Groceries

A little secret about Grocery Stores

 Here is a little secret about grocery stores they really don't want you to know.  The prices in the ethnic isle are cheaper than the prices in the spice isle.  I have no idea why, but it what it is.  I now buy all of my bullion and spices in the mexican isle of my grocery store they are at least $1.00 cheaper per product.  I have also been to the local ethnic markets in my town and the meat and canned foods are cheaper there as well.  

Go, check it out and see how much you can save.

Ask Your Friends

Don't be afraid to tell your friends what you are looking for or in need of. They might just have that special something in their donate pile at home, or know of someone else who has that item.

One day I was at a friend’s house and while we were talking she told me about a cookbook she wanted.  I told her that I had that cookbook and didn't want it anymore.  She got what she wanted and I got rid of the cookbook and made space for a new one.

Freezer Cooking, OAMC, Batch Cooking

 Freezer cooking is a real time saver.  There are many methods on how to Freezer Cook and I suggest you go to your local library and check out a few books on the subject.  First because they have done all of the research for you and second because I am not a teacher I just do things, so if you want a professional’s opinon check out some books at the library.

 

Ode to the Victory Garden

I want to take the time and sing the praises of the Victory Garden.  To this day I call my garden that. The Victory Garden, that is what my Grandmama called it and after I learned what a Victory Garden was in the 1940's,  I appreciate the concept and what to see it come back.

So as you sit at home and read this and wonder how you can save your family money, I would suggest planting a vegetable garden, a fruit orchard, and an herb garden.  Thus being victorious in growing food for your family and saving the family money.

Use what you have!

Do you want to stretch your families funds?  Then, use what you have.  For example, if you are cooking and the recipe calls for italian seasoning and you don't have any but you do have some oregano, don't go and buy italian seasoning, use the oregano.

Another example would be if your child needs a halloween costume, don't go out and buy one, make one together. 

Cook From Scratch

 You need to learn how to cook. Not only cook, but cook from scratch!  It is a HUGE money saver.  Go to the library and look at the different cookbooks for your level of ability and start there. Or ask around at Church and see if anyone would teach you.

Build the Pantry

 One important money saver is the pantry.  If you do not have a physical pantry make room some where to start building one.  You must stock up on the everyday items you use when they are on sale.  It will save you money and time.  

Menu Planning

Menu Planning is essential in saving your family money each month. The best plan for my family is a monthly calendar but you may want to start with weekly using your flyers. See what is on sale and make your menu around that and only buy what you need. This will save you money. This is how I do it for our house, now; remember that I have a Freezer full of meats, and a huge pantry so I can just shop at home. Really that is what you are trying to achieve yourself for your home. This month I spent $171.00 for the entire month for my family of 5 for all groceries.

The Price Book

The Price Book is one of the most powerful tools you can create for your family budget. A Price Book is simply a notebook you create with the prices listed for an item you always buy. The reason you want a Price Book is simple, to only buy items at the lowest price possible. Here is an example of a Price Book, when I first started I used a spiral notebook, I have graduated into an excel spreadsheet. Item:

Tuna Regular Price Wal-Mart $.50 Target $.62

King Soopers $.45

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