How to Save Money on Groceries

I started this blog in the hopes of sharing great tips on how to save money as well as share frugal recipes that can be made with simple ingredients that you probably have on hand.  However, just like everyone else, the economy has affected my family and we need to tighten our wallets even more.  That is why it is very important to learn how to save money each and every month on groceries.  After all, since our mortgage, car payment and a few other bills are pretty much set each month how much I decide to allot for groceries and eating out means the difference between between not being able to make our monthly payments or making our monthly payments and putting money in savings each and every month.  In fact, I  plan to cut our grocery bill down to less than $300 per month for a family of 3.  In addition to this we will limit eating out to twice per month.  With so much going on we have fallen into the habit of getting take out at least twice a week which of course, makes me feel like somewhat of a hypocrite considering my blog is called Eating On a Budget!

I know that there are some really frugal shoppers out there who have figured out how to save money on groceries spending way less than $300 per month.  To those people I applaud them.  For us however, it is not realistic.  For one reason, I struggle with keeping my weight under control and try to keep plenty of fresh produce in the house.  Where we live groceries are expensive as it is and fresh produce is really high.  Unfortunately our garden didn’t do very well this year  and there are no farmer’s markets nearby so a decent chunk of money does go to fresh produce.  That alone can easily eat up a large chunk of our grocery budget if I am not careful.

So what is my strategy?  Here are a few to get me started:

Learn How to Save Money on Groceries with the Couponizer
The Couponizer is a nifty little system that will keep your coupons organized.  It is like no other system that I have ever used.  However, since I have gotten away from using coupons it is time to learn how to save money by realizing the couponizer’s full potential for savings.

Using Up What I Have
I am going to purchase only necessities these next few weeks while using up what I have.  While using up what is left in the freezer and pantry  I will be busy planning some frugal menus in anticipation a major shopping trip.

Choose One Day a Month to Buy in Bulk
While some may argue that warehouse clubs wont always save money others have figured out how to save money by shopping for only certain things.  For example, I know that I can save quite a bit stocking up on certain toiletries at Sams Club; even without coupons.  I will have to see where I can save each week by using coupons and shopping the store sales before deciding what I need at Sam’s.

Budget What is left of the $300 to pick what I need each week at the grocery store
Hopefully by keeping my freezer and pantry stocked with sales items it will keep the grocery bill low the rest of the month, purchasing just the perishables such as fresh produce and milk.

I am now on the path to figure out how to save money on groceries like never before.  Hopefully by posting updates it will give me the incentive that I need to stay motivated!  In between my  updates I will be sure to post some simple frugal recipes.