Financial struggle can cause stress in many areas of your life.
If you are trying to live a calm and peaceful life, financial stress can cause a wrench to be thrown into your plan. This year has been difficult for many. As a family, we are always trying to find ways to save and cut corners. One of those ways you can do this is by learning to save money on groceries.
How? Groceries are so expensive, you may be thinking. Yes, they are. I used to leave the grocery store feeling defeated every week because I always ended up going over budget and always felt like I never bought anything.
It can all become very overwhelming.
Over the years I have learned different and practical ways to save on groceries and toiletries that I want to share with you!
Why is it important to try and find ways to save?
You never know what may happen in the future. An event may happen that will cause your family to lose a source of income. This is why being savvy with money can be helpful.
Learning how to save money where you can is also helpful to teach your children. Your children watch everything you do. They also absorb how you spend money. When we start to teach them early how to save and what it means to be frugal, they will take those lessons with them throughout their lives.
How much do people really spend on groceries?
Related Read: 50 Cheap Meal Plan Ideas For When You’re Broke
What people spend on average will change across America because of the different price points in their cities, cost of living, and family size.
According to Fox Business, the average family of four will spend around $890 a month on food and groceries if their children are under 5. For older, growing children, the amount can go up to around $1,062.
I don’t know about you, but that money can be spent on better things within our household.
More practical ways to save money on groceries.
Before I get started on the practical tips that we use every month to save on groceries I wanted to share a few practical tips and apps you can use to help you save on groceries.
If you don’t already learn how to clip coupons. the Krazy Coupon Lady is a great resource to help you get started. There are also apps like Ibotta and Ebates that are great for helping you earn cashback.
Check out your main grocery store to see if they have a rewards card. Usually, if they have a rewards card, they have an app you can download. Before you write out your budget for the week check out the coupons to see where you can save and if you can plan your meals according to these coupons.
Another practical tip in my opinion is don’t shop with your kids. I know this may sound crazy and some moms don’t have a choice. But if you can help it, leave your children at home while you shop. You will be less distracted and it’ll be easier to focus on what you need to, saving money. Also, if your children are anything like mine, they like to ask for EVERYTHING they see. So if you can, leave those munchkins with their dad or grandparents.
Trying to save money on groceries can feel daunting today.
There are so many expenses and needs when it comes to raising a family.
One of the most simple and important tasks is feeding your family.
But when your budget is tight, feeding your family can feel daunting. Before you get started on reading my 7 simple ideas to save money on groceries, here are a few more articles that can be helpful while you are learning how to budget and save where you can.
Be a Stay At Home Mom With A Small Income
Meal Plan From Aldi For Only $37.72
Six Day Meal Plan For Only $49.35
8 Important Tips to Remember Your First Time Shopping At Aldi
7 Simple Ideas To Save Money On Groceries.
Shop At Aldi.
Do you shop at the food chain Aldi?
Some people prefer Aldi. Others would rather not shop there. But for my family, I have found that shopping at Aldi is the number one way we can save money on groceries.
If I shop at Kroger, I typically will spend at least $50-$100 over what I would’ve spent at Aldi on the same products.
Are you an Aldi newbie? Here are some great tips to remember the first time you start shopping there.
Set a budget and stick with it.
Setting a monthly or weekly budget for your home can be very helpful when it comes to saving.
If I don’t have a budget in place, I’m more likely to spend more money than I should on items that I don’t necessarily need.
One of the best things you can do for your finances is setting a budget and sticking with it.
Buy toiletries at Dollar Tree.
Okay, I know that toiletries are not the same thing as groceries, however many people buy them simultaneously.
I buy our toiletries at Dollar Tree. Everything is a dollar! We buy our packs of paper towels and toilet paper at the Dollar Tree.
Other items we buy are craft supplies for the kids, zip lock bags and aluminum foil.
I know that some people are sensitive and can only use certain brands, however, if you aren’t one of those people you should check out Dollar Tree for your toiletries too. I would rather have more money in our budget for groceries than something to wipe my hands with.
Use a calculator while you shop.
I am that mom. You will see me in Aldi pushing my cart with my phone calculator easily accessible.
Every item I grab and put in my cart I type into my calculator.
The reason I do this is because I will stay in my budget if I can see it physically on my calculator.
If you don’t currently grocery shop with a calculator I encourage you to give it a try. You may be surprised at how easily you can stay within your budget when you know exactly how much you will be spending.
Plan dinners that use the same ingredients.
One of the easiest ways you can save on groceries is to plan dinners that use the same ingredients. This way you are not buying extras you will only use half of them.
For example, I try to plan at least 2 meals a week that use chicken as its main ingredient. If I buy a pack of tortillas then I will try to plan 2 meals that use those tortillas. Fajitas and tacos are an example.
Another way I try to save money is to buy turkey burger instead of hamburger from Aldi. Doing so saves me about 2 dollars a pack. Plus turkey burger can be so much healthier!
Don’t shop when you’re hungry.
When you go shopping when you are hungry, it’s easier to spend more money on groceries.
Why? Simple. You want to eat, so everything you see will seem desirable to you. This brings me to my next tip.
Ignore the impulse buying end-caps.
I used to work at a grocery store. They create end-caps with a purpose. To entice you to decide impulsively, oh I need that! It looks so good!
Bam, now you are spending four more dollars on something you don’t need and weren’t planning on buying, to begin with.
Do your best to ignore the impulse buying end-caps while you are shopping.
Saving money on groceries doesn’t have to feel daunting.
It is possible to save money on groceries. Even during 2021 when everything already feels daunting.
Grocery shopping within a budget doesn’t have to feel this way. Take time to research practical tips that can help you budget and save then watch your finances take a turn for the better.
What are some ways that you save money on your grocery budget?
Be a Stay At Home Mom With a Small Income
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Hi there, I’m Jenna! I am a devoted mommy and wife. As well as an advocate for children and creating a peaceful atmosphere for those we love. I co-wrote Faith Actually: Living Life After Tragedy with my husband. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and currently working toward my Master’s in Positive Psychology. My number one desire is to create a peaceful home life for my family. My second desire is to share with you the tips I learn along the way!