Give Yourself a Raise: Reduce Your Grocery Spending:

Grocery shopping is one area of your monthly expenses where you have the power to spend less. Realize that when you save money on groceries, you are giving yourself a “raise”; extra money you can use towards other escalating household expenses.

1. Monthly Budget – Begin by evaluating your grocery spending over the past several weeks. Make notes of where you spent (and overspent). Decide that you will begin to use a few money-saving techniques. Put your plan in writing. (In pencil, as you will learn and grow as time goes on)

Free Source: Betterbudgeting.com or Crown.org/Tools

2. Meal Plan: Be creative, use your resources wisely. Whatever you have at home right now was purchased at one time or another. Create a “free meal” with ingredients you have at home and “bank” what you would have otherwise spent. Other ideas: “Planned” leftovers (cook once, eat twice), preparing meals with weekly grocery specials, and cooking fewer convenience foods, in favor of less expensive/healthier ingredients.

Use What You Have in Your Home Grocery Inventory:

Check your Pantry – and Periodically Inventory Your Pantry

DinnerTool.com: Plan & create meal plans and a printable shopping list

Your favorite product’s manufacturer websites

Mypyramid.gov: Tips towards planning healthy meals according to food groups and dietary considerations.

(Create a meal plan - find some new favorites!): Meatless Mondays,

Breakfast Tuesdays, Soup Wednesdays, Fun Finger Food Fridays

3. A List Saves You Money – Plan to succeed at your money saving goals. Shop less frequently and more consciously. Strive to affordably and reasonably maintain a household inventory which includes basic staples for quick, favorite meals and common necessities. Buy within budget when it’s on sale and you’ll hardly ever pay full price again!

Free Grocery Lists: ChartJungle.com or OrganizedHome.com

4. Find a Friend! Network, Share, Exchange & Inspire! The more “eyes & ears” out there for you, the more money you’ll save – and the more fun it will be! Everyone has their “starting place” and needs encouragement. Make a goal, put it in writing and form a team. 2011 can be the year you eat healthier and more affordably. Meet moms like you at 247moms.com in our groups and forums. You’ll make friends and find new favorite meals – for less!