Grocery Shopping on a Budget

With the end of the recession seemingly nowhere in sight, everyone needs to know how to shop for groceries on a budget. My family looks to save money everywhere we can. One way I have cut our costs is at the grocery store. I only shop once a week, usually early on Saturday morning, when the store is not very crowded. It's rare that I shop at any other time unless we run out of something or I forgot something. I have a plan in place every week for exactly what I will purchase and how much it will cost. I only shop at two stores and I pass one to get to the other so neither is out of the way.

The Sunday before the Saturday that I shop, I get the sales circular from both stores, usually from the local paper, and scan the sales carefully. According to what's on sale, I make a menu for the week. For example, if boneless skinless chicken breasts are on sale that week, I'll make a supper one night from that. Or, if the bread I usually buy is on sale, I'll get two. I'll use one and freeze the other. If any staple items are on sale and I need them, I'll add them. I make a grocery list according to my menu and the sale prices at the stores.

I only buy what's on my list - nothing else. Once you get used to doing that, it's easier than you think. Occasionally, I'll plan to buy something and the store is out of that item. In that case, I make a substitution.

Clipping coupons is easier than ever and I love using them. One store I use doubles coupons up to $.50 and gives away coupons when you check out. There are several online sites where you can print coupons, like www.couponmom.com, www.smartsource.com and www.coupons.com. I also try to use as many store-brand items as I can. Of course, there are always those name-brand favorites in your household. If so, I go to the brand's website to see if they are offering coupons or rebates.

It's easy to shop for groceries on a budget. Using these tips for the past several months, I have saved at least $50 a month on groceries. That's something we can all use!