Saving on Groceries: Defeat Your Receipt And Still Eat Your Meat
Author: Nick
Category: Money
Topics: food, frugality
One place I’m looking to save money in the coming year is on groceries. You might be thinking, “Dude, you only spend $300 a month on groceries as it is! How are you going to save more?”
You’d be quite right to question my ability to save us any more on our monthly food bill, but I’ve found a few tips that will definitely help us extend that $300 to make our meals more delicious and filling. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the standard grocery tips like buying in bulk (or not!), not shopping while hungry, and looking to top and bottom shelves for deals, but here are a few I hadn’t considered before and that I plan to implement immediately.
- Plan out the week’s meals in advance as much as humanly possible. This one’s going to be tough, but for the most part we know exactly when we’ll be at home and what meals we’ll need to eat while there. At present, our list-making regimen is terrible and consists solely of adding to a list on the fridge whenever we see that we need something. Instead, we’re going to try to plan meals for Sunday through Saturday on the previous Saturday and do the shopping on Sunday morning. If at all possible, we’ll try to incorporate whatever existing food is in the house into these meals, and when we need something in particular for a recipe or meal, we’ll add it to the list. We’ll study flyers for the nearest grocery stores to ensure we’re getting good prices while leaving room for alternatives in case there are some better deals in store.
I’m hoping that by planning grocery trips better, we’ll avoid one of our biggest grocery problems: buying stuff, forgetting it’s in the cupboard, and never using it. While getting ready for our move a few months ago, we found some things in the cupboard made by companies that I don’t think are around anymore! No more of that! I want to know what’s in our kitchen from now on! - Chart grocery prices. Is 47 cents for a can of fruit cocktail a good deal? How about a pork loin for $2.99 a pound? Or a bag of apples for four bucks? Since Tegan and I have been doing the shopping together for a long time, I’m usually pretty good at distinguishing between real grocery bargains and fake ones that make you think you’re saving money when you’re really not. Still, even I sometimes forget what the normal going price is for a ham butt (79 cents a pound? Ten dollars a butt?). To help with this, I’m going to monitor grocery prices very closely for a little while and keep track of them by date and store. Maybe I’ll be able to spot a pattern in how often pasta goes on sale at Giant or when Safeway does its crazy soup deals. At the very least, I’ll have data for future grocery trips so that I’ll see if the price I’m paying for kiwi fruit is good compared to its regular and typical sale prices.
- Making ends meat. Hahaha, what a witty pun. Looking at just about any grocery receipt of ours will reveal that we spend anywhere from 30-40% of our entire grocery budget on meats–poultry, beef, fish, and even Mr. Oink-Oink. Plenty of people get by without eating meat (or anything else that was, is, or might possibly evolve into something living), and while we’re not about to jump on that bandwagon, we definitely both agree that cutting back on the roast beast is something we can handle. At least once or twice a week, we’ll try to have a meatless dinner–spaghetti without meatballs, a nice big salad, or maybe a hefty stir-fry–and another day or two we’ll have a reduced-meat dinner consisting of dishes where meat is more of a secondary ingredient than the main dish. I expect this measure to have the biggest impact on our grocery spending, assuming we stick to it and don’t become meat zombies. NEED BRAAAAAAINS OR MAAAAYBE THIIIIGHS AND WIIIIIINGS.
- Break out the cookbooks. This one won’t save us any money really, but it should help us make better use of the food we do buy. While Tegan and I could both stand to take a few cooking lessons, we can do just about anything a simple recipe tells us to as long as it has lots of pictures and uses small words (i.e. chop, not julienne or emulsify). We need to be careful about this, because whenever we do try out a new recipe, it usually calls for a lot of ingredients and a trip to the grocery store for a bunch of items sold by the gallon when we only need a teaspoon. I’ll try to locate a cheap but tasty cookbook of just three- and four-ingredient recipes.
- Cook less often. If I can make a lasagna that lasts us two meals, then by golly I’m going to make one! Big recipes that serve six or eight will save just the two of us time and cooking fuel while also allowing us to make use of large quantities of ingredients bought on sale or in bulk. One dinner a week strictly made of leftovers would be ideal for us.
- Don’t forget the non-food groceries! Another bad habit of ours: automatically assuming that Walmart or Target is the best place to buy toilet paper, detergent, and aluminum foil. Nine times out of ten they are, but grocery store sales prices on these items can sometimes meet or beat those of the super-stores. This will be simple enough to integrate into our normal shopping trips.
So what do you think? Do you have any other unique grocery or cooking hints to share? Or is food one of those things that you just can’t help but splurge on because you work hard to save money in all other facets of your budget?
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77 Responses »
1.
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2006 at 11:28 pm
For good cookbooks try Amish or Mennonite, “I Hate to Cook Cookbook” by Peg Braken(sp). It’s old, but I’m still using recipes from it 35 years later. To save money on meat – use 2/3s or 3/4s what is called for in the recipe-it all adds up. Now in early retirement, we’re back to the frugal mentality we used when getting started 38 years ago.
2.
Jamaila
January 3rd, 2006 at 2:48 pm
We save money on meat by buying at BJs. They have quality meat– often better than at the grocery store– and buying in bulk means both that the prices are lower and that we have to shop for it less often. Our freezer often has nothing in it but meat. We buy in bulk, then repackage in meal-sized portions. Another good thing about this is that you can, for instance, make up a marinade and freeze your meat IN the marinade. It will marinate as it thaws, and you’ll have an easy meal right away. When you make larger meals, you can freeze what you don’t eat in portion sizes. Soups are great for this. A freezer is a grocery store money-saver’s best friend! (We also buy shredded cheese and butter in bulk and freeze both.)
3.
Frugal Homemaker
January 16th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Yes- the More With Less cookbook is one of my favorites. It’s by Doris Janzen Longacre, a Mennonite woman. The Amish and Mennonites have simple living down!
You might consider a price book to help see when sales are really sales. Google Grocery Store Price book for directions on how to make one.
4.
Anonymous
February 7th, 2006 at 11:54 pm
Hey Try this site. This ebook rocks You can save aton
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5.
Jennifer
July 20th, 2006 at 10:26 pm
I gather all the grocery store circulars when they first come out then sit down and look at what’s on sale…I try to plan my menu around the sale items + what I already have in my pantry, then go to Wal-Mart with my circulars and get them to match the ads. I also try to plan several meals that use the same basic ingredients, this is really handy for stuff like tortillas, hot dog buns, etc. that come packaged in pre-set numbers. Good luck!
6.
david
December 29th, 2008 at 11:07 am
All excellent ideas! I find planning your meals very helpful! I’m not standing in front of the fridge for 30 minutes trying to think of what I want for dinner. I know what I’m having plus I know to put out ground beef to thaw the night before. No trying to thaw meat in the microwave & overcooking it. And having a price guide helps a lot too! My tip: go to K-Mart or Wal-Mart first before going to a grocery store. Meijers or Albertson I find very expensive compared to those stores. And don’t overlook dollar stores. They can have some good deals.
7.
Jonathan@Friends&Money
February 22nd, 2009 at 8:43 am
meal planning is something that myself and my wife have done for some time as we find that we can better budget that way. Whilst some people might see it as superb organised, we recognised a long time ago that we needed to save money and as most buying decisions are made impulsively by planning our meals we limit this to some extent. That doesn’t mean that we don’t treat ourselves with a takeaway from time to time but it has saved us a lot of money to date
8.
Srilankan recipes
April 20th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
One of the first steps to save money is to start eating in instead of going out. Fully agree with having a simple recipe to save on ingredients and for novices in cooking. I found some of easy recipes in the web-site which will be of good use for any starter
9.
College Savings 529 Plan
May 18th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Thanks for this wonderful tips. I really like to eat meat, and because of that, my monthly expenses just soars every month. At least not, with this tips I can be able to minimize that expenses. Keep on doing great blog.
10.
Karen
May 18th, 2009 at 2:53 am
If you buy meat in bulk you can get great deals at butcher shops.
11.
wedding chair covers
June 6th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
I a may need to get some of those cookbooks. Saving money on food sometimes requires creativity.
12.
cruise vacations
June 16th, 2009 at 11:43 am
I have a bad habit of always going grocery shopping when I get hungry – I spend about 300 a month on groceries and it is just me and my wife at the house.
13.
Jason Gilman
June 17th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
It will use less gas if you water the rice for half an hour before the cooking, then you save the money for gas,ok? My work need much energy, so I can’t save money by eating less, I just control my lust for luxury.
14.
Savings Account Rates Girl
July 7th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Interesting tips – although for me it’s all very hard to do. What I generally do – and it saves me a lot of money and time is to buy 1 dinner meal at an Italian Restaurant (very decent price and large portions) have that for dinner and the left overs for lunch. I do this all week and spend about only $45 on food a work week (5 days). Multiply that by 4 weeks and I literally only spend about $180 a month (give and take).
15.
How to Tap Dance Video
July 8th, 2009 at 1:22 am
Cool Ideas! In this time of recession we need this kind of tips. Thanks for sharing this!
16.
Emily Wilkes
October 3rd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Thanks for the tips! I especially like your advice on finding a cook book with only three or four ingredients. I recently bought a Betty Crocker cook book with all four ingredient recipes and I find that they are simple and save me money when it comes to grocery shopping. I also like your idea on cutting down on the meat and using alternatives like beans, lentils, or other foods with protein in them. I’m not a big meat-eater to begin with and am always looking for meat-free dinner recipes.
17.
Saving Money
May 14th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Great tips. We spend way to much at the supermarket so I’m always looking for a way to cut back.
18.
iPad
May 16th, 2010 at 6:14 am
This one’s kinda old but still true
19.
whey protein reviews
June 17th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
We usually track the prices of soft drinks whenever pepsi or coke is on sale is a good week to purchase them. Usually under 1 dollar a 2liter is a solid price.
20.
NBA shop
September 10th, 2010 at 1:37 am
however, cooking at home seems much cheaper than having dinner outside according to my experience.
21.
alomda
October 28th, 2010 at 6:22 am
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22.
sell textbooks
November 17th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
those are fantastic ways to stretch your money at the grocery store. I don’t think I would be able to plan my meals a week in advance. I have a hard time choosing. I really need to get over that. But I guess if am able to look at some cookbooks then thought about it that might help. There is also a website where you can put in whats in your kitchen and it will pop out a meal.
23.
maxidus
December 20th, 2010 at 6:46 am
cookbook is one of my favorites. It’s by Doris Janzen Longacre, a Mennonite woman. The Amish and Mennonites have simple living down
24.
Jocuri
December 20th, 2010 at 6:52 am
If we could all learn not to eat that would be a cool thing indeed!
25.
منتديات بنات
December 21st, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Thank you for your effort for this wonderful wonderful information
26.
Heilpraktiker
February 16th, 2011 at 3:08 am
so interessting article!
27.
Heilpraktiker Forum
February 16th, 2011 at 3:09 am
so good work here!
28.
Rückenschmerzen
February 16th, 2011 at 3:10 am
very expensive!!
29.
Rauchentwöhnung
February 16th, 2011 at 3:11 am
good article, many thanks
30.
Maria Kazmi
March 7th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
we will try to incorporate whatever existing food is in the house into these meals, and when we need something in particular for a recipe or meal, we will add it to the list
31.
Mitze
March 21st, 2011 at 2:23 pm
I’ve always had trouble budgeting and planning. But I suppose I should get off my butt and do it. I mean, Looking at receipts, i’ve blown almost 500$ a month on meals for myself, including fast food. I need to stop that.
32.
Regenerect
March 21st, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Budgeting and planning is essential to leading a happy and successful life with a solid retirement. Thanks for the resources.
33.
zara
March 26th, 2011 at 1:33 am
http://www.vibramfivefingershoes2011.com/
34.
Study in the Heart of Europe
April 16th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Great Ideas! In this time of recession we need this kind of tips and tricks. Thanks for sharing this!
35.
Seo
May 5th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
well funny tittle “saving on the groceries” and excellently described as well…thanks a lot for sharing though
36.
virtual server
June 21st, 2011 at 10:56 am
Those are great ways to save even more money on groceries. I have a habit of forgetting things as well. I don’t monitor prices that much but i feel I have a good handle on whats a bargain and what isn’t.
37.
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June 25th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
thnk u man
38.
Jerry Jones
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:03 am
Hi, really you give good ideas by which it is easy to make family dinner recipes.
Wish you best of luck!
39.
Property Marbella
August 3rd, 2011 at 8:08 am
You’d be quite right to question my ability to save us any more on our monthly food bill, but I’ve found a few tips that will definitely help us extend that $300 to make our meals more delicious and filling. Property Marbella
40.
ali candemir
August 3rd, 2011 at 11:41 am
reasonable solutions
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41.
قلب الرياض
August 6th, 2011 at 1:20 am
Budgeting and planning is essential to leading a happy and successful life with a solid retirement. Thanks for the resources.
42.
Maurice
August 9th, 2011 at 1:10 am
Great post. Thanks for all the helpful information.
43.
Property Marbella
August 22nd, 2011 at 1:57 pm
To help with this, I’m going to monitor grocery prices very closely for a little while and keep track of them by date and store. Maybe I’ll be able to spot a pattern in how often pasta goes on sale at Giant or when Property Marbella
44.
ازياء بنات
August 24th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Great post. Thanks for all the helpful information.
45.
قلب الرياض
August 30th, 2011 at 6:15 am
well funny tittle “saving on the groceries” and excellently described as well…thanks a lot for sharing though
46.
jocu-RI cu Masini
September 3rd, 2011 at 12:30 pm
You are the funniest man alive dude, I realy like you
47.
العاب بنات
September 12th, 2011 at 7:33 am
i like that, great
48.
شات مصر
September 15th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
This article is already excellent and worthy of appreciation and praise
49.
شات
October 7th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
thank you a lot’s
50.
منتديات
October 7th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
good job thank you bank masry hhh
51.
منتديات صبايا
October 30th, 2011 at 9:03 am
Thanks for this wonderful tips. I really like to eat meat, and because of that, my monthly expenses just soars every month. At least not, with this tips I can be able to minimize that expenses. Keep on doing great blog.
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52.
jocu-RI cu Masini
November 1st, 2011 at 10:36 am
I can’t stop laughing at your great jokes man and your drawings are awesome too
53.
معهد
November 14th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
this article. You have very good blog with good quality recordings. Thanks for you
54.
albert from house cleaning salt lake city
November 22nd, 2011 at 2:02 pm
I think it is smart to plan out a week’s worth of meals. If you do that you can avoid the fast food trap. You can also make a double batch of a meal and freeze half for when you are in a pinch.
55.
زفات
November 24th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Thanks for this wonderful tips. I really like to eat meat, and because of that, my monthly expenses just soars every month. At least not, with this tips I can be able to minimize that expenses. Keep on doing great blog.
56.
زفات
November 24th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
good job thank you bank masry hhh
57.
jocu-RI cu Masini
December 1st, 2011 at 5:19 am
Amazing man, how do you come up with this stories
58.
jocu-RI cu Masini
January 3rd, 2012 at 9:16 am
I want more drawings from your and also more articles, everything is very funny
59.
Hutto Utilities
January 22nd, 2012 at 6:50 pm
Don’t take short cuts on food. We live just once and we should develop a taste for natural foods. They are better for you and the taste is amazing if you don’t ‘dull’ your taste buds with processed garbage foods.
60.
Geld lenen zonder bank
January 24th, 2012 at 7:47 pm
“Making ends meat” – lol man. Anyways, I think people should save on certain groceries but food is quite important. You shouldn’t really buy some frozen vegetables, for example, if they’re cheaper. They’re just not nutricious. Instead people need to learn to budget their finances for other stuff, trivial stuff. Does one really need 1200 thread count curtains?
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January 26th, 2012 at 6:22 am
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62.
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February 1st, 2012 at 2:03 am
Planning a meal always win =]
63.
jocu-RI cu Masini
March 9th, 2012 at 5:54 am
You got some mad writing skills and know how to tell a story, I hope you will keep writing more articles
64.
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March 11th, 2012 at 2:54 am
Great Article Thanks………………………
65.
Ambit Energy
March 17th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Great stuff as usual.. I agree with comment 63 writer.. great writing skills you have… no joke..
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March 20th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
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March 21st, 2012 at 7:55 am
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March 21st, 2012 at 8:00 am
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70.
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March 25th, 2012 at 11:46 am
thank you
71.
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April 12th, 2012 at 5:27 am
thank you
72.
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April 29th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
You got some mad writing skills and know how to tell a story, I hope you will keep writing more articles
73.
نتائج الثانوية العامة
May 1st, 2012 at 12:34 am
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May 2nd, 2012 at 10:53 am
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75.
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May 3rd, 2012 at 1:00 pm
Great tips i follow many of the same you do.
76.
شات العز
May 12th, 2012 at 7:19 am
Thanks for this wonderful tips. I really like to eat meat, and because of that, my monthly expenses just soars every month. At least not, with this tips I can be able to minimize that expenses. Keep on doing great blog.
العز
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[...] Confession time. You may remember a few months back when I said we were going to plan out the week’s dinners in advance. Well, we managed to pull it off for about six weeks, but then I realized that planning meals in advance wasn’t saving us much money. All too often we’d plan a meal that required ingredients we didn’t have, and when we went to the store to buy them, we’d find no version of that item on sale. Bam! We’d have to pay full retail price to keep our carefully-laid plans from falling apart. [...]
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