I originally posted this June 2013. Not that long ago. However, with everything going up in price, I thought we could all use the reminder. I know that sometimes I get lazy with my grocery shopping/money saving efforts so the refreshers are always nice.
I think we are all looking for that one big money saving idea that is just easy and saves a ton of money.
It doesn’t exist.
Sad, I know. I wish there was one magic answer too. Instead, saving money, especially on those everyday items, seems to be a series of small, simple steps. Most of them are just plain common sense.
But since we all need a reminder every so often, I thought I would list them here as a refresher for you. I know I need that every so often.
Menu Plan Based on Sales
So, so common sense. If it isn’t on sale or in your freezer/pantry, it isn’t on that week’s menu. Simple, easy way to save some money.
Plan Ahead
Also, use those sales to plan ahead. If you know you will be having guests for dinner in two weeks and they love pork roast, get the pork ahead of time when it is on sale and freeze it until needed. If chicken is the cheapest you normally see it, buy 2-3 packs instead of 1.
Don’t Be Brand Loyal
I can hear some of you right now, “But we only like this certain brand.” Yes, I understand. We only buy real Cheerios and real Pepsi, no store brands on those items. I’m not saying to buy something you absolutely can’t stand just because it is the cheaper brand. But 99% of everything else we buy, we go with whatever is cheapest that week. Sometimes that’s store brand, sometimes that’s a national brand with a coupon, sometimes that’s a national brand on sale stacked with a coupon. I have three different brands of ice cream in my freezer right now. Sure, Breyer’s chocolate and Hood anything are my favorites but other brands are just as good.
Buy What You Can Afford
Just because you love filet mignon does not mean you need to buy it on a regular basis. Learn to love cheaper cuts of meat, fruits, brands, etc.
Be sure to check out Everything You Need to Know About Budget-Friendly Grocery Shopping
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
Along the lines of planning, I always have a plan for leftovers. They either get served the next day for lunch or frozen for a later date.
Throwing away food is just like throwing cash in the trash and none of us would do that!
Thanks for the post!
Julie says
Leftovers are usually for Matt’s lunch. If we have more than that, one night a week we do leftovers for dinner. I just found some 2 week old pork roast in the fridge that I had to throw out as it somehow got forgotten with our busyness the past few weeks. That made me angry. I too hate throwing away food.
Mel Brammer says
I just found you on Thrifty Thursday, where I’ve just posted a link on a very similar topic! I’m challenging myself to feed my family of four for under £50 per week throughout February – wish me luck!
Julie says
That’s about $75 here. That’s what I aim for for my family of 3. Granted, I live in a very high cost of living area so it’s hard to get any lower than that. I wish you luck! 🙂