How to Spend Less Money On Groceries for a Family of 4

This article will show you the best way to spend less money on groceries for a family of four.

By these simple instructions, you too will become a pro at spending less money on groceries, and will be less stressed as a result.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• internet to see the budget booklet
• budget worksheet
• food processor or meat grinder
• vacuum sealer packs and sealer

1. First, work on your budget sheet and don't forget to add misc. costs. Study your bank statement and see where you spend the most money.
   Remember, shopping is tempting, so the least trips you make the better.
   Figure out how much you have to spend on food.

2. Take a look at this budget booklet link I found. It is very helpful.
   See if you can use this to your advantage. I sure can :)
   http://www.budget101.com/Ebooklet/EBooklet_Fam4.pdf

3. Finally, get creative. Packaged ground turkey is $3.89 and on sale it is $3.00. What I will do is get a whole turkey when it is on sale and grind it up myself. Then I will vacuum seal the bags they're in and freeze them. I think buying meat when it's cheap in bulk is the way to do it. The budget booklet points that out too.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to think up of different ways to save money on groceries. Of course this is not limited to groceries, you can save money on gifts and other items too. For example, our dog chewed up the bottom part of my daughter's roll up blind; I will cut the bit off, and resew a new hem. There are always simple, cost-effective solutions around.
• Although, bulk buying is recommended, in the past I found myself spending way too much at Costco. Sometimes, there are better deals around. Keep your eyes open for those deals. You can easily spend over a $100 at Costco. Plus consider that your monthly membership is $4. So add that on too.
• Make having to budget a fun experience :) Just think, it is one more thing you will be good at. :)

[eliptica]

on 2/25/2009 Thanks I will check into the site you gave us. Good article.

[Motherofmany]

on 1/11/2009 Our large family is now a family of four as our older children are on their own now. It is a trick buy and prepare less than I used to. I will use these tips to scale down so as not to waste.

[flor2729]

on 12/12/2008 Great tips to save money.

[jenrenee]

on 12/9/2008 Great tips! I have a family of four and always need to save money on groceries. Thanks!!!

[RENorton]

on 12/9/2008 Excellent article. This is very helpful for me wife and me, with our two boys. I especially like Step #3. Great tips. Thanks for sharing!