Things You'll Need:
- Paper, pen, and a calculator
-
Step 1
GET ORGANIZED!!!
Figure out how often you will be going to grocery store each month. My family goes every two weeks, that's when we get our paychecks. Make a menu for enough meals to last until you go back to the store. Don't forget breakfast and snack items! Also, remember to get your staples...sugar, tea, bread, flour, etc... -
Step 2
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEALS!
Don't underestimate the power of leftovers!!! For example, any left over roast can be shredded and mixed with BBQ sauce for BBQ Beef sandwiches. Try to get as many multi-purpose meals on your list as possible. -
Step 3
FORGET ABOUT READY MADE!!!
Pre-cooked lasagnas, pizzas, and TV dinners are yummy...and expensive. You can spend the same amount of money (most of the time) and make the same meal, except in greater portions, when you make it from scratch. Learn how to make mashed potatoes instead of buying the dehydrated flakes. Yes, you will spend more time in the kitchen, but you won't be flat broke. You have to decide what is more important to you. -
Step 4
NAME BRANDS AREN'T ALWAYS BETTER AND STORE BRANDS AREN'T ALWAYS CHEAPER!!!
Okay, everyone has that one thing that they just won't buy the store brand of. For us it's ketchup. My kids won't touch the store brand of ketchup. But sometimes the store brands do taste better. WalMart's Great Value brand Thick and Creamy Mac-N-Cheese beats Kraft hands down! This is really a trial and error step. Substitute cheaper brands where you can, and limit your purchases on the things you just can't replace. -
Step 5
Buying on a budget doesn't mean you have to forgo eating well or eating out. Just make sure you include those expenses in your grocery bill. You don't have to eat a full gourmet meal every night. Once a week, try a breakfast supper. Or just chill out with peanut butter sandwiches on honey wheat bread with a side dish of sliced apples.
