Money spent on groceries usually takes a large percentage of a family’s monthly income. Fortunately, it’s easy to save money on groceries. Here are some tips to trim your grocery bill.
Cut Back on Meat
Meat is one of the most expensive items in the grocery store. Making a commitment to eat vegetarian a few nights a week will save money. Inexpensive meat substitutes are eggs, beans and cheese.
Plan for Two Meals When Buying Meat
A whole chicken or large roast beef will generally last for two dinners for a family of four. The first night, roast the meat in the oven and serve with pasta or potatoes and a vegetable. The second night, prepare a casserole, soup or stew with the leftovers. Any remaining leftovers can be used for sandwiches or frozen and pulled out for a quick casserole or soup at a later date.
Bypass the Grocery Store for In-season Produce
During the local growing season, avoid the grocery store for produce. The best deals on produce are at local farm stores, roadside stands and farmers’ markets. Grocery store produce tends to be shipped long distances, driving the price up and the taste down. Buying fresh fruits and vegetables in season from a local farmer not only gives you the least expensive, best tasting food available, but supports your local economy.
Skip Boxed Cereal
Get into the habit of eating eggs, homemade pancakes, or hot cereal, like oatmeal, for breakfast. Hot cereal takes just a little more time to prepare than a bowl of cold cereal, but is a healthier and less expensive breakfast. Of course, this also means skipping the artificially flavored, single serving packets of oatmeal. Homemade pancakes can be made on the weekend and frozen for quick weekday breakfasts. Simply take a couple out of the freezer and pop in the toaster for an instant meal.
Don’t Use Coupons
Coupons used to be a great way to save money, but now most coupons are for processed foods that aren’t healthy and are more expensive than natural foods. Even with a coupon, the processed foods still come in at a higher price. Many coupons also have conditions, like you must buy three in order to save a small amount of money. Coupons do work when you are committed to a particular brand-named product, but don’t rely on coupons to save a substantial amount of money each week.
With a little creative planning, grocery shopping doesn’t have to drain a family’s finances. Save money on groceries and have a healthy, varied and delicious diet.
For more money savings tips for the family, read Frugal Back to School Shopping.
