1stMoon Reflections

This month, I want to talk about stretching your grocery budget. The less money you spend on groceries, the more money you have for something else.

I have never been able to save the enormous amount of money that others brag about with coupons. Don't get me wrong, I use coupons for items that I regularly buy. I just never seem to have the time to sit clip coupons, organize them and file them. (The savings just don't seem to justify the time spent.)

The best way I have found to really save money is to make a 2 part list, shop the store ads, and buy only what is on the list. I have my eleven year old son trained to spot bargains on the things we need. (He doesn't ask for extras. If it isn't on the list, he knows we won't buy it!)

The actual list:

1. The menu.
   I plan all of the meals for the following week. I get out the recipe book and look at what ingredients I'll need. I scavenge the cupboards to see what items I already have and also to check for staple items I might need.
2. The grocery list.
   On this list I put the items and quatities I need for the weeks menus. I fill the list out with staples I am running low on. Next, I check the grocery ads, clip any store coupons and on the list I put an * if I have a coupon for that item and the store that has the best bargain.

It is easy, where I live to hit 4 different grocery store chains without going out of my way. It may be different in your area. Use your common sense.If it is going to cost more in time and gas to get the item, than you would save, don't go there!

I have found by using this approach and buying only what is on the list I save about $40.00 a week. This approach may not work for everyone. Try it. You might be surprised.