also know that there is not some unnaturally orange sauce going into my kids' bodies. I also skip things like Shake and Bake. You can purchase a thing of bread crumbs for under $2, then add your own seasonings once you get home for cheaper than the box of Shake and Bake. Also, for me, skipping boxed mixes allows for a little more money to go towards produce.

I'm sure there is stuff I'm forgetting. I shop off a well-constructed menu plan and grocery list. I know what I have on hand pretty much at all times. I double-check my fridge and pantry before I ever leave for the store. I skip the aisles with things like chips and cookies.

However, I think the biggest money saver for us has been omitting processed foods and junk foods. I can fry up my own tortilla chips for cheaper than that bag at the store. And by eliminating the junk stuff in our house, both our kids ask for fruit and veggies for snacks. Mady is happy eating a bowl of pickles, berries, or carrots (not all together). And don't get me started on her love of yogurt with fruit mixed in!

By making our own food, most of it from scratch, we save a good bit of money every month. I know this post has been long. I apologize for that. I was trying to think through every step I go through, since I've been doing this for 6 months at least, so it's become second nature to me. My average grocery bill for 2 weeks tends to range between $30-$45. We have lots of leftovers during the week, and our kids usually have full tummies before bed, depending on how ornery they're deciding to be over what is served at dinner.

My biggest secret: I do not coupon. Nope. Not at all. I taught myself how to save money on groceries without needing to rely on coupons. I might venture into coupon land, but right now, I'm happy with where our budget is at for 4 people.