How can I cut costs on my grocery bills?

Question

We are a family of five with one in diapers. My grocery bill, cleaning supplies, diapers, everything included is nearly $1000.00 per month. I have one child that is allergic to dairy. Any suggestions on how to cut costs. I make from scratch as much as possible. Don't buy much prepackaged, and I buy in bulk. Where else can I cut costs? Any suggestions .....

Answer 1

I find by making a list before I go shopping and sticking to it helped me to save money instead of picking up things that I see as I'm going round the store. stick to this and you will save money...

Answer 2

I'm not a stay at home parent, but I also use coupons and buy store brands where possible. I've found that costs can be cut at the grocery by minimizing cleaning supply and other non-grocery purchases. I use Windex for almost every surface (counters, stovetop, etc) and avoid purchasing specialty cleaning products that are more expensive and often leave a residue. Bleach works for both laundry and toilets, and it's cheap! A good multi-purpose cleaner like Lysol concentrate can be used for both floors and tubs/showers. If you need an abrasive, good old-fashioned, cheap Comet works just as well as the specialty stuff. Using combination shampoo/body-washes is a money saver as well. Store-brand razors and shave gels also work just as well as most of the premium brands.

Answer 3

Where are you shopping???? My goodness.... Try Super Wal-Mart. They are soooo much cheaper than the markets (here in CA anyway). If you dont have one nearby, then I offer these suggestions:

Coupons are your friends, but ONLY buy it if you NEED it. Too often we get suckered into something just because it's a good deal.

Make a list... believe it or not, it makes a difference. Then stick to the list.

Make a weekly menu. Decide in advance what you want to feed the family for the week (you can be a little flexible, of course) then purchase exactly what's needed for those meals. This also saves money on expensive return trips to the market.

Also, check the prices... buying in bulk isn't always the cheapest option. In fact, it is often times more expensive. Take a calculator with you.

Always shop on a full stomach.

Leave the kids at home (believe me, it saves a TON on "impulse buys" and no one is there to give you their "input" on which sugary cereal to buy).

Watch for sales.

If you are military, use that commissary!!! It saves up to 50%.

:)

Answer 4

Fruits and Vegetables as snacks, can really help cut down costs if you are buying stuff like crackers and all the kid snack stuff. I also suggest taking a look at food that is in bins instead of buying boxed and bagged items. If you know of a place, you can save money buying fresh eggs from someone instead of in the store. Also buy fruit juices in the can, not in bottles. Go to the bread store for bread items, skip buying them at the regular grocers. Don't buy things that are out of season, unless you have to. Buy the off brands they are just as good. Also consider trying the farmers market, for produce sometimes you can get a better deal there. Hope this helped some.

Answer 5

Perhaps food is a lot higher where you live. I am in Indiana. We are a family of 6, with three teenagers. I have managed to cut the grocery bill to $200 per month (that is food only). Use cloth diapers. Go to a food bank if you qualify. I use Zote soap for the laundry. Shop at Aldi''s and Walmart. We are on the sherriff's call list, so we get free meat.

Answer 6

Cleaning supplies are the biggest rip-off in grocery stores. Vinegar and water will deal with 90% of normal dirt better than the overpriced crap that is on the market. Washable cloth diapers are an option, but not for everyone. Sometimes 'scratch' is more expensive than pre-made. Health issues included, A savvy shopper can find time and money saving options. Eat more chicken that you bone out yourself, it's a big saver. Put chicken legs in the freezer for 20 minutes, de-bone them with your bare hands, and you have good quality boneless chicken. Keep the bones and skin and make stock for soups/stews with what you are currently tossing in the garbage, freeze the stock, and use it later. Same with pork or beef. Keep the 'garbage', boil it down, add vegetables and spices, and strain out the rest, freeze it, use it later. I fed a family of four, many of their friends, on a very healthy diet for around $125 canadian funds per week, and although it takes more effort,for what you save in $$$, it's worth every nickel. Ask yourself what your time is worth, and if the minimal amount of extra time involved is worth the extra effort. You will be amazed. It's easier to throw it in the trash, but healthier for your family if you don't. Good Luck.

Answer 7

Start buying groceries from asian supermarkets (no chain stores). These supermarkets sell food that's a lot cheaper than American supermarkets. Also, try serving food that keeps you full longer, like pasta. If you get coupons in the mail, use them. However, don't abuse them. If you don't need it, then don't buy it. Just because you have a coupon, it doesn't mean you need to use it.

Start a budgeting spreadsheet. State your net income and subtract it from the expenses. This spreadsheet can help you figure how much money you can spend on each item.

Answer 8

The only suggestion I have is go to a grocery store that has a VIP program. For instance I shop at Harris Teeter that has a VIC card program where everything is much less once you have that card. Also If I buy Harris Teeter brand items (which they have most of everything) it is a lot cheaper and good quality. Hope this helps

Answer 9

Clip coupons from the sunday paper. Or you can print them online as well. Always be on the lookout for deals or specials, 2 for 1 or half off, things like that. No need to buy the well known brands either, the off brands are just fine. Good luck.

Answer 10

I don't know if there are these stores where you live, but Aldi's and Save-A-Lot really are much cheaper. Usually ground turkey at kroger's, or Farmer Jacks is around $4/lb, but at aldi's, it is only $.99/lb. I'd also cut coupons and check out farmer stands for produce. They are usually cheaper.