4 Ways to Save Money on Your Groceries

Do you find yourself strapped for cash? Hoping that your dollars will stretch just a little farther each month? In recent years, the cost of groceries has risen to astronomical heights. Countless families are finding themselves in a more precarious position when it comes to putting dinner on the table. If you find yourself in this position, you may believe the only option to have food is to take on a second job. Fortunately, there are several other options that will allow you to save money on your food bill included here.

Clip Coupons

Coupon cutting has developed a nearly cult-like following in recent years thanks to television shows like “Extreme Couponing.” While you may not be willing to dedicate the brain power, and storage space, to be like those individuals, there are still other ways to save money with coupons.

Many simply get involved with couponing by checking their Sunday paper for particularly good deals. Dedicating just an afternoon once a week to cutting coupons will greatly decrease your monthly grocery bill. This is also a great way for your children to develop real world math skills and understand budgeting.

Make a Meal Plan

A thing of the past, meal planning used to be as common as Chinese takeout. Unfortunately, many people now find themselves utilizing meals like takeout instead of cooking at home on a regular basis. Without planning for your food a week in advance, you can fall victim to poor food choices motivated by hunger.

An easy way to begin meal planning is to pair this task with coupon cutting. Spend an hour on Sunday afternoon browsing your paper’s coupons and weekly sales. You can then build a week of meal ideas based on what is cheapest. You will save money by buying on sale and by cooking at home in large batches.

Go Meatless

While many people choose the vegetarian lifestyle for personal reasons, it can also be motivated by a lack of funds. Meat is often the most expensive item on your grocery list and choosing to cut back, or remove it completely, will greatly decrease your costs. If you are unsure whether or not you can go completely meatless, consider trying a “meatless Monday” to get started. As your family acclimates to vegetables being the center of attention, you will get healthier and your wallet will be fatter!

Apply for Aid

While you may be hesitant to consider asking for help, when it comes to feeding your family it may be necessary. Consider applying for government assistance with food stamps or going to a food bank. There are often plenty of local options as well, so look around to find what programs may be available to you.