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If you are like the average American (or probably any) family, you probably spend a large percentage of your monthly income at the grocery store. This is one of the largest monthy bills, but also, one of the most flexible. Believe me, I am not telling anybody to give up on food or soap, but I am telling you that a few simple and painless changes in your lifestyle may trip hundreds of dollars off of your grocery bill every month!

Tip 1: Plan your trip. Belive me, I do not come by grocery lists naturally. I love to just grab a cart and start throwing things in. But we all know that is not a great way to buy groceries. Force yourself to open up your pantry and fridge before you leave and jot down a list of items you need. Then, when you get to the store, only deviate from that list if you find a really great bargain. Oh, ok, if you find that they have just stocked up on that wonderful and awesome rhubarb and ginger jam that nobody else makes, give yourself a treat even if it is not on sale. Buy you had better only deviate from your list if it is something that good!

I am not suggesting that you give up on things you love, or that it is terrible if you have a few extra cans of soup or tuna in the pantry. Those things keep, and they make economical and healthy snacks and light meals for everybody. But I went through my pantry one day and found not one, but three bags of croutons that had already been torn into.



Not only that, but I also found several duplicate spice bottles and at least 4 boxes of microwave popcorn bags. OK so we had all that, but when my son cut his finger, I could not find a band-aid. Not only was I buying duplicates of things we did not need that much, I had forgotten to bring home an common emergency supply!

Tip 2: Think about produce spoiling. Really, think about it. How much of yours goes to waste before your family eats it, and how can you prevent that? I force myself to take my salad fixings and make a nice salad in a good container the minute I get home. This makes an appealing dish that I, or my family, will actually eat in a convenient way before it goes bad. I do not want my family to go without fresh fruit and vegetables, but these are getting to be expensive items, and it pains me to think about how much we have wasted.

I also force myself to limit my produce purchases to that one bunch of bananas and head of lettuce we can actually consume in 3 or 4 days. Then, I plan on making a mid-week produce stop, preferably at a local market where they do not stock any other tempting items like the latest best seller or hair products!

With no pain to my family, and only a bit more trouble for myself, I have saved $50 a week on groceries. And I never cut one coupon! I’ll bet you could think of some more good ideas, so I’m ready to read the comments!

save money, cheap groceries, discount food, frugal, cheapskate

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