I grew up watching my mother plan a menu, make a list, and then go shopping. She would also cut out coupons from the paper to help save money. Continuing this process after getting married was not a big deal. So, when Will and I married, I used what I learned from my mother. Even after having children, I continue. Even today, I do the same thing but a little differently. We have added food allergies for my husband over the years. Adding in the food allergies has made it a bit more time-consuming.
I also try to help by only going into town once a week. So, any appointments and shopping are all scheduled for the same day. That morning, I will sit down and plan out the menu first. This usually consists of looking at previous menus and recipes and searching on Pinterest for ideas. I try to avoid repetitive meals. For those of you who know me, I always included burgers as my all-time favorite. I plan and cook three meals a day. Sometimes my oldest will cook lunch. Due to schedules breakfast is pretty easy for us. I cook for Will before the boys are up and also make his lunch. Then once the boys are up, I make them breakfast. Sometimes lunch will be different for me because I eat healthier. Dinner we always eat together unless Will works longer hours that day.
After completing the menu, I used a spreadsheet to compare prices with City Market (the local Kroger store) and Walmart. I add all the ingredients I need for the week that we do not already have. Then add items we need that we are out of. I open the City Market app to load coupons onto my card. Then I begin comparing prices. Once that is done, I make my final list. I have a list for both stores depending on which items are cheapest.
With food allergies, we had to begin reading labels. It got easier the more we had to look for things. We recognized words and figured out which brands worked. That helped make it go faster. Sometimes I still have to read labels.
Depending on the menu we may have to visit other stores. They usually are the Asian Market, Vitamin Cottage, and Sally's. I do my nails so that helps us save money. At both Walmart and City Market I visit the clearance aisles because you never know what you will find. I have found some really good deals doing that. Also, at City Market I look at their discount meat there are usually good deals there.
When shopping make sure you look for in-store deals and coupons. I also use their buy 5, save $5. They also have mix and match of so many of certain items and you can get them at a lower cost. When shopping on a budget can be difficult and overwhelming. You just need to think about what works for your family and budget. Then decide whether it is meal planning, couponing, or whatever sales ads you have. If you go into the store with a list, you are less likely to buy things you do not need. Particularly important DO NOT GO SHOPPING ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. It does affect what you buy.
Something else that could help is buying the more expensive items like laundry detergent, dishwasher soap, toilet paper, and paper towels on different weeks from each other. That can help on a week-to-week budget. It can also come in handy when you have a membership to Sam's Club or Costco to buy them there. If you shop differently adjust your plan to meet what works for you. It has helped me to stay within budget. There are times when I don't. Usually, there is something special going on that I have to throw in there.
I hope this was helpful to you. I know what works for me may not work for everyone. So, start planning, figure out what works for you, and stick with it. I promise you will see the benefits. Have fun planning. As always if you have any questions, please email me.
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