Let me start by saying I feel very blessed to have money to spend on groceries.
HOWEVER,
I feel violated every time I get through the register. Today I spent $150 on groceries for the week. WHAT THE H#@*!!! I am so mad.
I try really hard to make a weekly menu, make a list, and buy stuff that's on sale. I even go to two stores, the cheaper one first to get as much as I can, then to another one to finish up. What's the deal?!
I've heard so much about couponing and I just don't know if I have the time/patience to do it. We don't even get the Sunday paper now, so I don't have access to tons of coupons anyway.
I'm just so mad. Why does it have to be so dang expensive to feed two and a half people?! I've tried keeping it under $100 per week, but that still makes $400 a month. That's ridiculous!!
I suppose we should try living on tuna fish and ramen noodles. We'd be unhealthy, but at least we'd save money!
6 comments:
I hear you. I end up spending WAY more than I should. We don't get the paper, but my mom gives me hers. Do you have a friend or neighbor who might pass one along.
Also, online coupons are good. You just have to search for them and print them out. Another option is to order things online (amazon, stride rite) when they have good deals. I just got a fabulous deal on diapers plus shipping from amazon. (I know it's not food, but...) we also shop at WalMart. Even though I think they are evil, I'm all about saving money. :)
I hate spending a lot of money on food as well. In our case I find that a lot of coupons are for junk food or things we don't normally eat. Try using food you already have when you make your menu. When an item is on sale, buy an one more of that item than you need. That is a good way to stock up on food for when you don't have as much money. When meat is on sale, think of as many things you can make with out of it. If it is cheaper to buy bone-in meat, buy a lot and cook it in a crock pot or boil it until it falls off the bones, bag it up and freeze it. I know frozen meat is not the greatest but it is better than starving. Meat can also be canned, find a friend with a pressure cooker. That is all the tips I have for now, email me if you need more ideas. I know you don't have a lot of space in an apartment, but work on getting a three month supply of food, it might help with the food bill more than you think.
All I have to say is AMEN SISTA!! I spend an absurd amount of money on groceries every week... and it still seems like we need stuff all the time. I do the same... meal plan, make lists, shop sales etc. I don't go to the store every time I "think" I need something and I know that saves money, but still, it is maddening! One suggestion though... if you live by Wal-mart, go there. I don't love the place, but if you want to save money, it's the way to go... for reals! And, they will match any other grocery stores ads, so need to shop around! Let me know if you want more details on that!
I agree with Lynaya, buying and cooking in bulk is the cheapest way to go and it saves time too. Invest in some good freezer ware, modular-type containers. Make a huge casserole or spagetti and freeze portions of it. Freeze soups in smaller portions too. Buy bread at the dollar store and freeze it as soon as you get home. Just a few hints.
you should definitely contact Staci's Sister April. she's AMAZING at all the little savings loopholes and everything (she'll spend 50 and save 70, stuff like that)
here's the blog:
http://whataprilsaves.blogspot.com/
good luck!
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