You have to cut Waaaaay back. How to do it?

I am often asked how to drastically cut back on your grocery bill. Well, there are several ways to go about doing this. First of all, make yourself some notes. How much have you generally been spending per month on food? How much do you want to cut back? What are the obvious things to cut back on? How will your family react to these changes and how can you buffer it for them? Maybe if you let everyone in on your plans, they can help you with the planning. You can garner more support that way.

Some Easy Switches to save you money now

• Take your lunch to work instead of eating out

• Make your own pizza at home instead of ordering in

• Make your own hot breakfast drink to take on the road instead of stopping for an expensive coffee.

• Try some of the store brands or no-name brands for favorite foods. The quality of store brands has been increasing to become more competitive but the price remains lower.

Cost-Cutting Strategies:

1) Instead of planning a meal and then buying the ingredients, stock your pantry with the least expensive food options and then make your menu from your pantry foods.

2) Keep in mind that some of the least expensive foods, which are filling and nutritious are:


• fresh vegetables: potatoes, cabbage, carrots and onions
• frozen vegetables: peas, green beans, corn
• canned foods: pork & beans, tomato soup, tomatoes, tuna
• packaged foods: mac&cheese, ramen soup (these 2 aren't highly nutritious)
• dry goods: oats, cornmeal, dry beans and lentils, rice, noodles, flour (sometimes)

3) Go window-shopping at the grocery and discount stores in your area.
Make a list of the inexpensive foods. Go home and do some brainstorming about what you can make with them. Look in cookbooks for ideas.

4) If your family needs some "breaking in" to the budget meals idea, then do 3 meals per week under the new plan to start out with.
Make your budget meals exciting with the use of different spices. Add some cheese on top if you need to. (that's always a winner with my kids!)

5) Have a family competition.
Assign different members to plan a meal and see who can make the yummiest meal for the least money. If you are cooking only for yourself then have the competition with yourself. See how low you can go for cost while still maintaining nutrition and taste. Keep track of your meals and costs for future reference.

Making budget meals can be a fun challenge. Look at it in a positive light, congratulating yourself and your family on how much you've saved, rather than feeling deprived, and you will be surprised at the difference it makes. Have fun making your Quick Easy Cheap Meals!