I've also gone over our spending habits to find ways to save. Our biggest spender. The grocery store! There are so many little ways I am trying to save with this so I am hoping it adds up to big bucks! I shop at 2 places, sometimes 3... Walmart and Publix and occasionally Target. I started shopping at Walmart to save money but end up spending a ton more on things not on my list. Cool new toys, that art project I saw on pinterest, some yummy new shampoo or make-up. Next thing I know, I've spent $200 and I only got 2 nights worth of dinner!
So day 4 I forgot to get dinner, I'm exhausted and fast food/ordering pizza seems quick and easy, there goes another $20, the next day is a repeat because let's face it, I'm a procrastinator so there is another $20.
I finally make it to Publix for a quick easy in easy out and spend another $60-$80 on 2 more nights worth of dinner. Another quick fix fast food or going out to a restaurant and there is anywhere from $20-$80 dollars. I will also run to Target to pick up some snacks for the kids lunches and another dinner and come out spending another $100 on I really don't remember what. So all this adds up to me spending roughly $900-$1000. On food a month. We are a family of 5 but my 4 yr old is super picky and won't eat much. So really a family of 4 is eating for about $1000.
Yes, I agree, something has to change! That is hard earned money that could be going to new clothes. Ok fine, the savings account!
So I am making the change! I have done extensive drooling, I mean searching for dinner ideas. I wrote out a full 2 week meal plan that will also give leftovers for my husband's lunches (which cost us another $150 every two weeks.) Making the meal plan keeps me from spending extra at Walmart and Target on stuff we don't need too.
I am in the process of making a food price log so I can compare store prices for the cheapest. In the past I've relied on my memory, which lets face it, is withering into the abyss! This is taking some time so it's not quite saving me yet.
I made my grocery list today and ventured out to Walmart. I bought two weeks worth of dinners, breakfast staples, lunch foods and snacks. I didn't roam around Walmart. I went straight to the grocery and got my stuff and left! I did use a couple of coupons but nothing to be excited about. I walked out spending $203 on JUST food! I patted myself on the back! I don't usually shop at Winn Dixie but most of my dinners call for chicken and its Bogo at WD right now. So after dropping off my Walmart food, I left for WD. I spent $33 and got 8 packs of chicken breasts.
My wonderful, super amazing, darling dearest (in case he reads this later) husband cut up all the chicken while I wrote each meal on its own freezer bag. We then divided up the chicken accordingly. Some of the meals I could add all or some of the ingredients with the chicken.
So now i have almost 2 weeks worth of dinners in my freezer ready to be cooked! Another pat on the back is deserved!
I will have to go back and research where I found my meals so I can place correct credit to the person. So that will be for another day.
Do you have any extra savings at the grocery store ideas that you can offer? I'd love to hear it!
