How to save $200 a month on food.

About a year ago I sat down and took a look at our finances. I wanted to see just how much we spent on food. I was in shock! We were spending about $800 a month just at the grocery store. 

Now in my mind that’s a lot of money. That may not sound like much to some of you but when you’re wanting to start putting money in savings you find ways to cut back. 

Today I want to share with you a couple of the biggest tips I’ve found and what helps me save more than $200 a month on food. 

Tip #1 (The biggest tip)

PLAN OUT YOUR MEALS. 

I know that this will take a little time out of your day. However, when you sit down, plan out your meals, you only buy what you need. You will be surprised how much money you save. 

Here is how I do it… 

Step 1: Pick something to plan in and make it only for meals. For me, I use the EC Meal Planner. In the EC Meal Planner on one side, you have your week layout. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) and on the other side, there is a nice place for you to write down your shopping list. Check out Step 3. 

PRO-TIP: 

When you are planning out your meals, make sure to look at other events going on during the week. What days you will have the whole family home for breakfast, lunch and
 dinner. What days you will be home late and not have time to cook a full meal. Things like this. 

For example, 2 of my children eat breakfast and lunch at school, we always eat breakfast for dinner on Wednesday nights because we have church and we do a simple lunch on Sundays because we have church then too. 

Step 2:

Prepare before you create a list. 

Before you start making your grocery list. Take the time to look through your pantry and fridge to see what items you already have. You don’t want to spend extra money on things you already have.

Now it’s time to create your grocery list. When doing this I want you to take your time. Be diligent on what you are planning on buying and always, always search out ways of eliminating things you don’t nessesaraly need. We all have some random cans of food in the pantry that we have no idea how they got there. (Depending on how much money you’re really wanting to save of course.)

Step 3: 

Give grocery pickup a try! 

Everyone knows that going to the store is always the hardest even more so when trying to stick to a budget or list. You see things you want, things that look good or things you just HAVE TO HAVE.  And it makes it even worse if you go shopping while you are hungry.

By using Wal-mart grocery pickup, I take all of the extra noise out of the picture. This way I can find the best deals right from my computer, stick to only the things I need and even stay on budget and make changes to my meal plan as needed. 

Here’s $10 to try Wal-Mart pickup

When using grocery pickup you can easily see how much money you are spending. This is my favorite thing about it. But that’s not it. It also takes all the work out of going to the store. For me that’s a big plus. I hate going to the store with the kids. Now I don’t have too. 

Step 4: 

Sit back and relax. 

Your week is now planned and you have saved a lot of money. One of things that takes a while to get used to is sticking with your planned menu for your meals. So be diligent and enjoy your extra time and be proud of what you accomplished.

Now you can check out “How I feed my family of 6 for $100 a week“