I don’t know about you, but lately I have been a little bummed when I pull out of the grocery store parking lot. Not that I bought junk food, but that I spent more than expected; more than we originally budgeted for groceries. As my family’s home economist (a la Dave Ramsey), I feel disappointed when I can’t keep the grocery bill down.
As a single gal, I spent $60 a week on groceries. During our first year of marriage, we spent $100 a week on groceries. Now with my husband, baby and a dog, we spend at least $150 on groceries every week. Last week, we spent $183, so it varies (mostly up!). Not to mention, we go to the commissary, which is cheaper than traditional grocery store.
After reading this article by Jenna at Bellies and Babies, I am on a mission to be a more mindful consumer. When I asked her where she got her coupons and ideas, she directed me to Souther Savers, which has a ton of information on coupons and weekly deals.
What am I not willing to sacrifice for savings–fresh fruits and vegetables. What am I willing to shift–the brands of items I already use; and going to a couple different places (including a farmer’s market) to purchase our weekly groceries.
This is my New Year’s Resolution: to find creative ways to keep more of our monthly income. If you have any creative solutions or ideas, please share!
© 2009, Amy. All rights reserved.
{ 5 comments }
Thanks for writing a post on mindful consumption-Great message for all of us-Hands down we could all do with less and put our focus and money on the items that are the most important.
Jan
Thanks for the shout-out
Thanks so much, Jenna! I have been on the Southern Savers website for at least an hour today!! I’m even considering going to one of her workshops in South Carolina in January.
Oh, the woes of grocery shopping! Been there, girl. All the time. I used to be so religious about cutting coupons. I still do, but it’s hard to find the time when you’re working full time and chasing a toddler around at night!
One little hint I do is shop for a lot of basics at a discount grocer like Aldi. I used to think that’s “where poor people shop”. But after doing lots of research, you really are missing out on great products for a greatly reduced rate. I buy milk, eggs, cheese, baking items (sugar, salt, flour, oils), fruit and veggies there. The packaged food is actually made by the same food co (Nabisco, etc) and just package them in private store brand labels.
I’m not the most frugal person out there, but trimming your budget here and there lets you splurge on other special things you might want to do…(special vacation, shopping, etc)
Thanks so much Heidi! I was just adding up what I thought we spent in an average month, and it was nearly $700, which is pretty crazy for three people! With a little bit of effort, I think we could save some money. Not to mention, some nights we have plenty of food, but order food instead of cooking!
I appreciate the idea to visit a discount grocer, it hadn’t even occurred to me. I will definitely look into it!
Thanks!!
Comments on this entry are closed.