Ask:
I could use some ideas on how to save $ at the grocery store. We are a family of five ( the two oldest kids are vegetarian). I spend about $185 each week at the store. The one store we have does not double coupons. Do you think it's still worth while to use coupons? Do you just buy what's on sale and only if you have a coupon? There is a Costco about 1 1/2 hours from me. Do you think I'd save much going there? Lots of questions, need lots of good advice.
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I usually find that generics are cheaper than buying the brand that coupons are for. Make a price book and compare. I have never been to a Costco, but can you get a one time pass and look around to see if it would be worth it or not?
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Thanks for the advice. What is the average spent at the store every week?
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I have 8 in my family and I spend maybe $200 every 2 1/2 to 3 weeks
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See, I think I'm over spending. How do you manage to spend so little with so many mouths to feed?
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I am a family of 3 and our goal is under $50 each week.
Tips fix bigger meals to have left overs for lunches, don't buy pricy items you don't need. For us thats (chips, soda, cookies, ice cream, things from the deli)
Yes Costco may be able to save you money we do a monthly costco trip. You do need to know your prices to know if bulk buying is really saving you. I buy all my non-food items like pet supplies, TP, laundry detergent, paper towels, dish soap, DHs razors, gas for my car, photo developing. The food I sometimes have a hard time using up so I don't buy produce but they have decent prices for meat, cheese, and some awsome frozen meals. I would find a friend with a card and just go check them out.
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We eat alot of casserole type things, and sandwiches. My kids eat simple things best.
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I spend way to much at the grocery store. My husband is a hunter so we don't buy to much meat but I can go to the store and spend at least $100 or more a week. I would love ideas on how to save more.
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Do you happen to have a food stockpile yet? I think that is the best advice I can give. If there is a good sale on something you use a lot of- buy extra and store it for future use. I have gotten to the point of where I mainly need to just replenish a few items and buty fresh bread, milk fruits and vegies besides having to restock my pantry.
Honestly- I would use the coupons still if it is a brand that you will not "cheap" out on (for us it is Mac-n-Cheese and Ketchup- a few other things too) and also if it would be cheaper than the generic brands.
Another thing is to check to see if there is an Angel Food Ministries in your area- there is no financial guidelines and for $25 you can get a decent bit of food- they also have extra meat packages and etc for an additional I believe $18 (which would be nice for the family members who eat meat- around Christmas time though- they offer fruits).
As for buying bulk- sometimes it works out that it is better if it is something you use all the time. My MIL has a Costco card and when we do a picnic or a party she will usually go with me and I can use her card to make purchases. When I go I usually will stock up on Tide, toilet paper (if a good deal) and a few other things (sometimes Christmas presents to store away). It really is hit or miss- your best bet is to familliarize yourself with the prices of things before shopping there.
Last tips are to make a list and stick to it. Start cooking as much as you can from scratch (convience foods really add up). HTH!
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3 kidz,
I spend about what you do. We have a family of 4 and I shop primarily vegetarian and I think it's important to buy organics is most cases. This brings the bill up conciderably. I have noticed a few things though. When we eat healthy food, we stay fuller longer. I don't buy snack food very often. This is a bill I don't begrudge really because I know that what I put into my family, they will get out healthwise. It's much cheaper to buy junk. But in the long run, what is the cost healthwise? I find that if I have a pretty arrangement of interesting fruit on the counter, my kids will grab that and not ask for things from crinkly bags. I occassionaly use coupons, but I buy mostly fresh foods, so they really don't apply to me often. One thing we do that saves us tons though is to plant a garden and can and freeze our own veggies. It takes some work and I grumble while I'm canning and have a backache, but in the middle of winter when I have a pantry full of beautful, organic tomatos and my food still taste like it was the middle of summer, it's worth it.
One thing I was doing for a time that did save me lots was going to Save-A-Lot every couple of months to stock up on canned goods. I don't buy as many prepared foods now, so my trips are fewer, but it's worth the trip if you have one near you.