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5 Tips for Saving Big Dollars on Groceries

The budget seems to get tighter every month. Growing families see those budgets growing as well and the income does not always grow to match the need. There are some things that can be cut and trimmed to help make the budget work but groceries can be an item that is difficult to trim.

It is time to make your grocery money work harder for you. Finding ways to stretch each dollar and to utilize what you already have will help you eat well and still save big bucks on your groceries each month.

1. Angel Food Ministries – this is a wonderful Christian based co-op service that buys bulk and sales at cost. Angelfoodministries.com We double our blessing by buying for a family that can’t buy for themselves.

2. Shop during sales – keep a list of items that you need (but not immediately) and watch for sales on those items. Pantry items that you can buy on sale and with coupons are almost like free groceries.

3. Make a list – inventory every thing that you have in your freezer, pantry and refrigerator. Use this list to make a menu and also to review before going to the grocery store. It will keep you from overbuying items that you already have AND it will help you utilize items that you have so that you won’t even have to go to the store (we try to go one month every few months using nothing but pantry and freezer items).

4. Re-use leftovers – not all families are in to eating leftovers so plan new meals from what you have left. Mashed potatoes become potato soup by adding just a little milk and some seasoning (and cheese if you like it that way). Mashed potatoes can also become BAKED mashed potatoes by adding all the ingredients for a baked potato and then heating them in the oven.

5. Buy during (and after) the holidays. Many grocery stores run specials on items just to get you through the door. It’s during these events that you should stock up (4th of July – hotdogs, Thanksgiving – turkey or ham, and dessert items). Watch your newspaper for sales items or keep up on the internet.

Saving big does not mean you have to skip out on all the things that you love. There are ways to buy the foods that your family eats and still make your budget work. Buy in bulk, buy on sale and use what you have so that you don’t over buy items. You will enjoy the grocery store more and your family will enjoy mealtimes (and your bank account will be happy for you all).

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