Would you like to make your dollar stretch just a little further each month? In our single-income family of seven, that dollar needs to stretch a whole lot. We are always looking for ways to be more frugal.
That doesn’t mean we are cheap.
To be frugal is to give careful thought to becoming more economical and less wasteful.
Groceries can absorb a HUGE portion of your family’s monthly budget. No two families are alike, however, the average monthly spending on food is 12-14% of monthly income. With food prices creeping up, that monthly expense may hurt a little more.
So how can you manage it?
First, you should be tracking how much you currently spend. My challenge to you is to keep track of how much money you spend on food during the month of February.
Once you’ve tracked it, you’ll be able to better understand where it was spent: restaurants, take-out, groceries, treats, frozen and prepared food, etc.
Here are some quick tips to save money on your groceries:
Read the flyers
Shop sales - don’t just stick to one store
Use coupons (not sure where to get them? There are coupon classes available on PEI)
Get raincheques, and use them!
Prepare a weekly menu
Eat leftovers
Pack your own lunch for work or school
Don’t buy foods that are on sale if you don’t eat them
Buy more no name/store brand groceries
Grow your own food in a garden
Don’t buy on credit
Don’t shop when you’re hungry
Eat one meatless meal a week
Buy in bulk and freeze in individual portions
Make as much of the food yourself. That includes breads, cookies, cakes, salads, etc.
Make a grocery list and stick to it.
It’s may feel overwhelming in the beginning, but by just incorporating one or more suggestions each month, your grocery bill will noticeably drop in just a few months.
Last week alone, our family saved over $100 on our grocery bill by shopping sales and using coupons! How much can you save next month?
Do you have other ideas on being frugal? I would love to hear from you. (fighting2bfrugal@yahoo.ca)
Frugality is being more economical and less wasteful.
2 comments:
Those are all great ideas! What amazes me most is the amount of people who don't aleady implement those ideas. Love your updates!!!
Keep a supply of staples such as flour, baking powder, and oil on hand for baking.
Organize the kitchen in such a way that it is easy to find things, easy to make and easy to clean up after. Have baskets or drawers ready with all things used for a particular task. I have a drawer ready with napkins, plastic cutlery, and re-usable containers ready to make lunches. I also have spices in a plastic bin in the cupboard so I can take out the bin and root through it instead of the cupboard. I have also taped well loved recipes to the inside doors of a few cupboards so they are ready to use any time.
Delegate whenever possible. When there are many cooks, there are many opportunities. We have a rule where the cook does not clean so at times they volunteer.
Love your posts and radio spots Liz!
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